Every writer has a story

Here’s Mine

If an introverted nerd could be slightly cool, I’m pretty sure that’s how my kids would describe me. I’ve always loved writing, but my determination to get the words right started during my senior year of high school when my advanced writing teacher pulled me aside and told me that if I didn’t start putting in more effort, I was on a path toward failure.

After gasping the indignant sigh of a senior in the full throes of spring fever (with graduation looming and my plan for skating through the last few months foiled), I squared my shoulders and began to write the crap out of my assignments. I haven’t stopped since.

I made an A in that class, and to this day, that teacher is my favorite mentor and ass-kicker.

She helped me figure out where I was going and what I wanted to do. It’s been several years since I’ve been in her classroom, and there have been many learning moments. There’ve been ups and downs and many, many life mistakes that will make excellent story material.

Right now? I’m living the dream. I’m middle-aged, I’m watching my kids grow up, and spending my days writing, collaborating with other creatives, and telling the stories I’ve been collecting my entire life.

I’m a writer. I’m a reader. I’m a learner. I’m a teacher, mentor, friend, cheerleader, sounding board, confidante.

If you know what it feels like to get 40 rejection letters in a row, you also know how important it is to have a strong connection with other writers who’ve been in your shoes. If you’ve reworked your fair share of manuscripts and considered eating whole coffee beans for breakfast just to get through the pages and word counts you’ve committed to for the day, you’re in the right place.

You’ve found your people! I’m so glad you’re here!