About Us

Hi! I'm an independent, first-time author and I appreciate you stopping in to get to know me. I'm a wife and mother of two young boys who recently decided to take one of my book ideas and birth it into the world. I've sure learned a lot as a self-published gal and the main thing is that nothing is impossible!

I left a high-profile digital marketing career when my first son was born and haven't looked back, although some days a 9-5 would be a nice escape from the madness of motherhood. Most days, I love the adventure, creativity and revelation that motherhood has brought to my life and "How to Catch a Lightning Bug" was a spark from an experience I had with my then three-year-old son.

Catching lightning bugs where I'm from in East Tennessee is a ritual, a right-of-passage and a first sign of summer. I hope you'll enjoy my first book and get outside this spring and safely catch some lightning bugs of your own!

Aqsho Zulhida is an independent artist and illustrator who has worked on numerous projects for clients all over the world. Her style is organic, hand-drawn and timeless. She enjoys creating characters and often incorporates florals and floral patterns into her work. She has created illustrations for books, ebook, merchandise and portraits for wedding invitations and gifts. She lives with her family in Indonesia.

Connect with the Aqsho by email at: [email protected] or follow her on instagram to see more of her work.

Mt. Juliet author holds a light on bug memories

May 22, 2023

By LAURIE EVERETT

Main Street Media

Sierra Barnett said everyone around the South has a lightning bug story.

Sometimes called fireflies, catching one on a hot Southern night is a rite of passage. Barnett, mommy to Cruz, 4, and Jeff, 2, grew up in the Appalachian Mountain region in one of Tennessee’s oldest towns, Rogersville. It’s about four hours northeast of Mt. Juliet, where Barnett and her family now reside in the Benders Ferry Road area.

“It’s (Rogersville) a really special place,” said Barnett. “It’s surrounded by mountains and a very rural and beautiful place.”

She’d play with her cousins in her grandmother’s backyard as the sun set and the fireflies started twinkling. Ival McMillan, nicknamed “Me Maw Mac,” taught all her grandkids to catch lightning bugs “the right way” that didn’t harm them or hold them captive in a jar too long. Read more.

Rogersville native Sierra Barnett releases first children's book

Apr 7, 2023

The Rogersville Review

Rogersville native Sierra Barnett recently released “How to Catch a Lightning Bug”, a children’s book illustrating the best way to catch and, more importantly, release lightning bugs.

Barnett, who currently resides in Mount Juliet just outside of Nashville, attended Rogersville City School from kindergarten through eighth-grade and is a 2005 graduate of Cherokee High School.

She said her three year-old son inspired her to write this book after watching him struggle to catch a lightning bug.

“Lightning bugs are one of my very favorite insects, and I want to share with children the magic of this illuminating insect and inspire a love of nature,” Barnett said. “Not to mention, catching a lightning bug is a rite of passage as a child in Tennessee.”

The story follows a young boy’s experience and excitement of seeing his first lightning bug of the season and his struggle to catch one. Read more.

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