Happy 2015!

Wow, where did the last year go? Time truly goes by too quickly. It's amazing what I accomplished considering my super busy life. I landed two literary contracts, released one novel, and published two poetry books. And today? Today, I spent three hours editing a chapter for a YA novel about a young South African mulatto who has moved to America with her interracial parents. I'm excited to see how it progresses, but it'll definitely take a lot of work before it's ready for submission.

Here's a quick look at my releases from 2014.

Be sure to leave reviews. Thanks.

So Excited About My Upcoming Book Signing

After making plans to sit in a coffee shop for two hours with the three books I have in print, I am hoping that I will not be alone staring at the regular customers buy their coffee to go with delicious treats. Then I remember that no matter what happens, I still have three books in print and that's pretty cool. It's amazing to see how much I've grown as a writer and poet over the past six years. Thanks to everyone who've encouraged me to keep writing the stories and poetry in my head. I'm looking forward to spending the time talking with anyone who stops by The Treehouse Coffee Shop from 1pm - 3pm on November 15, 2014.

The Leaves Are Beginning to Change

My favorite season is summer with the warmth and not having to deal with a coat or ice on the roads. However, when summer is over, I welcome the Fall with a beauty all its own showing off a variety of brilliant colors. I enjoy driving on roads lined with trees bursting with reds, yellows, and oranges. It's times like this when I don't mind the cooling temperatures.

Over the next couple months, I look forward to showing off my two new poetry books, Real Purpose and Life Experienced, to the public. I've got a few events lined up. If you're in the area, come on out.

In the meantime, I'm working on the first draft of a YA story I started soon after I began writing Love's Intensity. It's time I finish this story about a South African girl's initial experiences in America.

I'll keep you posted.

Happy Birthday to Me...

My birthday wish?

That many others will give my books a chance: A Beautiful Girl, Love's Intensity, Billiard Buddies, Real Purpose: You Are Special, and Life Experienced.

That those who have read and loved my stories will leave book reviews.

Thanks for making my wish come true.

These releases have been such gifts to me. Make them a gift to someone else too.

Have a great day.

Time to party.

Favorite Writing Moments

Here are some special memories I experienced while writing/editing/proofreading my manuscripts:

• Hearing my sons' laughter in another room
• The cat crawling onto my lap, under my wrists, to watch me type
• Unplugged and typing while listening to a fantastic thunderstorm
• The dog, jealous of the cat, nudging my elbow. Oops!
• Taking a break to read an email saying I received a book contract
• Daring to write over 50,000 words during NanoWriMo 2011 and winning
• Searching for my name on Amazon and seeing five books listed makes me smile in spite of editing a difficult scene
• Receiving another great book review
• My boys giving me a nod when I show them a good cover design

I'm so grateful for these gifts.

Here's my website where you can read excerpts and learn about my other manuscripts.

The Book That Started It All.

"A Beautiful Girl" is the first book published although originally completed after "Love' Intensity." After hearing a song about domestic abuse, I was driven to write a story teens could understand and learn important lessons about hope, friendship, and self-worth. Already, this story has touched the lives of teens and adults. That's a most precious gift.

Here's the cover for "A Beautiful Girl."

Poetry compilation "Real Purpose" already has fans.

Too many years passed before I realized my dream of releasing poems written while in high school and college. Now, that I have, those who have read these words have chosen their favorites and have told friends about my work. I look forward to publishing all four books. For now, I celebrate the release of two, just in time for my birthday.

Here's the cover for "Real Purpose: You Are Special."