My People

I don’t remember ever meeting an author as a child. No visits to my elementary school, or even standing in line at a bookstore to get a signature. So, even though books were always my passion, I never considered becoming an author a legitimate career path. I majored in professional writing at college, but still only dabbled from time to time in fiction.

Fast forward through a job as a technical writer at IBM, starting a family, and working in tourism communications. It wasn’t until years later that I gathered enough courage to show up at a writing conference without knowing a single soul. My mind was blown and my heart filled by being around such like-minded souls–sensitive people who love story and language and all the writerly things.

I joined this community whole-heartedly and continue to be so grateful for the guidance and friendships I’ve found along the way. Becoming an author is not an easy journey, and finding those who truly understand and encourage is crucial.

This weekend I was able to attend ANWA 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. It was my second time at this conference, and I loved it just as much. I won a couple more B.O.B. writing contests, and I met some wonderful literary agents who were interested in my work.

The theme from the keynote speaker, Sara B. Larson, was “You were made to create.” I truly believe that. I came home from the conference motivated and inspired! I’m writing 1-2k words each day, and it feels so good.