I have been posting on this blog for a long time. It is one of my favorite places to spend time every week. But since it’s been a while, I thought I’d take an opportunity to tell you a little bit about myself…I’m more than just some pixels in your daily scroll.
I am a writer of women’s fiction with a manuscript currently on submission (send all the chocolate).
I studied Journalism at UNC Chapel Hill where I was also a member of the color guard for the Marching Tar Heels. I unapologetically bleed Carolina blue.
I worked in public and media relations in Washington, DC, then Atlanta. I was a media tour producer for a while and have whispered in the ear pieces of several interesting people like Tipper Gore, Jamie Oliver, a Surgeon General, a NASCAR driver or two, Olympic athletes, politicians, and Cal Ripken. It sounds glamorous, but it was usually a pre-5am call time with bad coffee, stale bagels, and being stuck in a control room for four hours with no sunshine or bathroom break.
I have two boys: one is a freshman at Purdue and the other is a sophomore in high school. They are my favorite people, even if I don’t understand half of what they talk about between the meme speak and their aerospace/car engineering minds.
I met my husband in high school. Yup. We were high school sweethearts and got married the summer after I graduated college. We celebrated our 27th wedding anniversary this past summer.
I am a book coach! I coach writers through their revision process. I struggled so much with getting a handle on revising as a writer. I spent a lot of time wading through different strategies until I finally found one that worked. One that allows me to see the big picture story, shape it, enhance it, then polish it. I love teaching that system to writers and watching their eyes widen when they finally make a breakthrough in their own revision.
I also coach high school seniors on their college application essays. I found that the heart of a college essay and the heart of a novel are not all that different when it comes to storytelling. Applying my novel coaching skills to this group has been a blast this year and I am enjoying working with each and every one of these kids.
I am a member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. These writers are my lifeline. The generosity, support, and friendship I have found there is truly life changing.
I live outside Raleigh, NC, now in the perfect location to day-trip to either the mountains or the beach (but who can stay in either locale for just a day? Not me!).
I am currently struggling to noodle out a new manuscript idea. I am hoping to have a story plan together before my October writing retreat (at the beach!) so I can dig into new words by then.
I have a cat who is, as all great cats should be, an ornery pain in my butt who I desperately love and want to snuggle with (when he deigns me with his presence). Alas, he loves our 15 year old the most.
I love reality TV, especially Below Deck. One of my prized possessions is the Cameo my husband got for me from Captain Lee that was well beyond the time he promised and was one of the most lovely messages I have ever received.
I will read just about anything and love literary works with the same passion as the fluffiest of escapist novels on my shelf.
My favorite ice cream flavor is mint chocolate chip, but only if it’s white. Not the green stuff.
What else? If there is anything you’re dying to know about me, ask below!
And since it’s only fair that I get to know you, too, leave your favorite ice cream flavor in the comments.
Frustrated with your revision process?
Not even sure what you’re doing as you revise would be considered a process?
I can help! I provide comprehensive feedback to help you see your work in new ways. I will set you up for success with a customized revision plan for your novel complete with next steps designed to help you focus and finish your revision.
Want to know more? Schedule a free consultation to discuss your project challenges.