Why I Started Writing:

When my children were young I thought I would supplement our income by writing children’s books. I took a home study course on writing for children, which taught me the in’s and out’s of writing and getting published. I soon realized, however, my real passion (and gift) was to write inspirational short stories (Chicken Soup-type) with God at the center. As I began seeing God in the everyday small stuff, I was nudged to write those experiences down and share them with others.

Authors Who Have Influenced Me:

A few decades ago when I first began thinking about becoming an author, the comfortable writing styles of Eugenia Price, Marjorie Holmes and Catherine Marshall greatly influenced me. Today I am more influenced by authors who encourage me to grow in my walk with the Lord, such as Jim Cymbala and Francis Chan. Ann Voskamp’s writings challenge me to come up higher with each sentence I write.

Books I Have Written:

My first book, God’s Gentle Nudges:  Inspirational Stories of How God Lovingly Leads Us Closer to Him (2005) was revised and re-released in 2017 by Redemption Press. Stories of Faith and Courage from Prison (AMG Publishers), a 365 day devotional covering the many ways God works in the lives of prisoners and those who care about them, came out in 2012. And in 2014, The Christmas Underdogs:  A True Story About Canines, Convicts, and God’s Love for All was published by Elk Lake Publishing. I have also contributed to several Chicken Soup for the Soul titles, and Cup of Comfort anthologies, among others.

What I'm Working On Now:

Recently widowed, I have been repeatedly complimented on how well I’ve handled this new chapter of my life. I am prayerfully considering writing a devotional book for widows to help them in their grieving process and in their biblical transition of making Jesus their husband. I’m also returning to East Africa for the third time as a missionary soon, and will once again journal my experiences. I am praying about this project, too, and how to proceed with it.