If you're thinking of working with me, I'm honored...and I'd love to talk to you about your project (or mine). Here are a few things you might like to know about me:
So, if you think I would be a good fit for your needs--please use the email address on the left sidebar to contact me.
As a busy mom, wife, author, and speaker, I adore my life; but there are days when I definitely want my own mommy! Thankfully, I have God, my mom, and a Christian counselor on speed dial. I’ve been married to my soul mate, Carey, for twelve years. We have two boys (who are ALL boy)--Jordan , 9, and Jackson, 3, and we live in the beautiful Texas hill country. When I’m not desperately trying to find my keys or cell phone, I enjoy writing, reading, blogging, and cuddling with my three guys. My interests B.K.--before kids--included scrapbooking, watching old movies, and decorating. Now, my hobbies are napping, eating, working out to work off what I eat, and playing Bunco with my girlfriends.
Performing: As a member of various professional and academic music groups, I have been blessed to perform in 46 out of 50 states and several foreign countries. I sang and acted for three seasons in The Promise, a life of Christ production, and I was a lead vocalist/actress for four years at a 250-seat professional music theater in a tourist area of Texas. This included performing 3-6 shows a week, 50 weeks out of the year. Currently, I perform two weekends a month (four shows a weekend) at a new 400-seat theater in Fredericksburg, Texas.
Speaking: I am a Certified Speaker and Personality Trainer, and I enjoy speaking regularly to women’s groups. In addition, I served as the founder and coordinator of the Granbury chapters of both Fellowship of Christian Writers and MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). I have taught various writing classes at “Writing Down the Brazos” regional conference, Baylor's “Art & Soul” Conference, and the Glorieta Christian Writing Conference. In 2008, I'll be part of the music/breakout session team at several women's events in Kerrville, Texas, for which the lead speakers include Anita Renfroe, Kathy Peel, and Lisa Harper.
Books: Grace for the Race (Barbour, ‘04), The Groovy Chicks' Road Trip to Peace (Cook, ‘05) and The Groovy Chicks’ Road Trip to Love (Cook, ’06), both with Laurie Barker Copeland
Magazines: Working Mother, Family Circle, Parenting, Nick Jr. Family, Woman’s World, Writer's Digest, Today’s Christian Woman, Discipleship Journal
Websites: writersweekly.com, absolutewriter.com, extremejoy.com, simplejoy.com, CBN.com
Columnist: SHINE magazine, Home-Based Mom audiozine, simplejoy.com
Work-for-Hire: Exclaim Entertainment (“Boz the Bear” curriculum), HomeLife magazine, Family Foundations Study Bible (Thomas Nelson), New Women’s Devotional Bible (Zondervan), Christian Single magazine
Contributor: Heavenly Humor for the Heart, When God Steps In, Chicken Soup for the Sister’s Soul 2; Miracles of Motherhood: Prayers and Poems for a New Mother; Love Notes on His Pillow; Divine Secrets of the Yahweh Sisterhood; Simple Joys of the Kitchen; Simple Joys of Friendship; Humor for a Teacher’s Heart; A Cup of Comfort Devotional; The Art of Helping; The Heart of a Mother; Rest Stops for Busy Moms
Associations/Certifications: Writers Information Network; CAN (Christian Authors’ Network), Christian Humor Writers, CLASS (Christian Leaders, Authors and Speakers) graduate, Certified Personality Trainer
I’ve done numerous local and regional radio and television interviews for my three books. I’ve also been featured with the theater’s cast on WFAA (Channel 8) News in Dallas and "Good Day, Dallas" on a local Fox station. My hubby and I have appeared on two episodes of "Walker, Texas Ranger" as well as regional and international broadcasts of "Praise the Lord" and "Unfolding Majesty," programs produced by TBN. I relish the opportunity to do future interviews and appearances.
Sometimes I Feel Like a Mother Inferior: Encouragement for Weary Moms is a book of humorous and heartfelt real-life stories from a mom in the trenches. Topics include fatigue, girl-friendships, discouragement, the joys of boys and the importance of support groups. Each piece ends with “Note to Self,” a principle I learned from my experiences, and “Notes from my Superior,” scriptures related to the lesson learned. Throughout the book, I include my favorite quotes (some funny and some poignant) about motherhood. Both work-at-home and professional moms will find comfort, companionship and validation in this collection. Status: Proposal and one-third of manuscript complete. Contact my agent, Wendy Lawton, for more info.
Brave New Woman: Becoming a Gentle Revolutionary is a non-fiction book which urges women to counter the culture in positive ways. In twelve chapters, I present personal reflections on the ways God has gotten me out of my comfort zone over the last few years. I also highlight the lives of both modern-day and biblical women who took bold stands for their faith, regardless of the consequences. Written in a friendly-but-firm style with a Gen-X audience in mind, the book challenges moms, professional women and single adults to shake off their spiritual doldrums and “wake up” to the ways God is moving in the world. I like to think of BNW as a potential female-friendly counterpart to the excellent books being written right now for Gen-Xers by the likes of Shane Claiborne, Donald Miller and Rob Bell. Status: proposal and sample chapters with my agent, Wendy Lawton.
Altar Ego: How I Lost my Pride and Gained Everything Else uses my own hilarious “I can’t believe I did that!” stories, as well as those of other believers and biblical figures, to encourage readers that God can use humiliating experiences to draw us closer to Him. Part spiritual memoir and part inspirational non-fiction, Altar Ego tackles a deep topic with a light touch. It is full of humor, honesty and unique insights which will resonate with readers hungry for a fresh twist on the topic of spiritual growth. Status: proposal and sample chapters with Wendy Lawton.
