My Story

I've always been a curious person, finding kernels of fascination in the stories of kids who might bully me, awkward first dates, and co-workers who I seemingly had nothing in common with. I discovered and honed a talent for asking the right questions and making genuine connections. This introvert's survival tactic served me well as a freelance journalist for 25-plus years, primarily writing profiles of women using their passion and grief to change their lives, their communities, and sometimes the world. It's also been a useful skill as a traveler, wife, friend, and mom!

For me, writing is a balance of connecting with others and my own soul. That's why I enjoy writing essays as well as interviewing people from all walks of life. My essays and articles have been published in O, The Oprah Magazine, The Rumpus,  Travel & Leisure, The Seattle Times, Spirituality & Health, The Sun, and many other publications. 

A new chapter in my career began fifteen years ago, in my mid-forties, when I began writing fiction. My first novel, In the Shadow of 10,000 Hills, came out of a month-long trip to Rwanda where I interviewed genocide survivors and explored the interwoven threads of love and grief. My second novel, Come As You Are, delves into the question: Can we alter our dreams and stories from the past to create a better future for our children? 

My favorite pastimes are traveling solo and finding new stories of people and cultures, fine-tuning Spotify playlists, walking in the woods with my double-doodle, and playing board games with my husband of 25-plus years and two grown sons.

Thanks for listening!