Letters Across Time & Elements

Letters Across Time and Elements

Some of the letters in this book were written years ago, tucked away in notebooks, revisited only when the weight of life made their words feel necessary again. Others were written just a few weeks ago, fresh and urgent, carrying the immediacy of a thought I couldn’t leave unsaid. Putting them together into one collection felt less like creating a book and more like tracing the arc of my own conversations with the world, with people, and with myself over time.

While writing, I realized that the letters weren’t just about people. They were about everything that shapes us, everything we too often take for granted. That’s why I included letters to Earth, Water, Air, and Fire. These are elements we walk on, breathe, drink, and feel, yet so often forget to acknowledge. Including them reminded me, and I hope it reminds readers, that we are not separate from the world around us; we are shaped by it in ways both gentle and profound.

Through laughter, music, reflection, and quiet confession, these letters form a tapestry of time and place. Some weigh heavily with the things we carry; some are light, celebrating the simple joys that punctuate life. Together, they map a journey that is at once deeply personal and universally human.

Here is the letter I wrote to Fire. 

Dear Fire,

I first learned of your power when I was twelve, playing with matches outside. A single spark from a careless hand burned my finger, and in that instant, I saw how quickly you could spread, setting the woods beside my house ablaze. I witnessed firsthand your destructive force, the fear and awe of watching the world around me catch fire.

But I also saw rebirth. From the scorched earth, new life emerged, reminding me that destruction can give way to growth, and that the natural world carries cycles of renewal. That experience taught me at an early age that humans can harm the world around them, intentionally or not, and that we must act with care, respect, and responsibility.

You, Fire, have been a teacher of caution, responsibility, and transformation. Through you, I learned that power carries both danger and potential, and that understanding and respect are essential in all we do. You are part of the foundation of awareness and responsibility that guides me, reminding me to honor life and the delicate balance of the world around me.

My Writing Exercise For Today

 I was tasked with a writing exercise today of a letter to my younger self. What follows is that letter:

If I could go back and speak to the boy I once was, I would tell him that the hard times do not last forever. The choices that seem right in the moment may set you back, and yet, without them, you would not be who you are today. Life is messy, and the road is often full of missteps, but each stumble carries a lesson.

Do not lose your joy in the small wonders. Stand outside on a moonlit night, gaze at the stars, and let yourself wonder about all that has been and all that will be. Do not let heartbreak close your heart, and do not let death make you afraid to live. For a life not fully lived is worse than any loss you will endure.

I know middle & high school feel like storms that will never end. The whispered insults in the hallways, and the weight of feeling like no one sees you. You will stumble through those years, thinking that each slight is permanent, each rejection defining. But you will survive. You will find moments of magic. Quiet corners in the library, a song that lifts your spirits, and the thrill of discovering a story that feels like it was written just for you. Those small sparks will remind you of joy, even when the world seems dark.

Learn to love, and learn to let yourself be loved. High school will bring heartbreak and disappointment, but also friendship, laughter, and connection. Your empathy will grow from the trials you face, and you will come to understand the struggles of others in ways only your own pain can teach you. You do not always have to be the life of the party, and “no” is a word of immense power. You do not owe explanations to anyone. Let your life speak for itself, and trust that your integrity and resilience will define you more than any performance for others ever could.

You will stumble, and you will fall, but each time, rise again. Though it may not feel like it now, your parents do love you. They were never taught how to show it, just as you are learning how to love yourself. The abuse you endure at the hands of the woman you call Mama is not your fault. She is broken, shaped by her own past, and yet, even in her imperfection, she carries love. One day, in the months before her death, you will see her differently. You will recognize the little girl inside her—the one who was never taught to heal, to love, to nurture. In seeing her, you will understand yourself.

You will discover that knowledge and curiosity are lifelines. In the quiet of your bedroom, reading late into the night, you will explore worlds far beyond your own. Those stories, ideas, and questions will become the tools that shape your future. Hold onto that love of learning. It will guide you, comfort you, and light a path when other lights go out.

Your journey is one of learning: to forgive, to endure, and to embrace life fully. The boy you were is still within you, carrying both wounds and wisdom. Let him grow into a man who cherishes wonder, seeks knowledge, embraces love, and stands unafraid of the beauty and pain of the world.

Behind the Story: Nicholas’ Spirit Walk

 

In The Covenant of the Veil, Nicholas Bergeron reaches the age of thirteen. The moment when every witch must undertake their Spirit Walk. This rite of passage is one of the oldest traditions in his world, and for the Bergeron family, it takes place beneath their sacred oak tree.

The Setting of the Ritual

The oak tree itself is more than just a location. It’s a living witness to generations of Bergerons who came before Nicholas. The ritual incorporates frankincense, chosen for its sacred, cleansing qualities, and an ancient incantation passed down through the bloodline. While I chose not to include the incantation itself in the story, its presence suggests a deep, almost forgotten magic that belongs only to the family.

Nicholas wears a white robe trimmed in gold, a deliberate symbol of the divine, of purity mingled with the strength of destiny. He carries with him the Atheneum Key, his family’s relic, tying him to the long lineage of witches who have stood where he now stands.

The Ritual Acts

The ritual begins with his mother—Elizabeth Bergeron, the matriarch—anointing his head with frankincense. As she recites the incantation, she calls to Hecate, the goddess who first gifted their family with power. This invocation is a crucial moment, because it emphasizes that Nicholas’ path isn’t only guided by his mother’s hand, but by the divine one who set their bloodline in motion.

Stepping into the Spirit Realm

As Nicholas enters the spirit realm, he meets the first matriarch of his line, another Elizabeth, who becomes his guide. He is confronted with the skepticism of the women who came before him, for in his family, power traditionally rests with the female line. The questioning is part of the trial. Can Nicholas, a male, truly bear the weight of this legacy?

The climax of the Spirit Walk comes when Hecate herself appears. This is highly unusual in the Bergeron family’s history. Hecate does not often reveal herself so directly. Yet she declares that Nicholas’ line is not bound by tradition, foreshadowing the ways in which he will challenge expectations and alter the family’s destiny.

