About

Long ago, MJ realized that she was meant to write for children, because despite the fact that she has supposedly grown into an adult, she remains a child at heart.

Usually, she finds herself immersed in conversations with a quirky group of thirteen-year-olds in her middle grade novel (with series potential), Sam’s Movin’, Groovin’, Cookin’ Club; or ten brave children plotting the demise of Adolf Hitler in Kinderspiel; or perhaps a golfing pup as he traverses the trials of competing in his first Pedigree Golf Association Championship as Ace, the Hole in One Pup (one of her picture books). She can also be found fostering environmental awareness in youth with another picture book, Mother May I or shedding light on unknown heroes/heroines like Claudette Colvin, in The Girl Who Sat Down First. 

When she is not conversing with her characters, she enjoys working on copywriting projects, leading a Writer’s Group, attending SCBWI or #12X12 webinars/conferences, reading Scripture and spending time with her wonderful husband, son, daughter, daughter-in-law and pup, Rizzo. As a matter of fact, they have all periodically joined in her character “discussions” and have been idea contributors and frequent sounding boards. Her daughter in law expertly illustrates her picture books as well (Amanda Rose Inksplot). Believe it or not, even her dog has provided her with ideas for her next picture book, Rizzo, the Grand Slam Pup (a sequel to Ace, The Hole In One Pup).

While her faith and family are of the utmost importance to her, she is eager to enjoy new adventures with characters she has yet to meet…