About Me

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I’ve always loved mysteries. When I decided to write a book, it had to be a mystery, so The Addie McCormick Adventures were born. I published eight books in the series, and I was very sad to see it end.

Then a company in Europe wanted to republish the books in German, and of course, I said yes! I thought it was a wonderful way for Addie and Nick to go out. Except…

A small company, here in the states, decided to pick up the series. They republished the first three books, with number four in the works, when Covid hit. That brought the end of their company, and the end of the series. I thought.

A second company in Europe picked up the books, and Addie and Nick were reborn (again). That edition is currently in publication in Germany. 

After that, I realized Addie and Nick still held a lot of appeal, so my husband and I decided to self-publish all eight books, which are now titled The Addie and Nick Adventures.

I have started a new series, The Double Cousins Mysteries, and I’m currently working on book two. Book one, When Skies are Gray, is available for purchase.

I also have several other works-in-progress. Read more about those on the Projects page. 

I grew up in Manito, a small town in central Illinois. Many days I came home from school, got  my snack from the kitchen, and joined Mom in the ‘big’ living room, where we both read until it was time to start supper. I learned very early to associate reading and books with love and comfort, and I will always thank my late mother for that.

Every teacher I had fed my love for reading, and several of them encouraged my early writing attempts - Mrs. Himmel and Mrs. Wills come to mind. Even my friends indulged my writing habit when they agreed to perform in the plays I wrote. The fourth-grade production of my magnum opus, “Barbie and Ken go to the City” will be forever etched in my memory!

When I wrote my first book, the memory of that early encouragement carried me through the paralyzing “What was I thinking?” stage to the “Hey, I just wrote a book!” disbelief to the “You mean you want to publish it?” euphoria. I continue to write because I want to help young readers develop a passion for books that will last their whole life.

If you would like to read reviews of some of my favorite middle-grade fiction, or learn along with me as I research my current writing projects, please read my blog, Read. Write. Repeat. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest.