2015 BooksandAuthors.com BOOK OF THE YEAR 

2016 Kindle Book Review Semifinalist

John E Weaver Excellent Read Award

One shot fired deep in the pine forests of her youth was all it took to change Hattie's life forever. At the age of fourteen, Hattie learns that her mother, Addie, is dead, and her father, Hubbard, stands accused of Addie's murder, along with countless other shocking betrayals. Overnight, Hattie becomes mother to her three siblings while still very much a child herself.
The life she had dreamt of now seems impossible to achieve. How will Hattie break away from the father who prevents her from living the life she desperately wants? Will her heart ever be able to heal in the height of The Great Depression?

 The Phone Call

As published in Chicken Soup for the Military Wife's Soul

"Is this Mrs. Smith?" an unidentified male's voice asked me over the phone.

I cautiously answered yes. Was this the phone call I have been dreading since March? For a moment, I thought I was going to be sick.

Then, the best words I have ever heard came through the receiver. "Smith, your wife's on the phone."

At 5:20 a.m. on April 18, my heart leapt to my throat. I had not heard my husband's voice since Feb. 16. For a moment I wondered if his voice would sound the same. I wondered if I remembered his voice at all.

Immediately, what seemed to be a thousand questions flew through my head. The news channel I am now addicted to had not reported anything from his brigade in a week. "Where are you? How are you? Have you been able to shower? Are you eating? Do you miss me? What has taken you so long to call?"

As published in the 

Petigru Review 

News of the death spread quickly throughout Huet’s Point. It moved in whispers across porches and through open parlor windows. Near dusk, it escaped prim lips and landed in Ellie Weever’s ears as she walked home from Hodges General Store.

The next morning, Ellie rose early, before dawn, and dressed by lamplight, eager to welcome her guests. With every button of her bodice secured and her apron tied around her slight waist, she carried the lamp from her bedroom, down the stairs, and through the kitchen.  

She listened to the ticking of the parlor clock, floating past the furniture and sparse décor of her home. It crept around darkened doorways and over the wooden floor. The sound seemed to grow louder against the silence of the house. Troubled by the ticking and the quiet, Ellie walked to the pantry. She was filling her pockets with peppermints when she heard the banging on the death door. 

As Managing Editor of Clemson Road Creative, I write blog posts for a variety of clients. From boutique real estate firms to nonprofits to restaurants, if you want to beef up your online presence and become a well-known industry leader, look no further. I can tell your story in your voice. And, each blog is paired with a social media script for easy sharing. 

Going Against Tribe

As published in The Lagniappe

I’ve voted for a Republican. Once. I’m about to vote for a Republican again.

So, what, in this age of tribalism when American voters choose a side and pledge their undying loyalty, would make me turn toward the other team? Not what, but who.

Looking for landing page copy that lets the world know you are the real deal, legit, master of your universe? I can do that. How about boiler copy, press releases, or capabilities statements? You go change the world with innovation, invention, and service. I'll spread the word for you (and create the words, of course.) Now, scroll that little pointer on down and check out some writing samples.