Meet Your Hosts

First, because I know you’re wondering, it’s pronounced “Why-trup.”

The opportunity to write is the fulfillment of a life-long dream. Through the tumultuous years of my childhood, I lost myself in the stories I read. There, in the world of fiction, I escaped the trauma I faced and found a place of safety and rest. Now, I’m the one writing stories I pray provide a place of hope and comfort for others.

My debut novel, Words, won the Christy Award for best first novel and set me on the path of writing women’s fiction woven around issues many women face, myself included. While Words was loosely based on my childhood, not all my novels are inspired by my own life story. Although, I have written about other issues I’ve struggled with. Regardless of the issue I’m addressing, I work to make my characters emotionally layered, conflicted, yet infused with hope, and sometimes humor. Just like us. My recent release, Convergence, marks a transition from the women’s fiction genre to the suspense genre. But for those of you who’ve enjoyed my women’s fiction titles, not to worry, Convergence will include the elements of hope and healing my novels are known for, along with a setting that reflects the grandeur of creation. When I’m not writing, I thoroughly enjoy working to support writers at wordsforwriters.net.

I love spending time with my two adult sons, Justin and Jared, my daughter-in-law, Stephanie, or with the small circle of dear friends who enrich my life in so many ways. If I can spend time outdoors or gathered around a food-laden table with those I love, it’s even better.

And I can’t forget to mention my constant companion, the “man in my life,” Sir Henry Higgins. The way to my heart? Four paws and fur.