Meet Kristy

Writer. Back Road Diva. Dreamer.

Wife. Empty nester. Jesus girl. Lifelong Southerner. Admirer of small-town charm and back roads. Music lover. Movie buff. Book hoarder. Mental health advocate. Lover of coffee, laughter, and meaningful conversations with friends. Love my family, travel, and sunshine. Thankful for my readers.

Roots

The saying, “You can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the girl,” applies to me.

I grew up in the country in East Tennessee, near the Great Smoky Mountains. My dad used to joke that we lived so far out in the boondocks that we had to swing in on the grapevines. ;) Being out in the middle of nowhere feels like home to me, and small-town life often serves as the backdrop for my stories.

Family & Everyday Joys

For fun, you’ll often find me riding shotgun beside my husband, taking the scenic route along country roads. We often wander. From main streets and state parks to hole-in-the wall diners, antique shops, old country stores, or mom & pop BBQ joints, we just never know where our adventures will lead.

I never imagined myself getting married or having a kid, but now my greatest joy is being a wife, mom, and mother-in-law. My family is my biggest blessing! God knows what we need even when we don’t see it.

My Work & Calling

I earned my BA in communications (journalism emphasis), but I took a detour and also studied special education. I met my hubby the first day of graduate school. I didn’t finish my master’s in special ed. but received my “Mrs.” degree instead.

Before my writing career, I worked with children and adults with autism and other learning differences for many years in various capacities. Individuals with disABILITIES teach me beautiful lessons about patience, perseverance, and unconditional love.

I started stringing sentences together in the 4th grade and wrote stories using my weekly spelling words. I wanted to be a writer when I grew up, and now I’m living my childhood dream. I’m grateful for a great full life doing what I love—writing fiction with grit, grace & Southern soul.

Lastly, I live with bipolar disorder and was a recipient of the Clifford Beers Award from Mental Health America of the MidSouth for improving attitudes toward people with mental illness. Some days are a struggle, but I keep on keeping on. Better days are ahead—for you too. Please don’t give up. There’s no shame in seeking help.