The Familiar

Every Spirit Walk ends with the revelation of a witch’s familiar, a companion who embodies their soul’s truth. For Nicholas, this is Snowdrop, a white cat with piercing blue eyes and black-tipped ears and tail. Snowdrop represents both purity and shadow, the duality Nicholas must learn to balance as he grows into his power.

Author’s Reflection

When I created this ritual, I wanted it to feel both deeply personal and timeless. Many elements—the incense, the sacred tree, the family relic—are inspired by historical rites of passage and old-world traditions. At the same time, Nicholas’ Spirit Walk breaks with the expected pattern, marking him as someone who will walk a path different from any Bergeron before him.

In the end, the Spirit Walk is more than just a ceremony. It’s the moment Nicholas begins to see himself not as a boy stepping into tradition, but as a witch stepping into destiny.

Story Sketch Example: Final June Calloway Mystery

 

Working Title: TBD (Final June Calloway Mystery)

Core Idea / Central Conflict:
June Calloway has left investigative work behind to focus on her family life with her husband Ben and their dream of starting a family. She is running a catering business now with her friend Gabe. However, when a high-profile event goes awry—a socialite is kidnapped—June is pulled back into investigation work. The central conflict is whether she can navigate the dangers of solving a high-stakes crime while protecting her future family and balancing her personal life.

Characters:

• June Calloway – Married, striving for a quieter life; conflicted between her instincts to investigate and her desire for safety and family.

• Ben Harper – June’s husband, supportive but cautious; wants to start a family and encourages June to avoid dangerous work.

• Gabe – June’s longtime friend and business partner; provides comic relief and practical support; helps manage the catering business while navigating the chaos of the event.

• Nate – June’s friend who can act as a sounding board.

Setting / Key Locations:

• High-Profile Event Venue – Possibly a gala, fundraiser, or exclusive party; this is where the kidnapping occurs and where June and Gabe are catering.

• June and Ben’s Home – Represents her domestic life and desire for safety.

• Gabe’s Catering Business Base – Operational hub, allows for planning and communication.

• Various Investigation Sites – Depending on leads: the socialite’s residence, police stations, or other local landmarks.

Plot Outline / Key Events:

1. Opening: June and Gabe are preparing for a high-profile catering event; June is determined to stay out of investigative work.

2. Inciting Incident: A socialite is kidnapped during the event, causing panic and drawing media attention.

3. Rising Action: June’s instincts push her to help, even as Ben expresses concern; Gabe assists with logistical support.

4. Complications: Time-sensitive investigation; clues are scattered, suspects are influential, stakes are high; June must navigate pressure from authorities and powerful attendees.

5. Climax: June pieces together the critical clues and uncovers the kidnapper or mastermind just in time to save the socialite.

6. Resolution: June reflects on her dual life. The pull of investigation vs. her personal goals; closure with Ben and potential hints about their future family plans.

Themes / Tone:

• Balancing personal desires and professional instincts

• Courage under pressure

• Friendship, loyalty, and trust

• High-stakes suspense with a personal, intimate undertone

Notes / Ideas to Revisit Later:

• Explore how June’s domestic life changes her perspective on danger and investigation.

• Think about moral dilemmas involving high-profile suspects and public scrutiny.

• The conclusion of the series.

Writing Two Books at Once: Sketching Stories for the Future

One of the aspects of my writing process that surprises many readers is that I often work on more than one book at the same time. It might sound chaotic, but for me, it’s a natural way to manage ideas and ensure that each story has the attention it deserves.

When a new story idea comes to me, I don’t always dive straight into writing it. Instead, I let it sit and develop in my mind for a while. I’ll create a sketch of the story. An outline of characters, key plot points, and the general arc. This sketch is a kind of seed. It captures the essence of the story and allows me to return to it later when the timing is right.

Sometimes, this means I’m actively writing one book while another exists as a series of sketches or notes waiting for its turn. This approach helps me respect the pacing and emotional weight of each story, while keeping my creativity flowing. It also allows ideas to mature and evolve naturally, giving me a clearer vision when I finally start writing the full manuscript.

Writing multiple books simultaneously is a balancing act, but it keeps my imagination active and ensures that no idea is lost. Every sketch, every note, is a promise to a story waiting to be told, and the freedom to revisit it later often leads to a richer, more fully realized book.

Mapping Lena Crowe’s World: Poplar Grass, Harper, and Dovewood

One of the joys of writing the Lena Crowe series has been creating the towns she investigates. Each setting is unique, rich in history, and carefully crafted to influence the mysteries, the characters, and the storylines. From Poplar Grass to Harper to Dovewood, North Carolina is more than a backdrop—it’s a character in its own right.

Poplar Grass, NC

Featured in Dark Roads, Poplar Grass is a small town with only two stoplights, giving it a quiet, close-knit feel. Key locations include the Poplar Diner, a family-run grocery, a hardware store, a flower shop, two churches, Martin General Hospital (a 75-bed community hospital), and the local K–8 and high schools. Beneath the town’s sleepy exterior lie dark secrets, making it a perfect setting for Lena’s investigations.

Harper, Halifax County, NC

Harper is a small town of around 2,500 people where Lena uncovers hidden crimes, family secrets, and town history. Key locations include Willow Rest Cemetery, Ms. Berry’s House, the unnamed motel, Miller and Sons Funeral Home, Harper Baptist and Methodist Churches, Harper Feed and Supply, Harper Memorial Library, The Ellis House, Harper Police Department, Halifax County Courthouse, Harper Hosiery Mill, Harper Memorial Hospital, and Pine Cone Coffee Shop. Harper blends charm and community with suspense, making it a town where appearances can be deceiving.

Dovewood, Warren County, NC

Dovewood, Lena’s hometown, has a population of around 3,000 and carries the quiet weight of economic decline from its closed Hosiery Mill and aging sawmill. Key locations include Dovewood Baptist and Methodist Churches, Parrish and Sons Funeral Home, Dovewood Memorial Hospital, the Old Saw Mill, Main Street shops, the town library, Pine Street School, Riverside Park, and residential neighborhoods. Dovewood has a nostalgic, slightly somber feel, reflecting Lena’s personal history and shaping her perspective as she investigates.

