Q: First tell us something about yourself?
I’m a wife, a mom of two young boys, and a Cuddler-in-Chief of a Boston Terrier named Braxton. We live in the Atlanta area where I work as a national news producer. I’ve published four amazing children’s books, and when I’m not working or writing, I love traveling with my family and making memories along the way.
Q: How and when did your journey start as a writer?
I unofficially began my journey as a writer in third grade when I won my school’s essay contest. That moment set my passion for writing on fire, and it eventually led to me pursuing a career in journalism. After having children, I was inspired to begin writing books for kids.
Q: When did you write your first story? Is it published or not?
As youngsters, my twin brother and I would write plays and act them out, and I’ve always loved writing stories. Professionally, I wrote my first book after my oldest son was born, but I didn’t publish it until a few years later. At the time, I didn’t know how to go about getting it published or where to find a good illustrator. So I kind of put it on the back burner until this inner voice nagged at me to stop dragging my feet and get my stories out there.
Q: Tell us something more about your books?
My books reflect beautiful family relationships– from a mom and her new baby… to grandkids and their grandparents… to a dad helping his daughter face her fears. I focus on fun, loving, and supportive family dynamics that are often inspired by my own family.
Q: Why do you choose kids as your reader ? is there any specific reason?
I really enjoy making up stories for kids. I love seeing the excitement on their faces when I read to them. As a child, I was an avid reader, and I hope to promote that for other kids, including my own.
Q: How did these stories and characters come to your mind?
These characters come to me in various ways. In “Hooray, Hooray! It’s Your Birthday!”, I was thinking of one of my sons who was about to turn two. In “You Made Me A Mama”, I thought back to how my husband and I tried so hard to have a baby, and how we went through IVF to finally get pregnant. That book is a love letter to my kids thanking them for the joy of motherhood. My latest book is about grandparents because my parents have been such an amazing village for us. They even moved to the Atlanta area to help with our boys, and my children absolutely adore them. There’s something magical about the bond between kids and their grandparents.
Q: Do you want to leave any message for your readers?
Reading can take your mind anywhere in the world and beyond. Lose yourself in a good book, and let it inspire you. I hope you enjoy my work, and I hope you spread the word so others can enjoy it too!
