Q1. Could you please start by introducing yourself to our readers?
A1. If you happen to spot someone walking through a field with a cup of coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other, there’s a good chance it’s me. I’m a author, podcast host, dog lover, nature walker, and someone who genuinely believes kindness still matters in this world.
I didn’t set out to become a writer. In many ways, writing found me through life experiences, conversations, heartbreak, hope, and the stories people carry with them every day. Over time, those stories turned into books, a podcast, and opportunities to connect with people from all walks of life.
I host a podcast called Let Fear Bounce, where I chat with guests who’ve faced hard things, found their footing again, and chose courage anyway. Around here, we call it “tossing nuggets of hope.” Some days those nuggets come through serious conversations, and other days they come from a sunrise walk, a good song on the radio, or something funny my rescue dog Dexter does.
I love real conversations. The kind where people can admit life gets messy, but still find reasons to laugh, keep going, and look for the good. I’m passionate about mental health, veterans, animals, kindness, and reminding people they’re not walking through life alone.
Most of my days are pretty simple and honestly, I like it that way. Coffee refills, long walks in nature, writing notes for future projects, recording podcast episodes, and finding inspiration in everyday moments. I think some of the best parts of life are the little things we rush past too quickly.
At the end of the day, I’m just someone trying to leave my small slice of the world a little better than I found it. If my words, books, podcast, or even one conversation can help someone feel seen, encouraged, or hopeful, then I’d say that’s a pretty good day.
Q2. In your view, what distinguishes a writer from an author?
A2. Those two words are often used interchangeably. I look at the difference between the two pretty simply. A writer is one who writes letters, journals, short stories, articles, and more. I look at an author as one who has been published.
Q3. Which part of your book “Nuggets of Hope” proved to be the most challenging to write, and why?
A3. I felt a responsibility to make the stories relatable and genuine and to do justice to a person’s moment in time. I didn’t want the book to sound preachy or unrealistic. Life is messy. We all struggle. We all have moments where we feel tired, discouraged, or uncertain. I wanted readers to feel like they were sitting down with a friend over coffee, having a real conversation about life, kindness, and the small moments that matter.
Ironically, some of the simplest stories were the hardest to write because they carried the most meaning. A smile from a stranger, a quiet conversation, a small gesture of compassion — those moments may seem small on the surface, but they leave a lasting mark on a heart. Capturing those moments in words was both challenging and rewarding.
Q4. How do you typically celebrate once you’ve completed a book?
A4. I don’t celebrate per se, but I do feel a sense of satisfaction, and then the real work begins. Editing, formatting, publishing and all that goes with it.
Q5. How do you leverage social media to connect with your audience as an author?
A5. I do post on social platforms regularly, but to be honest, I don’t care to spend personal time on social media. It’s too easy to get sucked in to rabbit holes or doom-scrolling. I use social media as a means to keep the word out about my books and what I’m up to, including my dog Dexter.
Q6. On average, how many hours a day do you dedicate to writing?
A6. I don’t keep to a specific schedule. If I have an idea that pops up, I need to get to my laptop and get that idea down, or if I am out on a walk with my dog Dexter and inspiration hits, I’ll record my thoughts because I know I’ll forget that brilliant idea before I get home! LOL
So, short answer, I write when inspiration hits. I believe if I were to keep to a schedule, I would eventually feel stressed and I’d eventually not want to write.
Q7. What kinds of books did you enjoy reading during your childhood?
A7. I have always been an avid reader, 2 – 3 books per week. As a child I remember loving the Nancy Drew series and the Little House on the Prairie series. As I got into my teen years, I remember reading Steven King, but also I think I read some Sweet Valley High books.
Q8. Is there an author within your genre whom you particularly admire?
A8. I typically write non-fiction, and funnily enough, I don’t read much non-fiction. When I do read, I read fiction for pleasure.
Q9. How has the experience of writing and publishing a book “Nuggets of Hope” influenced your perception of yourself?
A9. It was interesting while writing the book, which included some research and delving into my memory, how much I realized we as humans take for granted. It’s the little things that are often overlooked or the people you pass on the street or in a store, you don’t “see” them.
Writing Nuggets of Hope was a lesson to myself, or a reminder if you will, to keep my eyes and heart open to my small slice of the world and try to make it a better place, if even for a moment for one person.
Q10. If you had to describe yourself using just three words, which would you choose?
A10. Compassionate, resilient, hopeful.
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