When someone tells me they’ve finished reading Mother of Courage, I rarely ask what they thought about the writing. Instead, I usually ask a much simpler question. “What stayed with you?” I’m always curious because every reader notices something different. Some remember the determination my mother showed after her accident. Others talk about her faith. […]
What I Hope Readers Take Away From Mother of Courage Read More »
One of my favorite moments doesn’t happen while I’m writing. It doesn’t happen when I receive a box of newly printed books or even when I sign the first copy at an event. It happens later. It’s the moment someone closes the book, looks up, and begins telling their own story. As an author, I’ve
Why I Believe Stories Are Meant to Be Shared, Not Shelved Read More »
People sometimes assume that once a book is published, every important story has been told. I wish that were true. The reality is that every author leaves something behind. Not because those stories aren’t meaningful, but because every book has limits. There are only so many pages, and eventually difficult decisions have to be made.
The Stories About My Mother That Never Made It Into the Book Read More »
When I finished writing Mother of Courage, I thought the hardest part was behind me. Months of organizing memories, checking dates, revisiting old family photographs, and finding the right words had finally led to a completed manuscript. I believed my role was finished. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The real journey began after the
What Readers Have Taught Me Since Publishing Mother of Courage Read More »
often ask me the same question after finishing Mother of Courage. “What made you decide to write this book?” It’s a fair question, and the answer isn’t as simple as most people expect. For years, my mother’s story lived in our family. We shared pieces of it at dinner tables, during family gatherings, and whenever
Why I Finally Shared My Mother’s Story With the World Read More »