Murphysboro-based entrepreneur Traci McLaughlin, who runs Shine On A Dime cleaning (11 years, residential and commercial) with her husband, manages McLaughlin Properties (eight rentals acquired largely through opportunities that arose during and after COVID), and writes as an author. McLaughlin discusses publishing her first novel, Threads of Grace—inspired by her brother Troy’s death at 28 and shaped by experiences including foster care—plus a companion guided journal, a children’s book The Wise Path, and an upcoming children’s book Elena planned for July/August 2026. She shares lessons about avoiding publishing scams, editing and formatting, ISBN/barcode choices, and selling via Amazon and libraries, along with challenges of hiring, landlord repairs, unreliable tenants, and balancing business with family time.