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Although I come from a home wallpapered in books, I only briefly envisioned myself as a writer, when my sister and I co-wrote Funny Dancing Fruits and Vegetables complete with crayon illustrations.

Then I discovered science. I loved learning about the intricacies of God's creation, so I studied chemistry in college, and then got my doctorate in pharmacy—not a typical career path for a writer.

In pharmacy school, I met my husband, Dave. We settled in northern California and were blessed by three bright, funny children—Stephen, Anna, and Matthew.

Then on January 6, 2000, I woke from a dream so intriguing I had to write it down. I proceeded to write a really bad 750-page contemporary Christian romance. Burn-it-when-I-die bad. But the Lord used it to call me into writing. I joined a critique group, attended writers' conferences, and joined American Christian Fiction Writers. These all taught me about the craft of writing and the publishing industry, and introduced me to writers, editors, and agents.

I first submitted the manuscript for A Distant Melody in 2003, and over the next five years I accumulated a pile of "good" rejection letters from editors and agents. Finally in 2008, a submission at Mount Hermon Christian Writers' Conference led to my first sale.

Between writing and driving kids to soccer and karate, I work one evening a week as a hospital pharmacist, teach Sunday school to fourth- and fifth-graders, and teach women's Bible studies. I enjoy speaking to women's groups and am available to speak on several topics.

Speaking Topics:

Shoving Off Shame: How to rise above shame and live the life God intended for you.

Lessons We Can Learn from the 1940s Woman

In God's Waiting Room: What to do when God doesn't say yes or no.

Through the Storm: Biblical tips for riding through the storms that come our way.

How to Get Started in Writing: Can be adapted for teens or adults.

Writing a Story: Can be adapted for ages from older elementary to adult. The class will be guided to sketch a basic story structure in an interactive setting. Appropriate for school or home-school groups.

The Lord has called you for a purpose. If He gave you a dream, persevere and never give up. If He gave you the dream to write, then write! Read as much as you can. Join a critique group, attend conferences, and join American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Keep reading, keep writing, keep submitting, and learn from all you do. The Lord's plan may or may not include publication, but His plans are always good!