Her 46 years of experience in this field have provided her with insights which she seamlessly weaves into her writing, delving into the complexities of relationships and the depths of the human heart.

With a boundless imagination, a fervent devotion to Jesus, a love for history, and a fascination with time, she crafts stories that resonate deeply with readers, offering the opportunity to embark on unforgettable journeys to other worlds, across time, and into space.

A devoted wife of 44 years and mother of three, she now cherishes her role as a grandmother and mom to her new puppy, a little white furball named Rosie Cotton.

INTERVIEW:

How long have you been writing? How many books or series have you published?

I’ve been writing since 3rd grade, but writing for publication since 2006. Including professional writing, children’s books, fiction, and nonfiction, I have 24 books in total. I have three series published to date: one Biblical fiction with Naomi Craig, one historical fiction, and one fantasy fiction.

What inspired you to write? How does your faith impact your writing?

My faith is what inspired me to write, but it was through my youngest son, Cody, that God spoke. Cody loved hearing my eldest son and me having deep conversations about our beliefs, One day, he said, “Why don’t you write a book about these ideas?” and my son and I decided we’d do that for Cody. Cody passed away the following year (2007) but the book he inspired was published before he went home to Jesus, and he was alive to see it and read the dedication to him in the front.

Do you have a favorite author or book? Why is that your favorite?

The Lord of the Rings trilogy is my favorite fiction book. I love how Tolkien wove his faith through the fabric of his writing without sounding preachy or superficial. In fact, his writing expresses a deep understanding of theology and faith in such a way that it immerses the reader in it. As for nonfiction, my favorites are anything C. S. Lewis wrote. He was a brilliant thinker and writer.

What is your favorite genre to read/write?

I love reading fantasy but I’ve come to enjoy writing historical fiction (including Biblical fiction) more. However, that may change once I get into my next project.

What do you like most about what you do? What are your biggest challenges?

I love the creation aspect of writing – creating complex characters from nothing, weaving stories filled with true-to-life struggles and pain, and finding ways to incorporate aspects of my faith in a way that might be received by someone who doesn’t know Jesus. The biggest challenge for me is the business/marketing side of the whole enterprise, which I find distasteful.

Do you have a favorite character in your most recent release?

My favorite character in And They Were Persuaded is Damaris. I found the differences in the culture of that time as compared to now fascinating. For example, historians believe Damaris was a concubine because she, a woman, was present to hear Paul’s speech to the intellectuals and philosophers of Athens. Wives were not permitted to participate in public gatherings, but concubines were often included. I enjoyed exploring what it might have been like for Damaris to go from concubine to Christian.

What are you working on now? What can we expect in the future? 

I just completed the third book in my historical fiction series, so I’m taking a break from history and writing a YA fantasy series about a nun and pirates on adventures in the Caribbean.

Do you have any fun facts to mention? (what is your go-to snack when writing/reading? Daily habits…)

I have what my husband and I call a “writing day” where I get to sit for 6-8 hours and do nothing but write. On other days, I fit writing between appointments at my work or in the evenings for an hour or two. But my preference is definitely getting “in the zone” and writing for long stretches. in terms of snacks, I often forget to eat on my writing days.

What would you like to say to readers? (What do you hope readers take-away from your book?)

My one aim is to bring readers closer to Jesus. What I hope is the experiences of the characters in my fiction books will reveal hard-won truths that might benefit readers if they have ears to hear. In my nonfiction, I am much more overt with those truths.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
517 pages
Released January 27, 2026
Bear’s Place Publishing
Available in Kindle and Paperback

Book Blurb:

Four cultures. Four Corners. One Calling.
In the bustling cities and remote corners of the ancient world, four extraordinary individuals join the Apostle Paul to spread the transformative message of Jesus Christ and bring the gospel to life, facing relentless persecution and trials that test their faith and courage.
Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement, stands unwaveringly by Paul’s side, offering comfort and strength in times of adversity. Timothy, a young and eager disciple, learns to navigate the complexities of leadership as he shoulders the weight of Paul’s teachings.
Epaphroditus is shaken when the Philippian jail is demolished on his watch. His life takes on new meaning as he discovers the God who truly knows and loves him. He pursues the Truth with the same vigor he applied in the Roman army. Damaris, a seeker of truth, finds herself drawn to the message of hope and redemption. Her journey from skepticism to faith mirrors the challenges faced by those grappling with the radical message of Jesus.

Against the backdrop of a world hostile to their beliefs, the characters confront persecution, political intrigue, and personal trials. The novel explores the bonds forged in the crucible of adversity and the enduring power of faith in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Their stories paint a vivid portrait of the challenges faced by the early Christian community, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of faith.

CHECK OUT THE SERIES: