My job as a stay-at-home mom seemed never ending. With piles of laundry, dozens of diapers, and saying “no” all day long, it was hard to tell if I had accomplished anything. That’s why I liked writing for the church newsletter. Writing gave me a creative outlet and provided me with a sense of accomplishment.

While my babies napped, I sat down at the computer and lost track of time. Some days I enjoyed some adult conversation while interviewing people from church. Other days, I wrote their stories—or even my own.  

But when my third and final baby started kindergarten, I felt a bit lost. Now what was I supposed to do? My husband encouraged me to do something I felt passionate about.

I always liked writing. Maybe I’d try to get published. Then reality set in. What was I thinking? Writing for the church newsletter didn’t make me a writer.

I moved forward, despite my fear. First, I headed to my local library and checked out every book I could find on improving my craft.

Then I heard about a writer’s conference. I was interested, but hesitant. Anyone can write for the church newsletter.

I took a giant leap out of my comfort zone and signed up anyway. By the end of the first workshop, I felt at home. These were my people. That conference gave me the push I needed to keep moving forward.

I submitted articles to various publications—and had plenty of practice learning to cope with rejection. I joined a critique group and started a blog. My friend suggested I enter a writing contest. Why not? What did I have to lose?

I surrounded myself with people that encouraged me—and ignored the ones who didn’t. I began to get a few things published. 

Then I won a national writing contest. Guideposts Magazine flew me and eleven other writers to Seattle, Washington for a five-day workshop. They taught us how to write inspirational stories for their magazine. As a bonus, I met bestselling author, Debbie Macomber. 

I was even a guest on a local TV show, Paula Sands Live. Talk about leaving my comfort zone, did you notice the program was LIVE?

In 2020, I took a break from my blog, set aside my nonfiction writing, and got busy with my first novel. If you’d like to hear more about that, you can visit my book page HERE.

The 12 winners of the Guideposts Writers Contest (with editors).

Winners of a Guideposts refresher workshop in Santa Fe, NM.

TV appearances on Paula Sands Live.