• The Great Pineapple on Pizza Debate

    I used this photo and title to get your attention because I‘m willing to bet you feel strongly about pineapple on pizza; as in, you either love it or hate it.  I love it—don‘t judge. About a week ago, I met a friend for dinner.  Since I’ve started selling my book, a lot of friends have said, “Hey, let’s meet…

  • But, WHY?

    “If someone shows you who they really are, believe them,” ~ Maya Angelou  Maya Angelou was one wise lady.  I first heard the above quote about five years ago and it’s one I try to remember when a fitting occasion arises.  Unfortunately, I don’t always follow the wonderful advice in that quote, because I’m a “why” person; I always want…

  • Message from a Stranger

    This weekend was amazing.  Absolutely AH-MA-ZING.  I got my books on Saturday, had two interviews with two remarkable women (have I mentioned how many fabulous people I’ve met since I’ve started this book journey?), and last night I got a message that made every bit of work I’ve put into this endeavor 100% worthwhile. The message was from a lady…

  • Sunday Posts

    As I sat here wondering what on earth I would write about this weekend, I was hit with a realization:  I don’t have to write every week.  I initially said I was going to, and because I feel like I should always do what I say I will do, I’ve done it every week even when I didn’t really have…

  • If I Build It, They Will Come

    Last week while I was at work, my desk line rang.  When I answered it, a lady immediately went into a spiel about how I was eligible for a vacation (or something like that).  I don’t remember exactly what it was about because as soon as I realized it was a sales call, I mentally checked out.  When she finished…

  • An Old Dog

    When you write a book, the result you hope for is simple:  you hope that people buy it, read it, and like it.  For this result to come to fruition, several things have to happen.  I would say the first and most important thing is that the book has to be good, but I can’t say it because it isn’t true.  I have one…

  • Bags to Beds

    I’ve never been a crafty person.  In fact, I could be the poster child for Pinterest fails.  I look at the things that some of my friends make and I’m dumbfounded by their talent and creativity.  But what impresses me, even more, is how some of my friends use their talents for the purpose of helping complete strangers.  These friends…

  • Writing Romance in YA Fiction

    Ah, young love…there’s nothing like it.  It was a time when we welcomed Cupid’s arrow with open arms, daring the impish little trickster to give it his best shot.  And I think with most of us, he was happy to comply. Many of us look back at our younger days and remember our high school sweethearts with a particular fondness; I know…

  • Her First Valentine

    Yesterday, while scrolling through Facebook, I came across a photo taken for one of this year’s Daddy-Daughter dances and, as always, it made me smile. It makes sense for Daddy-Daughter dances to take place close to Valentine’s Day—after all, isn’t a girl’s first Valentine her daddy?  I often wonder if fathers realize how much of an impact they have in…

  • If You Keep Doin’ What You’re Doin’

    Years ago when my drinking had landed me in some trouble (imagine that), my dad, who had many years of sobriety under his belt, said something I’ll never forget:  “If you keep doin’ what you’re doin’, you’re gonna keep gettin’ what you’re gettin’.”  Almost 20 years later, this simple sentence is still my favorite mantra. It turns out that my dad had…