The Distance is the first story I completed. However, I have written many short stories (not published).

I started writing The Distance years ago. It was an intense story for me to write, I shared it with a friend and she helped and encouraged me to finish it. I then shelved it for a few years. Then I felt it was time to take it off the shelf. I took the story back down to the skeleton and rewrote it. This took me another couple years. I believe the story is now the way the Lord intended it to be and it is my prayer that even if only one person reads it then my words will help to lead them to the One who inspired me to write the story.

Although the main character in the story is a teenage runaway, I believe it will minister to the hearts of many women who have lost their way and identity through the wounds of rejection.

I prefer to have quiet. I am most creative in the morning before the world is awake and bustling. I've heard some writers like to listen to music while they write, I am not one of those writers; especially if there are lyrics because I will start singing.

I sit down with my laptop and just start writing, pausing every so often to stare into space.

When I feel stuck I will read, or hop onto a writers group and be encouraged by other writers.

Yes! The very first story I ever read was Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret, by Judy Blume. That book opened a whole new world to me. You see, I struggled as a child, I was behind in my class and just wasn't catching on. I don't think they tested for Dyslexia back then. One summer my aunt gave me the book and I was felt so important and validated, my very first chapter book. It gave me the confidence I needed to overcome my fear of reading. After that I began to read everything I could get my hands on. Then I began writing.

Never under estimate the power of a book.

The cover I chose for The Distance spoke to me. I saw the main character staring back at me and drawing me in.

I think cover design, like any art, has to speak to you. It's personal. The cover is the hug that holds the story and if it is appealing then the reader will step in.

Anytime I can sit down and read is a pleasure. It depends on my mood on what I pick up. Currently I am going back and forth between Gurnall and C.S. Lewis.

Call me old school, but I still prefer the feel of a book in my hands. I mark my books up. I know, it sounds strange since my first book is released as an ebook.

I like pretty things and NO clutter. So my desk consists of a picture of my kids, a candle (because I like pretty scents), a small plant, notebook and cup of pens, and my laptop. It is currently sitting in front a window over looking the backyard. But don't assume I always use my desk, lately I have taken to my oversized chair, with my feet propped up, a coffee on the table beside me, and my dog sitting beside me. I sometimes think my desk is really just a prop for me, to give me the illusion I have an office to write in, but in all honesty, anywhere I can find quiet becomes my writing area. Give me my coffee, laptop, and my dog, and I am good to go.

I was born in a small town in Maryland, moved to NYC when I was a teenager, and have since lived many places between the east and west coast of the United States. My mother calls me her gypsy because I move around a lot. But this has given me a well of resources, characters, and experiences to draw from. I believe it has given me greater empathy and understanding.

I started writing when I was young, probably around 12 years old. It was a way of escape for me. I started with poetry and then branched out to short stories. I came across some old writings of mine and eeek!

My very first favorite writers were Ernest Hemingway, Stephen King, Charles Dickens, Emily Bronte, Frank Peretti, and Francine Rivers.. Oh, and I was also a member of Alfred Hitchcock fan club. I guess I am a classic case of "never judge a book by it's cover."

My first 66 favorite books are found in the Bible. Why? Because the words speak life, give direction, encourages, and is filled with wisdom. Also, it was written by my favorite Author.

My second favorite book is Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers. It is a well penned book about redemption.

My third favorite is The Christian in Complete Armour by William Gurnall. It is an excellent source for successful and practical Christian living, filled with nuggets of wisdom.

My fourth favorite is anything by or about Smith Wigglesworth. If you ever read Smith Wigglesworth then no explanation is needed.

My fifth favorite is The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis... because if we were to intercept a letter written by the devil... then this would be it.

I have a large library, I read everything from the classics to contemporary, leadership development to fiction. I usually have a couple books going at the same time.