I wrote my first story when I was a nine year- old, freckled-faced tomboy in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains (my earlier writings wouldn’t have been considered “books”, more like short stories). Coming from a long line of oral storytellers, weaving a good yarn seemed a typical part of my life. It wasn’t until I finished college, had two children, and a full-time job before I began to study the ‘craft’ of writing (you know when I had plenty of time).
My music-director turned pastor husband took his first senior pastor position eight years ago, moved the 6 of us to Tennessee, where we added our fifth and final kid to the Basham crew. And now we’re in Asheville, NC. Yep, we love the Blue Ridge Mountains.
So…now I’m an older, freckled-faced mommy enjoying life, learning to write, and laughing often. My mom says that I must have a small bit of insanity because I don’t realize how stressed I ought to be.
I’m also a speech-language pathologist who spends her time hanging out with kids who have social communication and language difficulties! It’s a challenge and a blessing – and constantly teaches me about the importance of thinking outside the box!
My newest book, Positively, Penelope, is a continuation of Authentically, Izzy, but brings Penelope Edgewood center stage with her own romantic adventure. Lots of humor, theatrical references, and adoration of Julie Andrews mixes together with a grumpy single-dad, a theater in need of rescue, and a nefarious plot to ruin all of Penelope’s positive plans.
You can get to know me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or Twitter.
Awards and Acknowledgements
2022 – ECPA Bestseller List, March 2023 (Authentically, Izzy)
2022 – CelebrateLit Blogger’s Choice Award (The Heart of the Mountains)
2022 – Christy Award Finalist (Hope Between the Pages)
2020 – CelebrateLit Book of the Year– finalist (The Red Ribbon)
2019 – Inspy Awards Longlist – Contemporary Romance (My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge)
2017 – RT Awards – finalist in the Inspirational Romance category (The Thorn Healer)
2017 – Shortlist for the Inspy Awards – Contemporary Romance (A Twist of Faith)
2017 Grace Awards Finalist – A Twist of Faith
2016 – ACFW Carol Award Finalist – Debut (The Thorn Bearer)
2016 – Shortlist for The Inspy Awards (The Thorn Bearer)
2015 – Finalist for The Grace Awards (The Thorn Bearer)
2015 – Bronze in the Reader’s Favorites International Contest (The Thorn Bearer)
2012 – Semi-finalist in ACFW’s Genesis Contest (A Twist of Faith)
2011 – Double-Finalist for ACFW’s Genesis Contest (Just the Way You are and Heartless)
2010 – Finalistin RWA’s Golden Rose (The Thorn Bearer)
2010 – First Place in the Inspiration Category of the TARA (The Thorn Bearer)
2009- BRMCWC Award of Excellence in Christian Fiction (Just the Way You Are)