Why the Towns Matter

Each town is designed to feel lived-in and authentic. Poplar Grass is sleepy but hides darkness. Harper is small, tight-knit, and full of secrets. Dovewood is personal, shaping Lena’s past and providing emotional stakes for her investigations. Together, these towns create a North Carolina landscape that feels real, layered, and full of story potential.

By crafting each location with care, I hope readers feel as though they can walk the streets, enter the shops, and experience the rhythms of the towns alongside Lena. Each town has its own personality, history, and mysteries—and together, they form the rich world that defines Lena Crowe’s investigations.

Exploring Poplar Grass, North Carolina: Setting of Dark Roads

Poplar Grass, NC, is the setting for the second book in the Lena Crowe series, Dark Roads. A small, sleepy town, Poplar Grass is governed by just two stoplights, giving it the quiet, close-knit feeling typical of rural North Carolina. Yet beneath its calm exterior, the town harbors secrets that Lena Crowe must uncover.

Key Locations in Poplar Grass

• Poplar Diner – A weathered, familiar spot where townsfolk gather, catch up on news, and share gossip. It’s a place where Lena can observe the town’s rhythms and gather insights.

• Family-Run Grocery – Across from the diner, serving the local community and acting as another social hub.

• Hardware Store & Flower Shop – Main Street staples that reflect the everyday life of the town’s residents.

• Churches – Two churches spaced along Main Street, standing like sentinels and anchoring the town’s spiritual and social life.

• Martin General Hospital – A small, community-run hospital with around 75 beds. It’s central to the town’s health and emergencies, and plays a pivotal role in the story.

• Schools – The town is served by a K–8 school and a high school, providing both a sense of community and locations that tie into the lives of the town’s younger residents.

Town Atmosphere

Poplar Grass combines the charm of a small town with the tension of hidden darkness. Its streets may appear sleepy, but beneath the surface lie the kinds of secrets that Lena Crowe specializes in uncovering. The town’s landmarks—the diner, grocery, churches, and hospital—help establish a lived-in, realistic setting while giving Lena both resources and obstacles as she investigates.

The town’s modest size and tight community mean that everyone knows each other, but they also create the perfect environment for secrets to fester unnoticed. Poplar Grass is both familiar and unsettling, a place where appearances can be deceiving and danger can emerge in the most ordinary locations.

By creating Poplar Grass with care and detail, I wanted readers to feel the town’s rhythms, its small-town charm, and its underlying tension—making it a memorable, fully realized setting for Lena’s investigations.

Exploring Dovewood, Warren County: Lena Crowe’s Hometown

Dovewood, North Carolina, is Lena Crowe’s hometown and a pivotal setting in the Lena Crowe series. With a population of around 3,000, this small town sits in northern Warren County near the borders of Halifax and Franklin Counties. Dovewood has a rich industrial past, tight-knit community, and just enough shadows to make it a compelling location for Lena’s investigations.

Key Locations in Dovewood

• Dovewood Baptist Church – Located on the corner of Main and 3rd Street, it serves as a spiritual and social hub for the community.

• Dovewood Methodist Church – At Main and St. James Street, another focal point for local events, town gatherings, and family connections.

• Parrish and Sons Funeral Home – 2nd Street; a family-run business that has been part of the town for generations.

• Dovewood Memorial Hospital – 1st Street; taking up an entire block, the hospital is central to emergencies, town crises, and Lena’s investigations.

• Old Saw Mill – A relic of the town’s industrial past, now mostly abandoned, occasionally used for storage or local gatherings.

• Dovewood Hosiery Mill – Once a bustling hub of industry, it closed in the early 1980s, leaving behind an empty shell that hints at the town’s former prosperity.

Additional Town Landmarks

• Town Square / Main Street Shops – A small collection of businesses including a diner, general store, hardware shop, and local café where residents meet and gossip spreads.

• Dovewood Library – A modest building with local archives; a key location for Lena when researching historical records or uncovering hidden truths.

• Pine Street School – The local school Lena attended, connecting her personal backstory to the town.

• Riverside Park / Pond – A natural feature for recreation, town events, and potentially sinister happenings that Lena investigates.

• Residential Neighborhoods – A mix of older family homes and modest newer houses, with streets named for local trees and historical figures, giving the town a lived-in, familiar feel.

Town Atmosphere

Dovewood carries the quiet weight of its industrial decline and small-town challenges. The people are loyal, protective, and sometimes wary of outsiders. It’s a town where everyone knows each other—or at least thinks they do—but beneath the surface, secrets linger. These dynamics make it a rich setting for Lena’s investigations, offering both warmth and tension, familiarity and mystery.

Creating Dovewood allowed me to develop Lena’s personal history and her connections to the town, while also providing a layered setting that reflects the complexities of small-town life. From abandoned mills to the local library, each corner of Dovewood contributes to the suspense, drama, and intrigue that define Lena Crowe’s world.

Exploring Harper, Halifax County: A Town of Secrets and Stories

Harper, a fictional town in Halifax County, North Carolina, is one of the key settings in the Lena Crowe series. With a population of around 2,500 people, Harper is a small town where everyone knows each other—or at least thinks they do. Beneath the surface, however, secrets simmer, making it the perfect backdrop for mystery, suspense, and the challenges Lena Crowe faces as she investigates.

Several locations in Harper are central to the story:

• Willow Rest Cemetery – A quiet place with a haunting presence, central to some of the town’s darkest revelations.

• Ms. Berry’s House – A key home tied to important characters and events.

• The Motel – A transient spot where visitors and secrets converge.

• Miller and Sons Funeral Home – A family-run funeral business that plays a pivotal role in the narrative.

• Harper Baptist Church – A community hub where appearances sometimes hide uncomfortable truths.

• Harper Feed and Supply Company – A local gathering place and a touchstone of small-town commerce.

• Harper Memorial Library – A place of research, history, and hidden clues.

• The Ellis House – A private residence with connections to the town’s mysteries.

• Harper Police Department & Halifax County Courthouse – Centers of law and justice where Lena interacts with the local authorities.

• Harper Hosiery Mill – A nod to the town’s industrial past, representing both history and economic struggle.

• Harper Memorial Hospital – The town’s center for health and crisis response.

