I was a troubled, abused, runaway teen. At 26, after suffering through 2 abusive marriages, I began to get my life together, passed my GED, went onto college, maintained a 4.0 and even made the Dean's List every term. I started writing at the age of 30 to inspire and encourage others. However, I wasn't published for 5 long years. So many times I wanted to give up. But I had such a passion to write. I decided to try something different. Instead of trying to get my book published, I submitted a short story to Guideposts Magazine. They loved it, bought it, and published it a short time later. Little did I know, my writing career had only just begun. The editors at Guideposts loved my writing style so well that they invited me along with 11 other writers from across the nation to come to a special workshop where they specifically taught us to write for them. Since then I've worked for more than 25 national magazines, have over 500 stories/articles published, and 5 books on the market! I also have founded two non-profit organizations "A Time To Heal Ministries" and "Abuse Bites" to offer hope, healing and survival to the brokenhearted.  My life is proof that anyone can reach their goals if they do not give up! 

Finalist, Newspaper Article Category, Dog Writer's Association of America (2013)
Winner of the Medallion Award, Blog Category, Dog Writer's Association of America (2012)
Finalist for TWO STORIES, Dog Writer's Association of America (2012)
Honorable Mention, Angel Animals Contest (2010)
Writer of the Year Award TWICE (2000 & 2007)
Best New Book Award (for Run For Your Life--2007)
Honorable Mention, Awkward Romance Contest (2006)
All Time Best Award (for Run For Your Life--2006)
Finalist Horse Crazy Contest (2005)
Finalist Chicken Soup Dog Lover's Soul Contest (2005)
Distinguished Achievement Award (for article, 2004)
2nd Place Photo Say More Contest (2005)
Finalist in Obadiah Contest TWICE (2002, 2003)
Diploma Guideposts for Teens Writing Workshop (2002)
Merit Certificate Writer's Digest (2000 & 2001)