Music

"Write what you know" - Mark Twain

My stories are set in the Boundary Waters of Northern Minnesota, but the arts sneak their way into my stories, too. Music has always been an important part of my life. I was exposed to music at a young age, starting piano lessons in kindergarten. School orchestras, choirs, and high school musicals were my primary activities. All of my children play instruments. My oldest is currently working on a doctorate in wind (band) conducting. My husband plays the trombone in a community band, and I sing in a local chorale. The arts are familiar and comfortable topics for me that I weave into my stories.

My protagonist in Northern Woods played the violin as a child. Penny, the main female character in Ripple Effects, has a dream to sing and dance on Broadway. The main character in “Power of the Pen,” a short story I wrote last summer, is a poet. The daughter of my protagonist in my current manuscript is studying the cello at the University of British Columbia. Margot, the female main character in my upcoming short story “Northern Blues,” is a ballerina.

I love when an author leans on a subject matter they are passionate about. Years ago, I read Danielle Steele. Her focus on fashion was in every single book she wrote. Nora Roberts writes characters who have been in the military. My critique partner, Desi Stowe works in health care, and many of her stories revolve around the lives of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare personnel. I read Jessica Strawser who weaves domestic abuse through her work to raise awareness of the issue.

Everyone has unique passions. I love the wilderness, nature, music, and flowers. My readers will find snippets of all of these in everything I write.

My next publication is Northern Blues: a short story published by nicolefrailbooks. It will be released on June 2, 2026. Pre-orders for this e-book are available now for $0.99 https://books2read.com/northernblues

When an injured NYU ballerina is sidelined for the summer, she returns to her small hometown where she meets an aspiring chef who encourages her to explore love and life outside of dance.

Thanks for reading.