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Teaching My Kids Mystery Writing
What I Use to Teach Mystery Writing to my Homeschooled High School Students
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Upgrading with Teaching Textbooks
Dyslexia doesn’t stop with reading and writing. Math gets tossed into the mix- just for fun. After years of trying many curriculums, Teaching Textbooks came to our family’s rescue! Now, as I’m watching my kiddos grow and learn, I get to introduce you to the upgraded, improved, and still life-saving Teaching Textbooks 4.0. Teaching Textbooks is a computer-based math program for elementary through High School. My family has used it for years! Not only does it instruct my kiddos in easy-to-understand, playful, humorous, and simple ways- but it also grades them for me. All I have to do is check their grade books and check in on their progress now…
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Starting a New Job After 20+ Years of Homeschooling and Tutoring: A Faith-Filled Step Into a New Season
There’s a special kind of courage required to start a new job after spending more than two decades homeschooling and tutoring — and when you add faith to the journey, it becomes not just a career transition, but a spiritual one. For many, homeschooling was never just about academics. It was a calling — a daily act of obedience, prayer, sacrifice, and trust. So when the season shifts, it can feel both exciting and tender, like closing a well-loved chapter while wondering what God is writing next. If you’re stepping into something new, take heart: the same God who guided you through lesson plans, long days, and countless teachable moments…
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FAQ for Writing Coach
❓ BOOKING PAGE FAQ Who is coaching best suited for? Teens, homeschool students, hobby writers, and adults who want encouragement, clarity, or guidance — whether you’re just starting or working toward publication. Do I need writing experience? Not at all. Many writers start with only an idea or curiosity. What happens in a session? We talk about your goals, challenges, and next steps. Sessions are conversational, encouraging, and practical — no pressure or harsh critique. Can you help with publishing? Yes. I can walk you through the basics of self-publishing on ebook platforms and help you understand the process. Is this faith-friendly? Yes. I am a Christian writer — encouragement…
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The Beginning of the End of Paranormal Penny
Five-plus years ago, I introduced a teenage girl named Penny Nicols—an ordinary girl with a very un-ordinary problem. Penny sees omens. Most of them are unsettling. Some are terrifying. And one—the raven—means murder. What began as a single story slowly became a long-running cozy paranormal mystery series, one that has followed Penny through near-misses, small-town secrets, dark discoveries, and choices that no teenager should have to make. Along the way, this series has grown right alongside me as a writer. And now… I’m finally standing at the beginning of the end. Closing the Circle on a Long Journey This year marks my intentional focus on finishing the core Paranormal Penny…
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Unraveling the Ultimate Self-Care For Mystery Writers
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Finishing Paranormal Penny: My Plans for the Year
Every January carries a little hope and a little pressure. This year, I’m choosing clarity instead of pressure. After more than five years of living with Penny Nicols and her world, I’ve made a simple, meaningful decision: This is the year I finish the Paranormal Penny Mystery series. And instead of disappearing into the writing cave, I’m inviting readers along for the journey. Why This Year Matters Paranormal Penny has been with me through seasons of growth, exhaustion, faith, doubt, and joy. She’s grown up on the page—and so have I. What started as a story idea slowly became a long-term commitment, one I’ve carried quietly for years. Finishing this…
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Unraveling the Ultimate Self-Care For Mystery Writers
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Unraveling the Ultimate Self-Care For Mystery Writers
I might weave some incredible plot twists into the lives of my main character and their friends, however, when my life gets twisted, it isn’t easy to take a break. What would a break from writing even look like? How would a mystery writer spend a day of self-care? I’m glad you asked. Morning Midday Afternoon Evening With this plan, you’ll not only refresh your mind but also have a few laughs along the way! A little bit of levity and a brain break or three will get you right back into the thick of things in no time. Your main character can wait. The villain won’t escape. Unless your…
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Get Ready to Sparkle and Sleuth: A Cozy Mystery Writer’s Guide to 4th of July!
As we gear up for fireworks, barbecues, and perhaps a touch of mystery this 4th of July, it’s time to sharpen our sleuthing skills and sprinkle in a little holiday spirit! Here’s your essential guide to navigating Independence Day like a cozy mystery protagonist with tips for writing a July 4th cozy mystery. 1. Find Your Inspiration: Think sparklers, backyard cookouts, and suspiciously missing potato salad. Every corner of your neighbor’s block party could be hiding a clue! 2. Master the Red, White, and Blue: Your protagonist might uncover clues hidden in patriotic decorations or overhear intriguing conversations amidst the “oohs” and “aahs” of fireworks. 3. Secret Ingredients: What’s in…
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3 of My Favorite Dyslexia Resources
Every family with over one child will tell you no two kids are the same. Especially in learning styles and strengths. In my home, we have many difficulties, some diagnose and some left undocumented. Dyslexia is one of the loudest in our homeschool. Here are three resources we use to battle dyslexia. Let’s get straight to the list: Homeschooling with Dyslexia— this fantastic resource is more than just a website. It’s a one-stop learning platform to teach you (the parent/teacher) how to live with and teach your dyslexic kiddo. Marrianne was my first stop to educate myself on how to educate my student. She’s also the first place I send…
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I Don’t Think So- JB Fletcher
Jessica Fletcher calls out criminals using four simple words- I Don’t Think So. Check out how I use Murder She Wrote Episodes to get my students prepared to write their own mystery novels. First, Murder She Wrote is the iconic cozy mystery television series that rocked the eighties and nineties. If you weren’t alive to watch the episodes as they aired, odds are you caught a few reruns with your parents or grandparents. Second, Jessica Fletcher is a fun character to follow. Plus, she’s static. She doesn’t grow very much throughout the series. This means we can focus on the mystery instead of following the character arc, making the journey…
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It’s Agatha Christie Time
Funny thing about mystery writers. Their real lives are often mysteries of their own. Agatha Christie is no exception. Multiple movies have hypothesized and dramatized her missing days. There’s even a Dr. Who episode about them. It’s time to meet the grand madam of mystery, Agatha Christie, and her big-time murders in small-town settings. *** As authors come closer to the present time, their biographies may become more graphic. Please use care. Don't rely on my standards. Please- Vet the videos to fit your family's needs. *** Agatha Christie Biographies Short Ones Longer Ones Mystery of Agatha’s Missing Days Here are some theories about Agatha’s missing days. What do you…
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Meet Father Brown
Onto another master of mystery, and his iconic character, known as Father Brown. One can often find GK Chesterton gracing the book lists of Classical Education families and teachers. Even more often, someone unfamiliar with Mr. Chesterton’s essays and arguments can stumble upon his most famous fictional character. Meet GK Chesterton’s witty and wily Father Brown. Read this article about GK- https://www.chesterton.org/who-is-this-guy/ to learn more about the man. Or watch this video about his Catholic faith and ideals. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=id3GL9KwGcM But now let’s discuss the Priest with a Passion for crime solving- Father Brown. Father Brown mysteries combine faith and fiction, common sense and character qualities, producing another amazing sleuth. https://www.fatherbrowngame.com/about-father-brown.htm…
