My parents gave me a journal for Christmas when I was in the second grade. I saw the blank pages and was so eager to fill them with stories, poems, and drawings. That is my earliest memory of my passion for writing.
     I still have the journal, and I show it to children during presentations to try and spark their little imaginations. Sometimes I give them blank journals and pencils, too!

     In the third grade, our teacher asked each student to write poems for a period of time. Then we took our individual poems and put them together to make our very own poetry book. I loved it! I also remember finishing first and scoring a 100 on a detailed pronoun test the same year. I was so proud of myself. I am certain everyone was very impressed. ;-) 

     In the eighth grade, I discovered the thrill of diagramming sentences. (Who doesn't enjoy that, right?)

     Through the years, my passion grew. English remained my favorite subject. In high school, I was the editor-in-chief of our school newsmagazine. In 1992, a few months before I graduated, one of my articles won first place in a state-wide writing competition. As a result, I became the first recipient of the Robert Dunnavant, Sr., college scholarship for writing. I had already decided that I wanted to teach and write for a living.

     Also during my senior year, I wrote our class song and was elected "Class Poet." I was named a "Top Senior Girl" because of these and other accomplishments. 
     College Years
     When I was a freshman, one of my professors took notice of my writing and encouraged me to write professionally. It was then that I began another sort of journal--a blue, three-ring binder with lots of blank, lined notebook pages that I filled primarily with poems. I wrote over 300 poems during this time period; they are a bit like a diary, so I have chosen not to publish them at this time.

     When I was a junior, I was awarded another scholarship for writing. When I was a senior, I wrote my first children's book! I sat on my twin bed in my bedroom at my parent's house and typed it out, using a now-archaic word processor. The story flowed through my fingertips very quickly, and I connected with my destiny at that moment. (The story needs a little work, but I will eventually publish it.)

     Also as a senior, another professor told me that I was the "best student writer" he had ever had. This meant the world to me, especially since he was an accomplished author himself and had been teaching English majors for decades.

     The influence of the two aforementioned professors was profound, and I think of them often when I speak faith and positivity over my students.

     For many years following my undergraduate years, through graduate school and well beyond, I continued to write. I began or completed dozens of children's books. I dreamed of being published and wondered when the day would finally come.

     Degrees and Teaching

     I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in December of 1996 (minor in psychology) from Athens State University, in Athens, Alabama. I began my graduate work in English at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, in 1997. I transferred to the University of Alabama in Huntsville and finished my Master of Arts degree in English in the spring of 2000.

     I began teaching college (English department, of course) on August 24, 1999. I was only 25 years old and was a bit "in over my head," but I loved it--still do--and have been teaching ever since. I have taught composition and literature courses for two community colleges and one university. I have also authored various college courses; much of my material has reached students worldwide.

     Additional Experience

     Along with teaching, I worked as an editor/writer for an engineering firm and a consulting firm from 2000-2009. I edited more technical documents than I care to remember. I was a lead writer for two newsmagazines, both distributed nationwide.  

     Furthermore, I have edited novels and children's books for other authors before publication: a science fiction novel, a novel about football, and several children's books.

     Published
     I'm a firm believer in following my inner voice (i.e, guidance from the Lord). I never felt the time for publishing my books was right until 2015, when my author-uncle introduced me to my first publisher. My dream of becoming a children's book author had finally come true! 

     My first book, All About Rhymes, was published in 2015. What a joy it was holding it in my hands! I was thrilled that Amazon rated the book "#1 New Release in Children's Humorous Poetry" in June of the same year.

     After that, things were in full motion. I've published lots more books, given dozens of presentations and readings, attended festivals, and was featured in a newsmagazine in my hometown of Athens, Alabama.

     Illustrations
     For my first five books, I worked with three incredibly talented illustrators. Each illustrator had his/her own unique style, and I studied and learned from each one. They were wonderful and so patient working with me and helping me bring my stories to life. 