• Pine Cone Coffee Shop – A casual meeting place where residents share news, gossip, and information critical to Lena’s investigations.

Harper is more than just a collection of locations. It’s a character in itself. The town’s small size amplifies tensions, as secrets are hard to keep but even harder to uncover without raising suspicion. Its history, businesses, homes, and institutions all contribute to a rich, textured world that Lena navigates in her quest for truth.

By creating Harper with so much detail, I wanted readers to feel like they could walk its streets, visit its landmarks, and sense the undercurrents shaping the people who live there. It’s a town that blends charm, community, and shadow. A place where every corner could hold a story waiting to be discovered.

When the Dead Speak: A New Chapter for Lena Crowe

 When the Dead Speak: A New Chapter for Lena Crowe

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve begun work on the third book in the Lena Crowe series, When the Dead Speak. While I’m only a couple of chapters in, I already know this story will be different from the previous two. It will delve deeply into Lena’s personal history, showing how her past connects to the mystery she’s currently uncovering.

In The Eighth of Everything and Dark Roads, Lena was primarily focused on solving crimes and uncovering hidden truths in the towns she visited. This time, the stakes are even more personal. As Lena navigates the investigation, she will also confront secrets from her own life, testing her resilience, instincts, and the limits of her courage in ways she hasn’t faced before.

Writing this book feels exciting and challenging. It’s a chance to explore Lena’s character more fully, giving readers both the suspense of a gripping mystery and the depth of personal storytelling. As I continue to develop the story, I’m looking forward to showing how past and present collide, how unresolved trauma can shape our actions, and how one woman can rise to meet the shadows of both history and the present.

When the Dead Speak is still in its earliest stages, but I can already tell it’s going to be a journey that challenges Lena—and hopefully, engages readers—in entirely new ways. Stay tuned as her story unfolds.

I am including the preliminary cover for the book. 

 

Stories of Resilience, Shadows, and Hope: My Work as an Author

When I look back at the books I’ve written, one thing stands out to me. No matter the setting, the time period, or whether the story is fiction or nonfiction, I always come back to the same core themes. Courage, resilience, and the voices of those living on the margins.

Fiction Rooted in Human Struggle

My earliest novels—After the Fall and Beneath the Surface—introduced readers to Gabe and Nate, two men navigating love and identity in small-town North Carolina. Their stories reminded me that the most powerful journeys aren’t always epic in scope. They’re personal, intimate, and full of risk.

Later, in creating the fictional town of Grady for the June Calloway Mysteries, I gave a home to a reporter determined to uncover truths others would rather leave buried. From The Girl Time Forgot to The Silent Bell, June confronts not only crime but also the weight of history, prejudice, and the secrets small towns carry.

With the Lena Crowe series (The Eighth of Everything and Dark Roads), I plunged even deeper into the shadows. I explored trauma, survival, and how one woman uses her voice to shine light into the darkest corners of human behavior.

Even my novellas, like The Miracle, carry the same heartbeat. A story of two boys brought back from despair, reminding us of love’s power to transcend fear and hate.

World-Building and Imagination

Not all of my stories are tied to real towns or real histories. In The Covenant of the Veil and The Covenant of Ash, I stepped into fantasy, creating the world of Thalveryan and the eight Witching Families who inhabit it. These books required me to build a mythology from the ground up. It was a chance to ask big questions about power, responsibility, and what it means to be human when magic is involved.

World-building stretched me as a writer, and it’s a journey I intend to keep exploring. Someday, I’d love to turn all my notes on Thalveryan into a companion book, so readers can walk through that world as fully as I do in my imagination.

Stories Drawn from the Past

Some of my work is the most personal of all. The Letter That Came Too Late is inspired by my own family’s history. It's a story of sisters, custody battles, and the limits of women’s rights in another era. Writing it allowed me to honor the resilience of those who came before me, while also shining a light on the struggles that still resonate today.

Then there’s Blood, Justice & The Coley Brothers. This nonfiction book brought me face-to-face with my family’s past—a brutal 1892 murder in Franklin County, North Carolina, and the trial of two Coley brothers, my distant relatives. Digging into this history wasn’t easy, but it reminded me why I write in the first place. I write to uncover stories, to give voice to people long silenced, and to wrestle with the legacies that still shape us.

Why I Write

Whether I’m telling the story of a murdered historian in a small town, two boys searching for freedom, a true-crime podcaster chasing justice, or my own ancestors caught up in violence, my purpose as an author stays the same:

To tell stories of resilience in the face of hardship.
To give space to voices that have been marginalized, overlooked, or silenced.
To remind readers that even in the darkest moments, there’s a thread of courage, love, and hope.

These stories, fictional and real, are my way of shining light into hidden corners. My hope is that, in reading them, you’ll not only find suspense, mystery, or emotion, but also a piece of yourself reflected in the characters and histories I bring to life.

Because at the end of the day, stories are about connection. Every book I write is, in its own way, an invitation to connect with the past, with the present, and with one another.

Blood, Justice & The Coley Brothers: Reckoning with a Family’s Past

 Blood, Justice & The Coley Brothers: Reckoning with a Family’s Past

Some stories feel distant, tucked away in dusty archives. Others hit closer to home. My book, Blood, Justice & The Coley Brothers, is one of the latter. It is a true-crime account rooted in my own family history. An infamous case that haunted rural North Carolina in the winter of 1893 into 1894.

In the summer of 1892, a Jewish peddler was found brutally murdered in the woods of Franklin County. The crime shocked the region, and suspicion quickly fell on two local brothers: Thomas and Calvin Coley. What followed was a trial that consumed two counties, a case that revealed not only the chilling details of the murder itself, but also the deep currents of prejudice, poverty, and desperation that marked the post-Reconstruction South.

Over a century later, I found myself drawn back to this story—not just as a writer, but as a distant cousin of the accused. In writing Blood, Justice & The Coley Brothers, I had to unearth a tangled web of facts, folklore, and forgotten history. More importantly, I had to grapple with what it means to carry a family name connected to violence, and how to reconcile pride in one’s roots with the darker truths of the past.

This book isn’t just a recounting of a crime—it’s a search for understanding. It’s about the weight of legacy, the forces of prejudice and poverty that shaped so many lives, and the uncomfortable work of bringing buried stories back into the light.

