I didn’t go to school to be a writer, nor have I written the next great American novel (yet!), but I’ve always loved to read, and I dabbled in writing fiction from a young age. But it wasn’t until a few years ago that God opened the “writing door” and pushed me through it. During a time when I was struggling with infertility, He inspired my first real novel as an outlet and escape, something for me to focus on other than the obsession of getting pregnant. (Yes, it does become an obsession when you have infertility troubles. You can read more about our secondary infertility story here and here.) Long story short, God inspired and I listened, responded, took a leap of faith, and was signed by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Agency. I’ve completed several more novels and other works since, and God continues to bless as I heed his calling and seek his will for my life. This adventure as a writer has been just that–adventurous–sometimes scary, sometimes thrilling, and always full of more joy and blessings than I could have imagined.
In 2016, I published Pocket Prayers for Teachers (with Max Lucado).
Things you should know about me:
I’m a hopeless romantic living in a Thomas the Train world. Literally. Thanks to my FOUR adorable sons, I’m surrounded by tiny engines from the Island of Sodor at all times, and I have to tell you, they are not fun to step on. (Neither are Legos.) Thankfully, my Super-hubby often helps to rescue our home from the toys that threaten to take over.
– I’m a sinner saved by the Grace of God, a wife by blessing, a mother by miracle, and a teacher and writer by trade.
– Becoming a true disciple of Christ is a conscious daily choice. I want to be a true woman of God and seek Him before all else. This, my friends, is my greatest, life-long challenge.
– If there is such a thing as the best of both worlds, then I’ve found it. I spent several years teaching full-time in a public high school, followed by several years as a full-time stay-at-home mom. Now I find myself in the amazing and interesting place of being a full-time work-from-home mom, teaching high school in my state’s public cyber academy. Teaching and being at home with my boys = a true blessing.
– I write contemporary and historical romantic fiction and non-fiction for the Christian market.
– I have been married to my husband for over a decade and a half. He’s become the master of putting up with me, so there’s no way I’m ever letting him go.
– As I mentioned above, I have four adorable, loveable, yet loud and crazy sons whom I love more than anything in this world. Did I also mention they love trains?
– I’m fascinated by World Religions. All of them. I’ve become a self-professed expert and teach a class through my church called World Religions 101: Understanding Theirs So You Can Share Yours. Don’t freak out if you see me post or tweet about another religion. I do so with the intention of sharing the Gospel with the world.
– I love history, especially European history. I could read history books all day. (What? There’s nothing weird about that.)
– I’m a serious chocoholic. Come between me and chocolate and it’s going to get ugly.
– Purple is my favorite color.
– I am a huge fan of Broadway & movie musicals. And sometimes you might find me watching a Bollywood movie. Yes, for real.
– I love all things UK. We often have “accent” day in our house (okay, I have accent day) and I might be English, Irish, Scottish… (This is another thing that is not weird. I promise. It’s cultural.)
– I love a clean house, but mine seldom is.
– I’m a southern gal, but I am also an Army brat, so I moved around a lot as a kid. My family and I currently make our home in the South where we regularly eat grits, drink sweet tea and watch football.
– Jane Austen is my hero.
– I love to sing. Loudly.
– The one person on earth I’d really love to meet is Julie Andrews.
– I love travel. I’ve been to Europe a few times, and I would love to go back. My favorite city is London. Someday I’d like to live in the UK and I would really love to go to India.