Writing Journey

What I write:

I write clean contemporary romantic suspense, heavy on the romance and horses, with the occasional dog working itself to center stage. I love to develop strong heroines who have overcome difficulties in life and who meet dream worthy heroes. And of course, an equestrian setting is my favorite.


Publication:


With self-publishing so popular, authors today have many options, and each person must choose their own way to publication. I like the idea of a publishing house structure and the accompanying accountability, but may take the plunge into self-publishing in the future.


How did I get started?


I’ve been a writer from the beginning and assumed it was the normal for everyone to write about the things they loved. Boy, did I love horses. There are no other horse lovers in my family, or even in my family tree, and when I was a child, I was forbidden to discuss horses at the dinner table. My teachers in school suggested more than once that I find another topic to write about. Later, when I began teaching riding and training horses professionally, it was natural for me to write newsletters for clubs, lesson plans, and articles for horse publications. My first newspaper articles were printed in the Mo-Kan Horseman in 1969. Thirty years later, writing for websites and blogging poured out of my fingertips when combined with my other love, teaching.



When I first focused on writing fiction, I had no idea how much there was to learn. Writing moved from conversing with people about topics we love, to conflict and tension, goals and motivation, tropes and themes. And a million other things.



People are a huge part of a writer’s progress. Critique groups, contest judges, associations, courses, other authors are vital to a writer's life. Every step I've taken, whether following a blog, entering a contest or joining an association, was connected to another person. Writers are an amazing group of individuals who invest in one another.  Let me just say that my critique partners are awesome.



I'm always ready to read a craft book or take an online course because education and growth never stop for an author. I'm a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), FHLCW (Faith Hope & Love Christian Writers), RWA (Romance Writer’s of America), and AHP (American Horse Publications), as well as several terrific smaller groups. I love to attend conferences to meet other authors.


I am represented by Linda S. Glaz of Hartline Literary Agency