For those of you who don’t know me well, I thought I would introduce myself and tell you a bit about my life. I apologize for the picture. I can never seem to take a competent selfie shot. I have the look of a deer in the headlights here, but I guess that’s real life. So I didn’t use my professionally taken bio photo.
I’m a wife of 27 years and also a mom, and grandma. My sons are in their twenties, and my grandson will turn two this year in June. As a follower of Jesus, my faith journey has taken many twists and turns over the years. Currently I’m in a quiet place where I’m pouring out the things I’ve learned on the page. These insights shape my characters’ thoughts and thus my stories. Stories are important. The influences in my life have come through the people in my life but also through the stories that I’ve read. Truth is often more palatable and relatable in a tale. I think that’s one of the reasons Jesus taught in parables.
In the past I worked as a children’s librarian and a floral designer. I loved both jobs, which fed my creative side and my love for books. I’ve enjoyed many creative pursuits over the years but find writing the most fulfilling. Now I am disabled and unemployed but still able to write, although a bit unconventionally.
Undertaking this journey as an indie author scared me, but I forged ahead anyway. A friend sent me a quote last week by Dr. Susan David that spoke to me—“Courage is not an absence of fear. Courage is fear walking.” This inspires me to keep figuratively walking forward with life despite the unknown factor of my health. This author journey has also been more challenging than I thought it would be, but I’ve had lots of encouragement along the way from friends and family and also new friends and followers, who I’ve met on social media.
Why I write: the words are in me. I’ve written since I was a child and kept journals for years, but it wasn’t until some hard patches in life hit that I found how necessary and healing writing was. When at my worst physically and I could not hold a pen due to my MS or work on a computer or tablet because of headaches, my heart nearly broke. I felt like I was going to explode if I couldn’t get my thoughts out via some avenue. Thankfully, my health improved enough that I could keep a diary on my iPad. I remember wondering if I would ever be able to write again. You can see why I think my accomplishment of writing novels is rather miraculous. Being able to write helps me manage the emotional process of living with multiple sclerosis and also allows me the freedom to create stories. I’ve written five novels so far, two of which are published. Two more are on the docket for this year and God willing, two more for next year.
What I do when I’m not writing: read, quilt, color, make jewelry, or take care of my many green and blooming houseplants and miniature gardens.
Favorite color: Green—all shades, red is my second favorite.
Favorite book: Jane Eyre – What can I say? It has it all.
Favorite food: soup – I love to make and eat soup, especially a favorite family recipe for Belgian chicken stew that my mom called chicken bouja.
Favorite drink: Tea!! My day is not complete without several cups of tea. Technically, most of which are herbal infusions. I’ve started blending my own teas too from ingredients that I’ve grown. Sometimes I drink decaf black or green tea.
Favorite movie: It’s a Wonderful Life. Jimmy Stewart is my favorite old-school actor. I think I’ve seen every movie he was in. I cry every time Harry says, “To my big brother, George, the richest man in town.” If you don’t know, George (played by Jimmy) contemplates suicide because of a dept. An angel is sent to help set him back on the right track. Harry calls George rich because of the many friends and family who care about him and help bail him out of his terrible circumstances.
Thanks for reading and getting to know me better. Please share something about you. 😊