Thanks for stopping by! Below is a brief bit about me.
I have been writing for as long as I can remember, fueled by a childhood surrounded by stories. My professional journey began at 24 with my first New York publishing contract; 14 novels later, I am still captivated by the magic of a happy ending and the thrill of an RT Reviewers Choice Award.
Beyond the page, my greatest treasures are my family (my terrific husband and our fabulous son!) and the English degree I earned through seven years of hard work and study. A lifelong resident of rural Pennsylvania, I find daily inspiration in the same woodlands and wildlife my father introduced me to decades ago. In my books and my life, I choose to focus on the beauty.
THIS or THAT style
Beyond the page, my greatest treasures are my family (my terrific husband and our fabulous son!) and the English degree I earned through seven years of hard work and study. A lifelong resident of rural Pennsylvania, I find daily inspiration in the same woodlands and wildlife my father introduced me to decades ago. In my books and my life, I choose to focus on the beauty.
THIS or THAT style
- Sweet or Sexy? I love the whole spectrum!
- Plot or Action? Every book needs a heart-pounding action scene.
- City or Country? Rural PA wildlife over city lights any day.
- History or Paranormal? Why choose? I love blending both.
Commonly asked questions
Below are some questions I’ve been asked more than once through the years. I thought I’d share my answers here!
What is being a romance writer to you?
I think of it more as a writing life. Writing is what I do—it’s what I’ve always done.
I have this vivid memory of me in second grade, struggling to put a story into words and onto a page. I wasn’t so much striving to get an assignment done as I was awakening to this deep-seated need in me to sculpt a scene with words.
Zoom ahead decades later and here I am, responding still to an urge within that wants to write.
I am the author of historical and contemporary romance novels. I also enjoy writing nonfiction articles. By day, I create website content in the sphere of higher education. So, I pretty much write all the time.
I think it was Louis L’Amour who once said a person can be a writer from cradle to grave, or something similar. I like that—and yep, it’s my goal.
What advice do you offer pre-published writers?
Don’t let your writing keep you from reading. Make time every day for reading—and read widely. Step outside your comfort zone/zip code/present century and immerse yourself in diverse voices.
The more you encounter the beliefs and ideas of others, the more you come to understand the human condition. Your writing will begin to reflect what it is to be human. And when you can write about that, I suspect you’ll be creating powerful pieces.
And keep writing. The more you write, the better you’ll write. And the more you read, the better you’ll know what to write and what not to write.
What advice would give to your younger self?
I would say, without hesitation: “Dear, sweet, beautiful-hearted you, trust in your God-given talents, celebrate them. Slow down. Relax. Enjoy. Always choose hope and happiness. Surround yourself with those who bring you joy and with things that stir your wonder. And just plunge, heart and all, into this moment, this piece of now.”
Where are you from? I was born, raised, and happily remain in the Pennsylvania Wilds of Northwestern PA. My deep roots in the region often inspire the sense of place found in my storytelling.
What genres do you write? I specialize in historical romance and contemporary romance novels, as well as nonfiction articles. My portfolio includes:
What are you currently writing? Right now, I’m immersed in a new World War II historical novel, blending meticulous research with (what I hope!) is a compelling romantic narrative. Wish me luck? :)
What is being a romance writer to you?
I think of it more as a writing life. Writing is what I do—it’s what I’ve always done.
I have this vivid memory of me in second grade, struggling to put a story into words and onto a page. I wasn’t so much striving to get an assignment done as I was awakening to this deep-seated need in me to sculpt a scene with words.
Zoom ahead decades later and here I am, responding still to an urge within that wants to write.
I am the author of historical and contemporary romance novels. I also enjoy writing nonfiction articles. By day, I create website content in the sphere of higher education. So, I pretty much write all the time.
I think it was Louis L’Amour who once said a person can be a writer from cradle to grave, or something similar. I like that—and yep, it’s my goal.
What advice do you offer pre-published writers?
Don’t let your writing keep you from reading. Make time every day for reading—and read widely. Step outside your comfort zone/zip code/present century and immerse yourself in diverse voices.
The more you encounter the beliefs and ideas of others, the more you come to understand the human condition. Your writing will begin to reflect what it is to be human. And when you can write about that, I suspect you’ll be creating powerful pieces.
And keep writing. The more you write, the better you’ll write. And the more you read, the better you’ll know what to write and what not to write.
What advice would give to your younger self?
I would say, without hesitation: “Dear, sweet, beautiful-hearted you, trust in your God-given talents, celebrate them. Slow down. Relax. Enjoy. Always choose hope and happiness. Surround yourself with those who bring you joy and with things that stir your wonder. And just plunge, heart and all, into this moment, this piece of now.”
Where are you from? I was born, raised, and happily remain in the Pennsylvania Wilds of Northwestern PA. My deep roots in the region often inspire the sense of place found in my storytelling.
What genres do you write? I specialize in historical romance and contemporary romance novels, as well as nonfiction articles. My portfolio includes:
- Sweet Romance: “Kisses only” stories.
- Sensual Romance: More descriptive, adult-oriented romance.
- Paranormal Historicals: Romance with supernatural or speculative elements.
What are you currently writing? Right now, I’m immersed in a new World War II historical novel, blending meticulous research with (what I hope!) is a compelling romantic narrative. Wish me luck? :)
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