Why I Started Writing:

Noodles is the reason I am a writer. Noodles was my childhood dog’s name. I loved her oodles and oodles. She was a dachshund, not a poodle. I often drew her in my doodles. (Can you tell I’m an elementary school teacher?) A few short years ago, when I was in second grade, I entered a class writing contest. My story was five sentences long but won first place. The teacher told me I was destined to be a writer. That encouragement never left me. I grew up in the small town of Thief River Falls, Minnesota, and always loved writing in school, especially fiction. I wrote stories for my friends and for myself to create situations I could only dream of. As an adult, I moved to California, determined to live for God. He led me back to college where I fell in love with writing again. I won a state-wide award for my feature article in the JC’s newspaper, confirming my heart’s desire. Fast forward through marriage, kids, and a teaching job—my friends begged me to write about a recurring night dream I had, which was like watching the ending of a suspense thriller movie. Through writing conferences, critique groups and late nights, I wrote Palms of Death by starting at the end and working my way backwards. After rewriting it several times, I self-published it in 2018. At my first major writers' conference, the Lord undeniably called me to write. So, the real reason I write is not because of Noodles, but because I want to always be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and wholeheartedly follow His direction. That’s my story, just a bit of the whole kit and caboodle.

Authors Who Have Influenced Me:

At my first writing conference, I met Brandilyn Collins. I’d read her books voraciously and loved her trademark “Seatbelt Suspense” technique, a craft she willingly teaches to others. Her mentorship and personal prayers for me kept me moving forward to finish my first novel. Although I am currently writing middle-grade novels, I use the skills Brandilyn taught to hook readers into wanting more.  I also love the message in Francine Rivers's Redeeming Love.  Francine does extensive research into her biblical characters inspiring me to always be as accurate as possible. I’m blessed to be in a writer’s group with her, getting hands-on advice, something only God could orchestrate. She is one of my greatest advisors, not only in writing, but also in life. Her concern for my characters’ futures encourage me to love writing and to write daily.

Books I Have Written:

Palms of Death—Self-published Amazon January 2018

What I'm Working On Now:

As an elementary school teacher, I am inspired by my students to write in the middle grade genre. The Rubber Band is the first book in a series following a multicultural group of children that form a rock band and journey through life’s adventures together.