By writing it, I hoped not only to document history but also to show that even the most difficult family stories deserve to be told. Only then can we begin to understand the people who came before us—and the shadows their choices still cast today.

The Letter That Came Too Late: A Story Rooted in Family History

 The Letter That Came Too Late: A Story Rooted in Family History

My most recent story, The Letter That Came Too Late, is deeply personal. While I changed names and circumstances, the heart of the story is inspired by real events from my family’s past. Writing it was both emotional and eye-opening, as it gave me the chance to honor those whose struggles and resilience shaped the generations that followed.

The story begins with Maggie Quinn, a woman who knows her time is running short as illness overtakes her. Desperate to protect her ten-year-old daughter, Clara, from the manipulations of a neighbor, Maggie writes one final, urgent letter to her estranged sister, Josie—pleading for her to come before it’s too late.

What follows is a bitter legal battle over custody and control, where Josie must confront not only the limits placed on women’s rights at the time but also the strength of sisterly love and the haunting consequences of promises made too late. At the heart of it all is Clara, a young girl caught between grief and hope, who slowly discovers her own quiet power to shape the future.

Though this is a work of historical fiction, its roots in true events make it especially meaningful to me. The Letter That Came Too Late is my way of honoring those who lived on the margins, who fought for love and justice in whatever ways they could, and whose stories deserve to be remembered.

This book is not just a novel—it’s a testament to the resilience of women, the unbreakable bonds of family, and the letters that sometimes carry more weight than we ever imagine.

Building Thalveryan: The Covenant of the Veil and The Covenant of Ash

 Building Thalveryan: The Covenant of the Veil and The Covenant of Ash

Writing The Covenant of the Veil and The Covenant of Ash has been one of the most ambitious creative journeys I’ve taken so far. These two witchcraft stories required me to story map more than any other books I’ve written. I had to think carefully about the world itself—Thalveryan—and how it functions, then build its history, rules, and the people who live there.

One of the biggest challenges was creating the Eight Witching Families. Each family needed their own powers, responsibilities, and place within Thalveryan’s society. On top of that, I had to craft a wide range of characters who felt unique, fully realized, and essential to the story.

To help bring these characters to life, I even used AI to generate visual references. I wrote detailed descriptions and went through many iterations until the images matched what I saw in my mind. My plan is to eventually use these images as a foundation for an illustrator, who can reimagine and refine them for future projects.

What I’ve enjoyed most about writing these books is the act of creation itself. I have immersed myself in shaping a new world, developing its magic, and weaving together the stories of its people. I’m far from done. I plan to write a series of books for each of the Eight Witching Families, giving readers the chance to explore Thalveryan from many different angles. I’m even considering expanding my notes into a companion book entirely about Thalveryan, so readers can dive deeper into the world behind the stories.

For me, The Covenant of the Veil and The Covenant of Ash are just the beginning of an exciting journey into a world that has already captured my imagination and I can’t wait to share more of it.

Exploring Courage, Resilience, and Marginalized Voices Across My Stories

 Exploring Courage, Resilience, and Marginalized Voices Across My Stories

Looking back across my body of work, one theme consistently emerges: the courage it takes to live authentically, the resilience required to face life’s darkest moments, and the importance of telling the stories of voices often overlooked or marginalized.

From my early novel After the Fall and its sequel Beneath the Surface, to June Calloway’s investigative adventures in The Girl Time Forgot, The Dreams We Bury, A Spoonful of Secrets, and The Silent Bell, my stories have centered on characters confronting secrets, injustice, and societal pressures. Whether it’s small-town prejudice or hidden crimes, the protagonists navigate challenges that demand strength, intelligence, and moral courage.

With the Lena Crowe series—The Eighth of Everything and Dark Roads—I shifted to darker, true crime-inspired stories. Lena uncovers tragedies, examines past wrongs, and investigates perpetrators, all while navigating her own grief and trauma. These novels explore how individuals survive in the aftermath of violence and accusation, and how resilience can be passed down through generations.

The Miracle offers another perspective, focusing on marginalized voices in the LGBTQ+ community. Brandon and Joseph’s story confronts fear, prejudice, and loss, yet ultimately emphasizes love, hope, and redemption. Even when the stakes are life and death, the story centers on courage and the transformative power of empathy.

Across all these books, I strive to illuminate the human capacity to endure, resist, and thrive despite societal pressures, personal loss, and historical injustices. My characters often face prejudice, tragedy, or danger, but they also embody hope, moral courage, and the determination to fight for what is right.

Ultimately, whether through fiction, mystery, or supernatural elements, my work seeks to give voice to those often silenced, celebrate resilience, and remind readers that courage takes many forms, and that stories of marginalized voices deserve to be heard.

The Miracle: A Story of Love, Loss, and Redemption

 The Miracle: A Story of Love, Loss, and Redemption

The Miracle began as a short story I wrote back in 2000, inspired by friends whose families turned against them when they came out as gay. I recently revisited it, updating and expanding it into a novella, keeping the story’s emotional core intact.

Set in a small Southern town, the story follows two teenage boys, Brandon and Joseph, who struggle to reconcile their love with a community steeped in fear and prejudice. As tensions mount, they make the tragic decision to end their lives together in the town’s lake—a final act of devotion.

But death is not the end. A celestial light descends, bringing a radiant man and woman who restore Brandon and Joseph to life, promising them a place beyond human judgment where they can love freely. Their miraculous return leaves the town stunned, forcing its residents to confront the pain they caused and their own roles in the boys’ despair.

I intentionally left the beings’ identities ambiguous—some characters see them as angels, while others perceive them as visitors from another world. That ambiguity allows readers to experience the story in a way that resonates personally, emphasizing hope, redemption, and the power of love.

The Miracle is a story born from personal experience and observation, exploring the courage it takes to live authentically and the transformative impact of compassion, understanding, and acceptance.

Dark Roads: Lena Crowe Faces Her Darkest Case Yet

 Dark Roads: Lena Crowe Faces Her Darkest Case Yet

The Lena Crowe series takes a darker turn in the second book, Dark Roads, named after Lena’s own true crime podcast. In this story, Lena travels to the fictional town of Poplar Grass, NC, a small town with secrets lurking just beneath its surface.

