When I was young, I often felt like I didn’t fit in. But what if I had the power to change the world around me so that I did fit in? This mindset led me to start many “groups” over the years, all of which created a place to belong. In Pillar’s Fire, the first book in The Heart of It All series, Mira’s journey, like my own, begins with an inner longing to change her emotionless world to one filled with color and passion, a world where she can fit in and thrive.
I have what my mom terms a serious case of “well-roundedness”. Indecisive was my middle name. Perhaps this is the reason I’ve done so many things: I have a Math major and Computer Science and German minors – with which I used to substitute teach and tutor. My love of music led to teaching piano lessons and starting a program for tweens and teens called GtG. (More on this when book three comes out.) I started new businesses – and errand-running company, a daycare, a cloth diaper service, and a diet center. And my upbringing as a contractor’s daughter led me to flip houses. In Wormwood’s Water, Mira tries on many ‘styles’ to find her perfect pathway…only she ends up steering herself off the road and into some very dangerous territory that could cost her her life.
When I was in the fifth grade, my teacher read one of my stories to the class…and laughed through the entire thing. It wasn’t a comedy! Thankfully, this didn’t destroy my love of writing, though it did temporarily shatter my confidence. When I attended SDSU as a math major, the head of the English Department taught my composition class – and he praised my writing and told me that I was taking the wrong major. Thank you Dr. Taylor for inspiring me to continue writing. Word to teachers: know that your actions and your words have a lot of impact on your students. Word to readers: always show respect to your teachers and recognize they are human, but always remember that the God who created you knows the best you that you can be and He wants you to discover that awesome person. Don’t let other people’s opinions kill your dreams and passions.
I grew up in the small town of Platte, SD and I currently reside in Sioux Falls, SD. I am married to a wonderful and supportive guy. We met at college – and he actually was two hours late for our first date! He arrived wearing royal blue pants and a pink oxford under a red and black checked sweater. He thought himself to be stylish except for his shoes. I knew his fashion troubles weren’t with the shoes, but I was game. The chariot awaiting me was another surprise…a fiat with a hole in the roof. And so began my adventure with this fun man with a big personality. We have three great sons, two of which are married. (My daughters-in-law are so sweet!) I love being a wife & mom, and enjoyed seeing the stories of all their different personalities unfold over the years.
In the aftermath of an ice storm, a 14-inch tree limb fell my direction. It should’ve crushed me, but I ended up tucked into a small space between the tree trunk and a demolished ladder with a deep depression in the ground beneath my then sideways facing foot. Do you believe in angels? I do. And so does Mira in Magnum’s Opus, book three of The Heart of It All series.
I enjoy many things…reading and writing of course, my burnt orange Kia (easy to find in the parking lot!), fantasy football, cardio kick-boxing, lifting weights, walking (it helps me think), hanging in my backyard (with my hubby/family/friends), listening to my family play various instruments and sing around the campfire, tea, chocolate, pizza, seafood, playing piano, traveling (especially to the beach), hot tubbing, reading the Bible and praying. I also love numbers & words – logic woven with the power of words is amazing!
I find beauty everywhere…in people (in their views, talents & relationships), wide spaces (any natural landscape really), beaches, sunshine, clouds, architecture, animals (especially dogs and the bunnies in our yard), new inventions. I am drawn to people – all shapes and sizes, races, genders. We are God’s masterpieces…just ask Mira in Magnum’s Opus. I love stories of people who overcame, despite the situation, area, or family they found themselves in.
Fears: I used to be afraid of a lot more, but I am afraid of sharks and don’t care for spiders (unless they are outside and sitting on their dew-filled web while waiting to eat the mosquitoes that keep annoying me).
Dislikes: I don’t like dishonesty and I hate hypocrisy.
Many of the things I have written have a purpose in mind…and that is to help people find their best. What is your best? YOUR best is not like anyone else’s yet it is very much like everyone else’s.
