My writing is more a mosaic of opportune moments than a set schedule. I’m constantly plotting scenes and writing dialogue in my head, but I get the most actual typing done on my break at work and on weekends.

Since I visit each park before I set a novel there, many times my own experiences or observations end up in the book. One time when I was hiking in Great Falls National Park I scrambled up a rock incline near the trail and when I got to the top there was someone standing in my way and I was on all fours, clinging to cracks in the rock and saying “excuse me!” next to a stranger’s ankles. A similar experience happens to Hillary in Falling For Forever, though her stranger turns out to be the love of her life.

I really admire Tim Shoemaker and I’ve met him twice at writers conferences. He’s a great writer, teacher, and speaker, but what makes him stand out to me is his humility. He takes the time to get to know people and to encourage them. He could put himself on a pedestal, but instead he pours his wisdom and knowledge into his fellow writers and comes alongside them to help them be the best they can be. I want to be a writer like that…By the way, he has a middle grade series called High Water set in or near state parks. The second book was just released in September.

I have four kids between the ages of 11 and 16 so I cook a lot. I teach Agriculture at a school for children with disabilities. I garden and I volunteer with my church’s Bible club for kids. Somewhere in there I read for fun!

What we do matters because God is at work in us.

Hillary’s main flaw is pride.

Javier is a leader who’s willing to make tough calls.

Hillary takes an honest look at herself and makes changes. It’s heroic to humble yourself and admit you’re wrong.

My book will appeal to readers of Kristen Joy Wilks because of the sense of adventure.

“Love Will be Enough for Us” by Brandon Heath