After losing her husband and child in a tragic accident, Lena has dedicated her life to telling the stories of victims, survivors, and the monsters who haunt small towns. In Poplar Grass, she arrives hoping to help sixteen-year-old Maya, who was abducted and found a week later, traumatized and bloodied. But Lena soon uncovers chilling truths: a beloved high school coach tied to dark crimes, a drifter still on the loose, and a previous girl’s disappearance long dismissed as a runaway.

As Lena digs deeper, the stakes become terrifyingly personal. A taunting killer begins to stalk her, escalating his crimes and daring her to stop him. Lena finds herself in a deadly cat-and-mouse game where the dark roads of Poplar Grass stretch far beyond the town’s edges—and nowhere feels safe.

Dark Roads is the darkest Lena Crowe story yet, exploring grief, resilience, and the courage it takes to face evil head-on. With every step, Lena confronts not only the town’s horrors but the shadows of her own past.

This story was written this year over the course of a month. 

Introducing Lena Crowe: True Crime, Family Secrets, and North Carolina Mysteries

 Introducing Lena Crowe: True Crime, Family Secrets, and North Carolina Mysteries

After completing the June Calloway series, I felt ready to explore a new type of story. Enter Lena Crowe, a true crime podcaster turned investigator. Like June, Lena’s investigations take her across North Carolina, but the tone is darker and the stakes feel more personal.

The first book in the series, The Eighth of Everything, was originally written in 2018 and was inspired by a real-life case I had often heard about growing up—long before I was born. While the case sparked the idea, I fictionalized everything. For me, the story was never just about the crime itself; it was about what happens after someone is accused of something horrific. How do you stay in the same place, live your life, and face a community that may never fully forgive?

Through Lena’s investigation, readers uncover the story of Catherine, a woman whose fortitude and strength allowed her to endure unimaginable challenges—and whose resilience was passed down through her descendants. At its heart, The Eighth of Everything is a story about courage, survival, and the legacies of those who came before us.

With Lena Crowe, I wanted to explore the tension between public perception and private truth, blending mystery, history, and human resilience in a way that feels raw, compelling, and rooted in North Carolina.

The Silent Bell: Grady’s Past Comes Back to Haunt It

 The Silent Bell: Grady’s Past Comes Back to Haunt It

June Calloway returns to Grady in the most recent book of her series, The Silent Bell, where the town’s secrets refuse to stay buried. When beloved historian Eleanor Dray is found dead beneath the shadow of St. Luke’s bell tower, June and Detective Ben Harper are pulled into a chilling mystery that stretches back nearly two centuries.

A hidden chamber beneath the church reveals a dark truth. A boy named Elias was entombed alive, silenced to hide a murder that could shake Grady to its foundations. As June and Ben dig deeper, they uncover a web of lies, betrayal, and forgotten sins. They must race against time to prevent history from repeating itself.

I felt it was important to bring Grady’s past back to haunt the town, showing that the history of a place—and the people who lived there—can echo through generations. The Silent Bell blends suspense, history, and small-town intrigue, giving readers a story where the past and present collide in a way that challenges June’s instincts, courage, and determination like never before.

There may be one more book for June. I am playing around with ideas right now. The June series was written originally in 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001. 

A Spoonful Of Secrets: June returns to Grady for Book #3

 A Spoonful of Secrets: June Returns to Grady

June Calloway is back in Grady for the third book in her series, A Spoonful of Secrets. When the small-town journalist agrees to judge the Grady Sweetheart Bake-Off, she’s expecting a weekend full of frosted cupcakes, friendly chatter, and maybe a little harmless gossip. What she doesn’t expect is a contestant dropping dead before the judging is over.

With her reporter’s instincts and a stubborn streak a mile wide, June must navigate small-town secrets, follow the crumbs, and uncover the truth—before someone decides she’s stirred up enough trouble.

Returning to Grady allows readers to reconnect with the town and its familiar faces, while giving June a new challenge that combines mystery, suspense, and the charm of small-town life. From The Girl Time Forgot to The Dreams We Buryand now A Spoonful of Secrets, the series continues to explore June’s determination, curiosity, and ability to uncover hidden truths—no matter how sticky they get.

The Dreams We Bury: June Calloway Investigates in Ash Hollow, NC

 The Dreams We Bury

June Calloway Investigates in Ash Hollow, NC

After introducing June Calloway in The Girl Time Forgot, she returns in the second book of her series, The Dreams We Bury, facing a mystery that takes her to a completely new part of Eastern North Carolina.

In this story, June travels from Grady to the fictional town of Ash Hollow, NC, a tiny riverside town of just 300 people. Once a bustling community, Ash Hollow has fallen on hard times after the local mill closed, leaving behind a town with faded buildings and a sense of quiet decay. The Chowan River runs alongside the town, adding both beauty and an ominous backdrop for the story.

June’s investigation centers on Ivy, a young woman who disappeared and was tragically found two years later in a shallow grave along the riverbank. As she digs deeper, June uncovers a web of connections between the murder victim and people still living in Ash Hollow. Residents whose pasts and secrets shape the town’s present.

By creating Ash Hollow, I wanted to capture the feel of small, struggling towns in Eastern North Carolina. Places with history, character, and a community shaped by both loss and resilience. It’s a setting that challenges June, exposes the human stories behind crime, and allows readers to experience the tension and atmosphere of a town where everyone knows each other, yet secrets still lurk in the shadows.

Building Grady, NC: Where Fiction Meets Reality

Building Grady, NC: Where Fiction Meets Reality

One of the most rewarding parts of writing my books has been creating the fictional town of Grady, NC. Grady appears in After the Fall, Beneath the Surface, and The Girl Time Forgot, serving as a home base for the characters and their stories.

While Grady is fictional, it’s firmly rooted in reality. I placed it in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, and used the real town of Tarboro as my model. The charm of Tarboro—the streets, the historic buildings, the small-town atmosphere—helped me shape Grady into a place that feels alive and authentic, even though the characters and events are entirely my own.

