Ever since I was a kid, I’ve enjoyed writing plays, stories, and novels. I majored in theater in college, but once I was out in the “real world” and performing with various comedy groups in Minneapolis, I discovered my passion was more for writing sketch comedy than performing it. Of course, there’s no money in that, so I went into teaching, thinking I could always be creative, and focus on what I love: teaching about the arts, books, and reading. I ended up teaching English and Creative Writing at Columbia Heights Public Schools where I had the chance to meet and work with so many incredible students and fellow teachers. I’m not exaggerating when I say that teaching high school has been the experience of a lifetime.
But I still felt the need for a creative outlet. So, I started writing novels. Not long after, Amazon invented the Kindle, which totally leveled the playing field as far as self-publishing goes. My first couple of novels, in addition to placing well in writing competitions like National Indie Excellence Awards and the International Book Awards, sold thousands of digital copies.
Then, Amazon created “Kindle Scout” – a competition where both readers and editors select books to be published. My novel, The Standout was selected, and for the first time I wasn’t self-published, but published by Kindle Press.
Yet, it’s been tough selling books. Several years ago I decided to go the traditional route, and found an agent. My agent was amazing, and gave me invaluable feedback for my novel, Favorite Daughters, which was inspired by the friendship between Ivanka Trump and Chelsea Clinton. My agent tried very hard to sell it, but eventually, we agreed that I should query publishers myself, After a few months, I found a publisher! Favorite Daughters was published by Black Rose Writing in August, 2022.
Since then, I wrote a new novel, Beautiful Little Furies, set in a high school much like the one where I’ve taught. It will be released by Black Rose Writing in December 2023. That said, I am currently on a leave of absence from teaching, and I completed my MFA in Creative Writing through Lindenwood University. I’m loving this opportunity to learn new things, explore opportunities, and network with authors by joining Women’s Fiction Writers Organization and participating in National Novel Writing Month
When I’m not writing or spending time with my family, I like to read, or go running and listen to audio books.
Click here to see my Amazon author page and to read more about my published novels. I’d love to connect with you Facebook , Instagram, Twitter, and BookBub.