My story
I’ve always loved stories and began writing my own in high school. I got serious when my youngest child was a toddler and wrote my first novel. I didn’t know what to do with it or if it was any good, and didn’t know who to turn to. After working with critique partners for the first time on my third novel, I learned I loved working with other writers, helping them with their story, but I also had trouble finding others who understood my vision for my story. And I was stuck in the middle, not sure how to advance my writing skills to the next level.
The feedback I received from critique partners was often confusing and contradictory, and I didn’t know what to do with it. How could I improve my story and writing skills with this information? I read many craft books, but felt they were too restrictive for my pantser-esque creativity.
What helped me
I found an Author Accelerator book coach and worked with her on my fourth novel. With her help, I leveled up my storytelling and was able to dig deeper into my story and characters, like never before. It was such an amazing experience that I wanted to become a book coach to help other writers who experienced similar struggles. Now, I help writers grow their skills and confidence in their work.
Please note…
I believe people should be free to love who they love, make their own decisions for their own bodies, that all neurotypes and disabilities are valid and equal, black lives matter, and immigrants should have equal rights and protections. If you disagree with these beliefs, we will not be a good fit for each other.
More about me…
I have two neurodivergent teens, and both my husband and I are also neurodivergent. Yes, our home can be chaotic, but at least I’m always entertained.
I’m an avid animal lover, though if I had to choose just one as my favorite, it would be cats. We have seven cats, two bunnies, and two dogs. Only one of our pets was not a rescue.
I love young adult books more than any other age category. There’s something so magical in those books that I don’t feel with the other age categories.
I was diagnosed with dyslexia in third grade and believed for a long time I’d never be a writer because of that. But my love of story is too powerful and the need to write all encompassing, so I shook off the impostor syndrome and negative self-talk and followed my heart. I’ve written a few manuscripts and will continue to keep writing for as long as I’m able.
I have Atypical Rheumatoid Arthritis, which is exceptionally frustrating because the normal medications don’t work for me. They either make me sicker or barely touch my pain and swelling. The only thing that helps is controlling my diet by limiting dairy, gluten, and sugar. I despise that diet with a passion and constantly struggle to find the balance between a diet that’s good for my health and one I want to eat.
When I was younger, I played the harp for ten years. After taking a seventeen-year break, I bought a previously owned pedal harp in 2020 and have been enjoying re-learning how to play on the days my hands don’t hurt too much to strum the strings.
At the age of 38, I was diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, and depression. At 39, autism was added to that list. I’ve re-framed a lot about myself over the past few years and continue learning more about myself and the neurodiverse community.