In The Girl Time Forgot, the story expands beyond Grady, taking readers across North Carolina and into the Charlotte Metro area. This allowed me to explore different settings and give June Calloway’s investigations a broader scope, while still keeping Grady as the heart of the world. Grounding the story in real locations like Charlotte adds layers of authenticity that complement the fictional town.

Creating a fictional town rooted in reality allows me to balance imagination with authenticity and hopefully gives readers a place they feel they could actually visit. Even if only in their minds. Across three books, Grady has become more than just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right, shaping and reflecting the journeys of Gabe, Nate, and now June Calloway.

Fun Note: One thought I have had is to work with an illustrator to create a town map of Grady. So stay tuned!

The Girl Time Forgot: June Calloway Steps Into the Spotlight

 The Girl Time Forgot: June Calloway Steps Into the Spotlight

After spinning June Calloway off into her own series, the first book, The Girl Time Forgot, finally came to life. June’s investigative work takes us through the fictional town of Grady, NC, across North Carolina, and even into the Charlotte Metro area, giving readers a mix of small-town charm and urban intrigue.

Interestingly, I originally wrote this story back in 1998, so revisiting the manuscript meant updating and polishing it to fit today’s context. One fun detail! Charlotte is building a beautiful new library, which I included in the book. Although in reality, it won’t be complete and open to the public until 2026. It’s exciting to imagine readers encountering a location in the story before it even exists in real life!

For me, June’s story represents a new direction. One that blends mystery, human connection, and a sense of place that readers can almost step into. I can’t wait to share more of her investigations and the corners of North Carolina she uncovers along the way.

Here is a link with information about what the Charlotte library will be like once completed.

https://www.cmlibrary.org/new-main-library

June Gets Her Own Series

 After finishing Beneath the Surface, I realized one of the secondary characters had a story that deserved its own spotlight. 

That character is June Calloway, an investigative reporter with a knack for uncovering truths and helping people find missing loved ones.

From the start, I knew June needed her own series. A place where she could take center stage, solve mysteries, and navigate challenges that stretched beyond the lives of Gabe and Nate. Giving her this space allowed me to explore a new side of storytelling. Suspense, investigation, and the human stories behind the cases she takes on.

For me, spinning off June into her own series wasn’t just about expanding my world. It was about allowing a character to grow in ways that the main series couldn’t accommodate. Watching her story unfold has been thrilling, and I hope readers will enjoy joining her on each new investigation as much as I’ve enjoyed writing them.

The first book in the series is called The Girl Time Forgot. 

Beneath the Surface: Wrapping Up Gabe and Nate’s Story

When I wrote After the Fall, I knew Gabe and Nate’s story couldn’t be contained in just one book. Trying to tell everything at once would have made the book too long, and it would have robbed their journey of the moments that make it meaningful.

That’s why Beneath the Surface exists. This sequel gave me the chance to explore their story fully, to show how they navigate challenges, growth, and each other in a way that feels true to them. For now, this book wraps up Gabe and Nate’s journey. But the world they live in still has room to breathe, and who knows where their story might touch readers in the future.

Writing a sequel also reminded me that pacing matters—not just in the story itself, but in how a reader experiences it. Some stories need to unfold over time, giving characters the space to grow and readers the space to connect.

I’m so grateful to everyone who has followed Gabe and Nate’s journey so far. Sharing their story, seeing it resonate even with a few readers, has made every late night and rewriting session worth it.

The Rollercoaster of Releasing a Book

 The Rollercoaster of Releasing a Book

Finishing After the Fall was exhilarating and terrifying. When I typed the last word, I felt a rush of pride and relief, the kind that comes from finally bringing an idea to life after months of work. But along with that excitement came a wave of fear: What if no one reads it? What if they read it and don’t like it?

Publishing a book is a vulnerable thing. It’s like releasing a paper lantern into the night sky. You hope it catches the wind and soars, but you can’t control where it goes or who will see it.

While After the Fall hasn’t exactly taken the world by storm, the people who have read it have enjoyed it. Knowing that my story has touched even a few readers has made all the fear and effort worth it. That's enough for me. 

For anyone considering publishing, I’d say this. It’s not about reaching everyone, it’s about reaching someone. That someone will make the journey worthwhile.

Why I Chose Self Publishing

 When I first started thinking seriously about publishing, I had two choices in front of me. I could try to land a traditional publishing deal or take the leap into self-publishing. Like a lot of writers, I grew up imagining what it would be like to walk into a bookstore and see my book on the shelf thanks to a big-name publisher. But when it came down to actually making the decision, I realized self-publishing was the path that made the most sense for me.

I Didn’t Want to Wait Forever

Writing a book is already such a long journey—drafting, editing, revising, second-guessing, rewriting. By the time I finished my first one, I didn’t want to spend years waiting for query letters, agents, and publishing schedules to line up before my story ever saw the light of day. With self-publishing, I had the freedom to turn my manuscript into a finished book on my timeline.

For me, that meant actually getting to hold my book in my hands sooner rather than later, and there’s nothing quite like that moment.

Skipping the Gatekeepers

I’ve heard so many authors talk about the endless rejection letters, the frustration of trying to “fit” their work into what the industry says is marketable, or the heartbreak of almost getting there but not quite. I knew going in that if I chose the traditional route, I’d be opening myself up to the same experience.

Self-publishing gave me another option. I could bypass the gatekeepers entirely and put my work directly into the hands of readers. It doesn’t mean the path is easy; self-publishing brings its own challenges, but at least the decision rests with me, not with someone else’s inbox.

Owning the Whole Process

Another thing I’ve come to really appreciate about self-publishing is the control. I get to decide on the cover design, formatting, release date, and marketing. That can be intimidating sometimes, but it also feels empowering. Every part of the book feels like mine, from the first draft to the finished product.

My Bottom Line

I chose self-publishing because it gave me freedom. The freedom to bring my stories to life without waiting for permission, without years of delay, and without the constant “what ifs” of rejection letters. For me, it’s been worth every step of the learning curve, and I’m excited to keep building on that journey.

How Mythology and History Shape My Writing

 

If you’ve been following me for a little while, you probably know that I have a background in history. I earned my BA in it, and I’ve always been drawn to mythology. Honestly, I don’t think I could separate the two even if I tried. Both have been shaping the way I see stories since before I ever thought about writing my own.

