I always wanted to write a novel, so when I retired from “real work” in 2021, I started exploring what that might mean to me. A year and a half later, I had a professionally edited, complete manuscript in my hands. The book just needed a publisher—Ha! That wasn’t an easy task, BUT my first book, "Forks & Knives," is now available on Amazon and through Barnes & Noble online!
I welcome you to explore this site to learn more about little 'ole me, "Forks & Knives," and my second book, "DARE," which was published in April 2025. Also, the Blog page will provide insights into my writing journey, general musings, and updates about my current work in progress. Book #3, a novel of speculative fiction, is titled "Whatever Comes Next." I hope to complete it by the end of this year or the beginning of 2026. Finally, please consider signing up for my email list. I won't bug you, I promise! But I'll look forward to reaching out when there's news to share. As a Thank You, I'll send you a sneak peek of "DARE." Feel free to stay in touch. Would love to hear from you. Best...
I always wanted to write a novel, so when I retired from “real work” in 2021, I started exploring what that might mean to me. A year and a half later, I had a professionally edited, complete manuscript in my hands. The book just needed a publisher—Ha! That wasn’t an easy task, BUT my first book, "Forks & Knives," is now available on Amazon and through Barnes & Noble online!
I welcome you to explore this site to learn more about little ‘ole me, "Forks & Knives," related resources that might be of interest, as well as updates on my future fiction projects. (Book #2 is now at the publisher - waiting to hear...) Also, the Blog page will provide insights into my writing journey - and the things that keep me up at night - ha! Finally, please consider signing up for my email list. I won't bug you, promise! But I'll look forward to reaching out only when there's news to share. As a Thank You, I'll send you a sneak peek of "DARE," my newest work-in-progress. Feel free to stay in touch. Would love to hear from you. Best...
After I finished writing my first book, “Forks & Knives,” I honestly didn’t know if I’d ever write anything else. But . . . you know how life surprises you, right?
One night I had a niggling thought about a young woman who survives a terrible attack. What if she doesn’t handle the aftermath as we expect? What would that look like?
“DARE” is about life’s unexpected twists and what happens when we question who we think we are. Jewel is the girl next door who dances with a dark side of herself she never knew existed, until . . .
As I delve into Book #3, I have to admit I’m a writer now, but the juggling act of this surprises me. Each book requires different things from me. Since last summer, I’ve focused on promoting “Forks & Knives” to increase exposure, gain reviews, and impact readers’ lives. At the same time, my husband and I were learning all about KDP and publishing. Now that “DARE” is live on Amazon, I’m marketing that book, as well. Finally, I also strive to carve out writing time several times a week. Easier said than done because although I’d much rather be at my laptop than folding laundry or cleaning the house, those necessary tasks beckon. Working from home—as many of you know—is a balancing act.
But I love it all! Living a retirement that fills me up this way is exciting, challenging, fun, and rewarding. So, when I finish my current work-in-progress, “Whatever Comes Next,” we’ll see if there’s a Book #4 lurking. If so, I look forward to sharing it with you, along with my current offerings. And remember, if you enjoy *any* author’s work, please consider posting a short review on Amazon (or wherever). Those words of encouragement not only help writers but also encourage potential readers who are looking for their next favorite book.
Stay happy and keep reading!
Join me as I share behind-the-scenes anecdotes, musings on storytelling, and random thoughts that visit me in the middle of the night.
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"Forks & Knives" was born as part of a long journal entry, a cathartic release. In 2003, despite being happily married to my second husband, insomnia visited me regularly. My brain pushed and pulled, working through hurtful and confusing memories that defined the rocky journey of my first marriage and its ultimate demise. The finished document sat inside my computer, unread, for seventeen years.
When I retired in 2021, I revisited the document, hesitantly. “Is this worth reworking into a novel? Would anyone care about this?” I asked my best friend, my husband Stephen, to read it. Bonus for me: He taught American literature for more than twenty-five years (!), so I knew I could trust his opinion. Happily, he confirmed, “Yes, it’s good. You should work on it.” Then he introduced me to Brian Kaufman (www.authorbriankaufman.com) and Penpointers, the Northern Colorado writer’s group that Stephen had belonged to years before I met him. Over the next year and a half, my self-focused monologue transformed into a work of fiction that would appeal to people outside my immediate circle of friends and family. At least that’s my hope.
Whenever I mention what this book is about, I'm invariably met with, "Yeah, my mom was a drinker," or "My son was sober for a while, but . . ." There are millions of stories like mine out there -- people who have loved/lived with alcoholics/addicts and struggled to hold on through the pain. But there are ways we can help and support those we love without losing ourselves. This novel alone can't help those still working through those dark days, but maybe some of the resources here can play a role.
