The term “storyteller” is flexible and I don’t prescribe to one single modality. I am a truth seeker who enjoys the multitude of ways in which stories are told. Whether it’s a prescriptive nonfiction book, podcast, playlist, or sitting in a circle telling haunted stories–I enjoy every aspect of storytelling. I’m not one to promote niching down (wild and free over here), but my own stories are mostly told through independent journalism, authoring books, reviewing, interviewing, and sharing oral histories. I write for young children, teens, and adults (board books, picture books, YA, and adult–sorry, no tween or middle grade…yet). I also only write fiction for the babies. In YA and adult, I am your nonfiction bae.

I love what I do, but I am always interested and open to additional help. I consider myself to be a great literary citizen–and I’m very generous with sharing information and resources. There are many ways to support me as an independent storyteller. Some require coins, while other ways are FREE. Here’s how you can support me:

• Purchase one of my books for yourself or as a gift

• Read my articles/essays/books

• Order a copy of my book for your local library

• Share my content with friends online and IRL

• Speak my name into rooms

• Shop my online store

• Buy me a coffee or pizza

• Subscribe to this website

• Participate in an energy exchange (team bartering!)

• Purchase one of my services

• Tell me about a grant that aligns to my work

• Cashapp, PayPal, or Zelle (inquire within)

• Send an encouraging note

I am currently accepting ghostwriting/author collaboration/adaptation projects. I work with visionaries, change-makers, thought leaders, and creatives for several stages of the book creation process, from idea to completed book. I am a best fit for those looking to make an impact with their stories. Although I consider myself to be a deep generalist, my own life experience and intersectional identities are deeply connected to the topics I’m interested in writing about (see services page). Since this form of storytelling is time consuming and very detailed, I am not a good fit for potential collaborators whose budget does not fall within the standard ghostwriting/collaboration rates.

First, I use the term “career” loosely because I am committed to shaping this area of life by my own terms. I have no desire to be squeezed into a single box. I've always been drawn to various interests and my professional endeavors have always included multiple areas of interest (life path #7 here!). Most adults spend between 20–45 years working, so It's important that these years are spent fueling the soul and not draining it. In my own career, there have been many twists and turns that have lead me to all that constitutes work. Although I’ve always had a deep passion for the written word, I majored in education because I had witnessed the power of great teaching. Wanting to put that energy back into the community, I became an educator. However, I soon realized that traditional classroom teaching was not ideal for my personality. Practically, I also desire a career that can be taken anywhere because traveling is also a necessary part of my story. Teaching, both traditionally and nontraditionally, did provide a great foundation for what I’m doing now as a freelancer. I used skills and professional relationships cultivated as an English teacher for editing and writing. Having the flexibility to search for meaning is vital to my existence (again, life path #7). Life always presents varying roads to take. And I’m more than okay exploring them all.

I enjoy traveling and discovering new places. Even if I am unable to travel far, I usually find great local spots to enjoy. Also, the simple things in life really inspire me. Long walks on the greenway, making jewelry and shea butter concoctions, pop culture Jeopardy, curling up with a good book (is this one a given?), and spending time with my family. I have attempted pickle ball, corn hole, and have discovered a new hobby that I love: inoculating mushrooms.

Although there are benefits to self-employment (hello, flexibility!), there are certainly challenges. The quest for balance is ongoing, but I am mastering the art of flowing like water, which includes constantly reinventing myself to meet financial and professional goals while doing this purpose-driven work. The ebbs and flows of industries are constantly changing (layoffs, AI, and budget cuts, oh my!), but I’ve discovered great resources along the way and am actively pursuing research that supports finding ways to enhance all aspects of freelance work. I’ve been interviewed about this topic extensively; so to learn more, read the articles.

Good chaos. I am a work-from-homeschooling parent. Anyone who experienced being home with children while working during the pandemic can confirm that it gets pretty wild. But for me, it’s a challenge that has so much hidden beauty.

Of course, I’m not giving specifics (no writing and telling over here), but I am currently accepting author collaboration/ghostwriting/adaptation projects in YA/adult NF in addition to working on several of my own IPs: board books and picture books; YA/adult nonfiction; essays and articles for local and national publications.