Why I Keep Coming Back to History

For me, history has never been just about memorizing dates or battles. It’s about people. Their struggles, their victories, and the little things they did just to get through the day. I love how every culture leaves behind clues about what mattered most to them, whether it’s a tradition, a political system, or even the kind of food they ate.

When I sit down to write, those details sneak into my worlds. I want readers to feel like the cultures in my books have roots, like they’ve been around for generations before the first page even begins.

My Obsession with Mythology

Then there’s mythology. This is where my imagination really runs wild. Myths were how ancient people explained the mysteries of life. It's how they explained why the thunder rolled, why crops failed, and why love and loss could feel like battles of their own.

I think that’s why I loved writing my Witch series so much. I loved weaving myth-like elements into their story. They give my fictional cultures a spiritual heartbeat. I ask myself: What do these people fear? What do they hope for? Who do they call on when they feel powerless? 

Blending the Old with the New

Now, I don’t just lift myths or historical events and drop them straight into my books. That would feel too on-the-nose. Instead, I treat them like seeds. 

Most of the time, readers won’t even recognize where those seeds come from, but they’ll feel the weight of them. They’ll sense the echoes of real history and old myths, even if they can’t name them. That’s the kind of texture I want in my stories. Worlds that feel bigger than the words on the page.

Why It Matters to Me

At the end of the day, drawing on history and mythology reminds me that storytelling is one of the oldest things we do as humans. Long before books, before writing itself, people gathered around fires and tried to explain the world with stories. Every time I write, I feel like I’m joining that same tradition, just adding my own voice to it.

And honestly? That’s a big part of why I love writing.

How to Story Map Your Novel Before You Write It

 When I started writing, I often rushed straight into the blank page with nothing more than a burst of inspiration. Sometimes that worked, but more often, I got lost halfway through. What changed everything for me was learning how to story map before I write.

Think of story mapping as building a guide for your imagination. It doesn’t box you in. Instead, it gives you a clear path forward while still leaving space for surprises. Here’s a step-by-step process you can use. 

1. Start With Your Characters

Your characters are the heart of your story. Before you outline plot points, spend time getting to know them. Ask yourself:

• Who are they at their core?

• What do they want more than anything?

• What stands in their way?

• How might they grow or change?

Write down key physical details, personality traits, and quirks. Even a short sketch can make them feel real and give you direction as you plot.

2. Brainstorm Key Events

Next, jot down the big things that need to happen in your story. Don’t worry about the order just yet. Capture the important beats. These could be moments of conflict, turning points, or revelations that change everything.

3. Build a Timeline

Once you have your events, start arranging them in order. This gives you a rough timeline of your story. Pay attention to pacing:

• Do the stakes rise steadily?

• Is there too much happening at once, or not enough?

• Where might you add tension or relief?

4. Explore Alternate Paths

Sometimes the first version of your story map isn’t the strongest one. Try sketching out 2–3 possible routes for how your story could unfold. Play with “what if” questions. You might discover a more exciting direction or have backup plans in case you get stuck.

5. Leave Room for Discovery

A story map is a guide, not a cage. Don’t feel locked into it. Some of the best moments in writing happen when your characters surprise you. Use the map to stay oriented, but allow yourself freedom to explore.

Final Thought

Story mapping transformed the way I write. Instead of feeling lost halfway through, I always know where I’m headed. If you’ve been struggling with unfinished drafts, give story mapping a try. It may be the tool that unlocks your creativity.

Lessons Learned From Writing My First Books

 When I started writing my first books, I dove in headfirst with raw ideas and excitement—but I quickly realized that inspiration alone wasn’t enough. The biggest lesson I learned was the importance of story mapping before I begin writing.

Story mapping became the tool that transformed scattered thoughts into a clear roadmap. I often sketch out several different options for how I see the story unfolding. This helps me explore “what if” scenarios before committing to a direction.

One of the first steps in story mapping is fleshing out my characters. I spend time with them in my mind, asking questions like:

• Who are they at their core?

• What do they look like?

• What are their strengths, flaws, and quirks?

• How might they change over the course of the story?

I’ll write down key physical descriptions, personality traits, and even the little details that make them feel real. Once the characters are in place, I move on to plot milestones and timelines. I outline the key events that need to happen and then arrange them in sequence. Seeing the story in a timeline helps me check for gaps, pacing issues, or moments where tension can build naturally.

Mapping doesn’t kill creativity. It gives it direction. Instead of staring at a blank page wondering where to start, I now have a guide that keeps me focused while still leaving room for discovery.

Looking back, I wish I had embraced story mapping sooner. It’s a step I’ll never skip again.

Behind The Story: The Atheneum Key

 Every story I write begins with an image, a spark of imagination that refuses to let go. For The Covenant of the Veil, that spark came from something very real. An old, rusty key I once found in a field.

It was weathered, heavy, and ordinary in some ways, but I couldn’t stop wondering. What did this key once open? Who carried it? What secrets might it have kept locked away? That single object stayed with me, and over time, it transformed into the Atheneum Key.

At first, it was just a vision in my mind. Strange, ancient, and heavy with meaning. I didn’t yet know who held it, or why it mattered, but I knew it belonged at the heart of the story. As I developed the world and its characters, the Atheneum Key evolved from a simple artifact into a symbol of knowledge, power, and legacy.

What fascinates me most about creating objects like this is how they shape the narrative in unexpected ways. For me as a writer, artifacts like the Key serve another purpose. They anchor the imagination. They’re tactile, visual reminders of the unseen forces that drive the story forward. Whenever I found myself lost in the labyrinth of plotting, I could return to that original image, the rusty key in the field, and ask myself questions. What "doors" does it open? What truths does it "unlock"?

In the end, the Atheneum Key is both a literal object and a metaphor. It reminds me that every story is about unlocking something—whether it’s a hidden truth, a character’s inner strength, or a destiny waiting to be fulfilled.

If you stumbled upon a mysterious key, what door would you hope it opened?

The Atheneum Key features on the cover of the sequel to The Covenant of the Veil, called The Covenant of Ash.