Q: In what way did your early years help shape you as a writer?
A: My Mom was an excellent storyteller and would read to my siblings and to me for what seemed like hours. Glorious classics like Black Beauty and the Yearling. That began a love-affair with the written word—especially fiction. Back then, it was Nancy Drew books. I was completely addicted! I also loved to see the delight on my mother’s face whenever I brought something home from school that I had written.
But ultimately, I guess I found solace in writing out my feelings. When I was quite young, I received a diary with a little key and began pouring out my heart on those pages. As a child, I was quick to smile. Unfortunately, it often masked inner turmoil. I struggled with fear from an early age. Yet it was there in the darkness that I began “pondering.” That very fear was what caused me to cry out to the Lord and to surrender my life to Him at the age of eight. Fifty years later, I am finally figuring out that everyone faces fear on a daily basis. That fear is not the enemy. In fact, fear can become fuel to propel us forward if we surrender it to the Lord. I’m learning to trust God “in the midst.” To, as author Susan Jeffers says, “Feel the fear, and do it anyway.”
Q: Where do you find your inspiration?
A: Music moves me so much. The words of a song get in my head, and I have to write the lyrics out. God has used music to soothe my aching soul, as well as to raise my spirits and give me hope. There have been many milestone moments in my life where the Lord used a song to bring me to a new level of trust or healing. I praise God for the gift of music!
At other times it’s nature. A sunset can take my breath away. Seeing a hawk flying high, gliding on the air currents puts me in awe of my Creator. The grandeur of the mountains, the beautiful tapestry of brilliant colors on an autumn day, or my all-time favorite—sitting beside the ocean, soaking in the soothing sight, and being lulled by the rhythmic crashing of the waves.
Above all, my relationship with my Heavenly Father is what inspires me the most. Through His Word, I find peace in the midst of even the darkest of circumstances. In fact, looking back, I realize that it has been in those very painful places that I have grown the most. I especially treasure my time with the Lord in the morning, when I pour out my heart on paper. Later, I can often trace His response through the words that I have penned. It is in those moments that I have found God’s “peace that surpasses all understanding.”
Q: Who has believed in you the most during your writing journey?
A: I am so appreciative of several dear friends, my church family, and my co-workers at Pregnancy Resources. They have encouraged me and celebrated each step that brought me closer to publication. I am especially grateful for my wonderful husband, who supported me 100%. He encouraged me to persevere when things became hard to push through. He never stopped believing that my voice was worthy of being heard, even when I had my own doubts.
Q: Your first book, Ribbon of Redemption: true stories offering hope and healing after abortion, is just being released. How does it feel to have your first book in print?
A: Honestly, it’s a bit surreal. I have been writing for a long time, but to actually hold a book in my hands and to see my own name on it seems almost strange. Yet at the same time, it feels right. This is such an important and deeply personal subject, and I am honored to be able to address the silent pain so many are experiencing on a daily basis. I am so grateful that I can entrust all those who will be impacted by these beautiful stories into the hands of my Savior and Redeemer. He alone can comfort them and lead them into all truth.
Q: What are you currently working on?
A: I’m in the beginning stages of the second Ribbon of Redemption book. I believe there will be many in this series because I will never run out of authentic, heartfelt journeys. I’m currently gathering stories of those who considered having an abortion but instead decided to carry their pregnancies to term. This would include those who placed their child for adoption as well as those who chose to parent. I’m also setting up interviews with those who have faced significant grief and loss. At this point, I honestly don’t know which book will be the next to go to print.
Q. Do you have any other books planned?
A: Yes! I have been working on a Biblical, historical fiction story about the woman at the well for some time. If all goes well, I plan to release that one within the next year or two.