Why I Started Writing:

I’ve been telling myself stories from a young age but never dreamed I’d be a writer. One day in 2004, I woke up with a story in my heart and wrote down the premise. Since then, I’ve not stopped writing although I traversed through domestic violence, caregiving, grief, work-a-holic hours, and burnout as part of my journey along the way. For over a decade I’ve worked on learning the rules and skills of writing. There is still so much to learn and I’ll continue to grow and improve as I continue this journey.

Authors Who Have Influenced Me:

As a child and teen, I devoured anything by Jeanette Oke, Lori Wick, Catherine Marshall, Dale Evans Rogers, and the Mandie series by Lois Gladys Leppard.

As a reader and writer, so many other authors have fed into me in a variety of ways. Some of my favorites that I never miss a new release include Liz Curtis Higgs, Karen Kingsbury, Debbie Macomber, Francine Rivers, Richard Paul Evans, and James L. Rubart.

Each year I continue to find more authors I enjoy and appreciate such as Robin Lee Hatcher, Tamara Alexander, Ashley Clark, Gabrielle Meyer, Becky Wade, Jerry Jenkins, Susan P. Sloan, Elizabeth Camden, Colleen Coble, Pepper Basham, Laura Frantz, and Denise Hunter. I’m sure there are many other wonderful authors I’m overlooking.

Books I Have Written:

Carol of the Rooms is my first novel to be published. The story evolved from  personal pain and is loosely inspired by The Christmas Carol.

Next year, Forever Changed will also be published by Elk Lake. This story came from my struggles with childlessness and family relationships.

I’ve also written several books for activity professionals and teachers and am often asked to speak and teach on these topics in my day job.

What I'm Working On Now:

I’m currently writing two Christmas stories and, once they’re finished, have another speculative novel that’s partly written but needs to be completed. I’m always working on rewrites and edits for a handful of additional novels.

Many more ideas and characters wait to come alive and have their say.