#RealLifeWonderWoman – Meet Suzi Retzlaff

This week’s #RealLifeWonderWoman is a wife and mother of two with a background in civil engineering–and a passion for writing. Suzi grew up in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and went to school at the University of North Dakota. (GO Fighting Hawks! 💚 Can you guess where I met her?) Suzi started writing seriously in 2010 and in 2015 was invited to be

A real life Wonder Woman, who wears a cross, not a cape.

“Talking about writing isn’t writing.” This sentence, spoken from my writing mentor Sister Mara Faulkner, changed my life. I’m serious. Her simple, yet powerful words didn’t only alter how I write, but how I approach just about every task or project—and dare I say relationship?—since the day she spoke them. Let me back up and tell you a little more

#RealLifeWonderWoman — Meet J. Rosemarie Francis

I was recently asked to be a guest on a popular parenting podcast. Solo Moms! TALK is a place for moms to connect and explore the challenges they face in raising children alone. No matter where we are in our mom journeys, we can always use a sisterhood of supporters to help us not only survive, but thrive. And one

What’s on your bookshelf?

My idea of total relaxation is plopping myself by a body of water (ocean, lake, river, bathtub…I’m not fussy) and immersing myself in a good book. While I truly appreciate a good chic lit novel, I’m also partial to self-help, personal and professional growth, devotionals, and historic fiction. And don’t underestimate the power of the occasional beach read (a.k.a. bodice

How to support an indy author

So many of you—my clients, readers, family, and friends—have asked how you can help with my book’s success. I thank you for being so thoughtful and generous. Your support means the world to me! One immediate way you can help is to write a book review for Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Goodreads. Reviews can be a tremendous help in

#RealLifeWonderWoman — Meet Angela Wiechmann

Today’s #RealLifeWonderWoman may not be able to leap tall buildings, but let me tell you she is a super hero when it comes to words. I call her “editor extraordinaire” and the “queen of transitions” as well as “trusted advisor.” Her name is Angela Wiechmann. She is an immersion editor and owner of A.M.W. Editing. We met when Angie edited

YOUR WORDS MATTER–and other life lessons from playing Scrabble with Grandma

Some day I’m going to have spectacular silver hair and live in a retirement community where I’ll get to play Scrabble and sip wine every day. When I told this plan to my husband, he shrugged and told me it was a good thing I was already practicing for retirement by hitting the wine and the Scrabble on a regular