The 'yard' to which I was referring happened to be acres of bright green, unripened wheat. My unwitting remark has remained a family joke throughout the years. Each spring, as the wheat begins to ripen, I'm reminded of those many years ago when I first arrived in the Midwest. Fortunately, I've used the past forty years to educate myself about the state I now call home.
My husband Jim and I reside in Topeka, Kansas, where I now have the privilege of pursuing my writing career fulltime. I am the mother of four children, two boys and two girls, although they arrived in a boy, girl, boy, girl sequence. My oldest son, Steve, and his family live in Iowa; daughter, Michelle, went to her heavenly reward in 1996; son, Justin lives in Arizona; and last, but certainly not least, daughter, Jenna, lives in Florida.
I must admit I was somewhat slow in developing a love of history and must credit my husband, Jim, with triggering my interest in historical treatises. When I would ask him what gift he would like for his birthday, Father's Day or Christmas, he would hand me a long list of all the historical books he wanted to read. I gave him a hard time about his dull reading habits until I picked up one of his 'boring' history books and began reading. I've been hooked ever since. In fact, the ideas for many of my stories occur when I come upon some historical tidbit that intrigues me. I then find myself entrenched in research, and a story begins to weave itself into my heart.
Most readers want to know how authors 'got started' writing. My first novel, Threads of Love, was conceived when I was commuting sixty miles to work each day. I wanted to tell the story of a pioneer girl coming to Kansas and the faith that sustained her as she adjusted to a new life. When the book was completed, I tucked it away. I had absolutely no idea how publication of a book occurred and had given no thought to the concept. However, through a co-worker, I was directed to Tracie Peterson who, at that time, worked down the hall from me. Having never met Tracie, I was totally unaware of her writing career, but God intervened. The rest is, as they say, history....
With a graciousness that continues to amaze me, Tracie agreed to read my story, directed me to a publisher, and gave me information on a Christian writers conference. Since that first encounter many years ago, I have been blessed with the publication of numerous books, novellas and a juvenile fiction book. Joyously, Tracie and I had the opportunity to develop a blessed friendship. In fact, we have co-authored several series together, including The Bells of Lowell, the Lights of Lowell and The Broadmoor Legacy. In addition, I have continued to write several solo series. Please check those out on the "My Books" page.
God's design on the lives of His people never ceases to amaze me! Because I am eternally grateful for my own forgiveness and salvation, I strive to share God's desire to pull us from the mire of sin and set us free to live exciting lives for Him. Through His abundant grace and love, God gifts and equips each of us to share the story of salvation and eternal life. Won't you share His story using the special gifts He has given you?
