I started writing in elementary school. My school gave a poetry contest and I entered a poem about my grandmother and won. That jump-started my "writing career". I continued to write poems, short stories and plays throughout my school years.

My husband, Joel, and I were inspired to write this novel after hearing the Cinderella-like life of our Grandma Doll. After three years of writing this novel, we hope that it will touch the hearts of the readers, just as it has touched ours. We invite you to journey with the Steele family, as they seek to find the truth behind their family's strength and truly bury the trouble that slowly creeps from the grave. Before you plunge into their lives, ask yourself these questions: Is what you see, really what you get? Is a person really on the inside what they portray on the outside? Where does a family's strength lie? All these questions, along with the revealing of a well-hidden family secret are answered within the pages of this novel...so don't delay...brace yourself, and enter into the world of the Steele Family.

My greatest joy of writing is the response I get from my readers. Having a reader connect with my characters and empathize with them is such a rewarding experience.

They are extremely valuable. Fans are readers, and without them, there wouldn't be a reason to write.

There are so many great authors out there that I admire. As a writer, I read for both entertainment and a way to hone my craft. I study the way an author uses words, their character development, plot twists, etc. The one author I truly admire and have referenced a lot while writing my own books is Mildred D. Taylor. I also enjoy works by Jody Picoult, Lois Ruby, Margot Theis Raven, Kelly Starling Lyons, etc.

Children's books.

I am a native of Greenville, NC. I grew up surrounded by southern storytellers. This influenced my writing greatly. I often tried to imitate the vivid and expressive storytelling techniques my father and grandfather had. Once I put pen to paper, I was able to capture the technique in a form that could be shared and enjoyed for years.

I don't have a set regimen for writing. I usually write by inspiration. When something catches my attention, a picture, a phrase, a thought or learning something new about an old topic, I tend to research that topic or person and think how I can tell the story in an informative way to a child. Once I decide what message I want portrayed, then I begin writing. I don't write outlines, although I may have a certain plot point to work around. I'm usually surprised at what ideas sprout out of my writing and the unexpected plot twist that seem to evolve spontaneously. The one thing I try to do with all my writing is write from my heart. I want readers to feel my heart in my writing.

When I write, I invite readers into the lives of my characters and witness the struggles they face in their own communities. I want readers to be inspired and enlightened after reading my books. But most importantly, I want readers to be encouraged to be inspired to embrace diversity and have the courage to make a positive difference.

Believe in yourself. Before you can get others to believe in you, you have to first believe in yourself. Keep writing and surround yourself with positive influences; such as writing groups, book clubs, etc. Learn to sift criticism. Take what will help you become a better writer and let the rest go. Breaking into the publishing industry is not always easy, but it has been done and can be done. Be persistent and never give up. If others did it you can too.

I just had my debut award-winning picture book, As Fast As Words Could Fly, hit the shelves in April 2013. I lean toward historical fiction topics, so I think my next work will be another children's book focusing on a historical character or event.