about me

My three siblings and I grew up in Atlanta under the watchful eyes of a beautiful Cuban germaphobe, a philosophical Georgia boy, and a curmudgeonly miniature schnauzer.

I then followed my hunky high school boyfriend to UVa and studied Religious Studies and Drama. It was also there that I discovered improv comedy, which I still love to teach and perform with the very talented Joe Lemmo.

Eventually, I headed for D.C. to get a master's in theology. Two years later, I returned to Atlanta (married to the hunk) to teach junior high and high school theology. Later, I began teaching for RCIA classes and guest lecturing at local parishes.

After being shortlisted for the 2015 The Write Practice Short Story Contest with my story, The Cowbird Egg, I continued writing and creating tales of adventure, devotion, hope, and humor. My first novel, Fyrian’s Fire released at #1 in Teen Christian Fantasy New Releases. In 2020, it was named Best Debut by the Realm Makers Conference, which was such a thrill. It re-released with Girl Friday Books in 2022. The draft of Book 2 in the Fate of Glademont Series is finally with a developmental editor. Huzzah! Stay tuned.

In May 2019, we adopted our first child. In November 2021, I gave birth to our second. I am overwhelmed in a whole new way and have realized that, through motherhood, God is teaching me how little I can do on my own.

Unless previously approved, you may not call me "Em." If you are a blood relative, you may call me "Emmie." If you are a college friend, you might call me "Tabasco" or "Ice Queen" (unfortunate remnants of my judgmental phase of which I assure you I am completely cured). If you are anyone else, you can call me basically anything else, because I'm so happy you visited my site.

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Keep reading timeless stories. They remind you that your soul is on an adventure!

Ttfn,

Emily