Tell us about your books
Your next adventure is right around the corner! The Amazing Gracie Mysteries is a series of wholesome, exciting mysteries for young readers. Each book follows Gracie, her cousin Beckett, and their friends as they figure out what’s happening with each new adventure that comes their way. These chapter books also touch on topics such as friendship, family, compassion, and kindness.
These books are great for young readers. They feature lower reading levels, easy vocabulary, short, high-interest chapters, and interesting artwork to keep younger middle grade readers engaged.
Which books did you enjoy growing up?
I loved Nancy Drew mysteries, and Gracie is like a young Nancy Drew in my mind—full of curiosity and willing to help others in need. I also liked The Babysitter’s Club series as a kid, and I think that I’ve added the sense of friendship and camaraderie that I found so appealing in Ann M. Martin’s beloved series.
What are your favorite foods?
I love pizza! My favorite types of restaurants to go to are Italian or Greek.
Tell us about your pets
We have a cat named Snookie. She was a stray who came up and decided to live at our house. She’s the inspiration behind the main character in my children’s book Where is Bob Tom? We also recently adopted a rescue dog. His name is Chip, and he’s the most loving dog I’ve ever been around. He’s so sweet.
What inspired you to write your books?
My children have inspired every one of my children’s books. I have three daughters, and they all love books. I wrote the Amazing Gracie Mysteries series because I found a serious need for wholesome, high-interest chapter books for those emerging readers who want a good story but are overwhelmed by thicker middle grade books. When I started writing this series, that’s exactly where my daughter Rachel was in her reading journey.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I like to garden. I spend a lot of time in the spring and summer tending to flowers, vegetables, and blueberry bushes. I also like to make music; I play several instruments, and I love to sing. I like to have fun outdoors, too. I enjoy hiking, camping, kayaking, and playing in the yard with my kids.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
My earliest memory of what I wanted to be was an author. At six years old, I illustrated and wrote a story about bees. My career goals changed as I grew up, and I eventually became a high school teacher, but writing was always at the fringes of my mind. I thought for a long time that it was an unobtainable goal. Thankfully, the world of writing has changed in the past decade, and I’m allowed to live my dream by being an indie author.
What is a writing tip for aspiring authors?
Read a little every day and write a little every day. Before you know it, you’ll be an expert at your craft.
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