Published Works
"My passion for writing is anchored in creative nonfiction and includes Christian devotionals, Bible studies, and inspiring personal essays (often with a humorous element). My goal is to inspire and empower my readers to grow deeper in their relationship with the Lord. My work has been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul, Pet Pals TV, Current Publications, and the Erma Bombeck Humor Writers blog."
It was an honor and a privilege to be published in the bestseller Chicken Soup for the Soul – twice within a year. My story, "Home for the Holidays" shares the unlikely encounter and adoption of my beloved dog Toto. How did a dog named Toto end up in the lap of a writer named Oz? The answer can be found in the 2018 edition of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Miracles and More.
Copies may be purchased on Amazon at: Miracles and More.
What a blessing it was to have a story about my incredible mom published in the 2017 spring edition of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Best Mom Ever! My story, "It's Never Too Late" is a humorous tale about my mom launching her writing career after attending the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop. Not only did she hone her skills at the conference, but she was also crowned queen. This was my first submission and acceptance to Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Copies may be purchased on Amazon at: Best Mom Ever.
While working as managing editor at Current Publishing, I composed 100-plus articles (print and online) ranging from local government and entertainment to community events and people. I also wrote a weekly column and features for many editions. Excerpts from my favorite cover stories are below (click on title for link to full story).
An Ordinary Dude
“Hi guys, I haven’t seen most of you since Christmas. Where have you been?” pastor Aaron Brockett asked his audience last Easter. “You actually may not want to come back because it’s hard.”… Since taking the helm of Traders Point Christian Church in Whitestown in 2007, this 36-year-old self-proclaimed, “ordinary dude” is the leader of one of the fastest-growing churches in America according to Outreach magazine’s 2011 ranking.
A Journey of Miracles
Blood slowly leaked from his heart, but nothing was going to stop him from finishing the race in honor of his 6-year-old, leukemia-stricken granddaughter. An ambulance was ready as he reached the hill – “No, I’m not quitting,” he said, before riding off with head down, vision blurred and neck stiffening. “If Lauryn can endure chemo, I can do this even if I have to crawl to the finish,” recalled Tom Rushworth, owner of Carmel’s Goddard School.
Let It not be in Vain
A sip. A chug. A shot. Soon everything becomes hazy. Decisions become impaired. Bodies stumble. Fall to the ground. A friend is dragged to the couch to rest and sleep it off, but this time his body is lifeless. There is no pulse. Panic fills the room. Everything is cleaned up. No trace of a party remains. But, with every second of delay, life slips away. They don’t know about the lifeline that is available to them and their stricken friend. State Sen. Jim Merritt does. So do Carmel residents Dawn and Norm Finbloom, whose son, Brett, 19, was a week away from beginning his college career at the University of Oklahoma, when he left home for a party.