Ask anyone who knew me in my adolescence and they’d tell you I was a quirky girl from High Point, NC who filled her days with Sweet Valley High, The Babysitter’s Club, and Beverly Cleary books. Yes, the girl who created a library in the backyard shed where she lent out her personal faves to friends (she even applied late fees when they weren’t returned on time!).

 

Reading was my passion, and books were my escape. Every storyline pulled me in and created a vivid imagination that drove my siblings crazy! And while I loved to read, I soon realized I had an even greater affinity for writing. Nothing compared to the freedom I felt expressing myself through words.

 

As I matured, “writer” lost its appeal amongst the endless career options thrown at me during high school. Honestly, it didn’t have the “umph” I wanted for my post-college experience.

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So, with my degrees in hand, I explored more exciting options.

 

The years that followed went a little like this: sales, customer service, human resources, assessment scoring, ELA item writing, and sales and marketing. In my last few roles, it became blatantly clear that I couldn’t run from the writing life. 

 

After conversations with friends, prayers on repeat, and a deep-dive assessment into my skills and passion, I was clear. So, I prepared myself for the biggest, most exciting leap in my life.