     Let's Travel the World, book number six, was the first book I illustrated myself. I had a lot of fun experimenting with different types of sketch paper, watercolors, construction paper, stickers, pens, and markers to create my illustrations.  
     Through several more books, my style evolved into something simple and likely permanent. I like to create drawings that look like coloring book pages and fill them in with vibrant colors, using thick art paper, paints, markers, and pens. 

     Writing is my primary talent; art is secondary. Thankfully, I took advanced art classes in high school and had a very good teacher. This helped prepare me for my book work. (Fun fact: my third illustrator and I took these classes together!)

     None of my illustrations are perfect. However, I do strive to improve my art with each book. I faithfully study and am inspired by old cartooning styles with black outlining and bold colors, like The Peanuts, Tom and Jerry, The Pink Panther, and The Flintstones. Best of all, I now have a big-girl stencil set, so I don't have to search the house and find items like hairspray bottle tops or my daughter's puzzle pieces to draw shapes.

     Current Work
     Nowadays, I work on my books almost daily. I have unlimited book ideas, for which I give God all the glory! There is ALWAYS a story brewing in my head. I take no credit for my talents and gifts. They are from God. However, what I do with my gifts is my responsibility, and I am eager to serve Him with my books. 
     Laura Ingalls Wilder
     My story would not be complete without explaining the MOST thrilling event of my writing career, after being published.     
     On an ordinary work day in the spring of 2019, I took a break from grading. I sat down on the couch to watch some Little House on the Prairie and do some research on my favorite children's book author, Laura Ingalls Wilder. I happened upon an article announcing the first annual Laura Ingalls Wilder Children's Literature Festival. The event was set to take place the following month in Missouri, where Laura spent many and the last years of her life.   

     I called to inquire about the event immediately, only to learn that the festival was already booked solid. "I will try again next year," I thought to myself. However, to my wonderful surprise, one of the committee members called me back and said they had taken a look at my books, my presentations, etc., that they were impressed with what they saw, and would make a place for me at the festival after all!

     Two words: BUCKET LIST. Little did they know that they were helping to make a major dream come true for me. To have MY BOOKS associated with HER BOOKS and the place where SHE lived and was inspired and WROTE her books . . . there are no words.     
     The festival was enormously fun. It was fascinating meeting and interacting with lots of other authors. I also met celebrities, including some of my favorite Little House and The Waltons cast members. Best of all, I met some very precious (and no doubt, lifelong) friends there. My friends think I was a blessing to their festival. Wow, they sure have that backwards.     
     I have presented at each Laura Ingalls Wilder Children's Literature Festival since then and have been cordially invited to every festival from now on as a permanent author.      
     I will never forget standing on the breathtakingly beautiful grounds of Rocky Ridge Farm, Laura and Almanzo's property in Mansfield. The wind was blowing, and it was a lovely day. I was so inspired as my footsteps humbly followed paths she traveled long ago. I stood beside the desk where she sat and wrote her books. (Pause. Let me repeat that.) I STOOD BESIDE THE DESK WHERE SHE SAT AND WROTE HER BOOKS.

     I saw the sweater that laid across her petite shoulders when she felt a chill. I could feel the love, laughter, heartache, wisdom, sincerity, history, and inspirations from her books in my soul. It was a life-changing trip.

     Before I left, I visited Laura, Almanzo, and their daughter Rose's gravesites. Again, it was surreal. I have never felt more inspired or thankful. Laura knew, as I know, that children's literature can be universal, not just for children, and can capture moments in history for an infinite number of future generations to enjoy.
     I now understand why God put a love of Laura in my heart way back when I was a little girl reading her books. He had a plan. He ALWAYS has a plan. He knew long before I did, the significance of the places I would go and the people I would meet--all connected to her and all paramount to my success as an author. I am forever grateful.

     Other Literary Inspirations 

     Following very closely behind Laura, Dr. Seuss is my second-favorite children's book author. As for adult literature, I am inspired by Tennessee Williams (his plays); Ernest Hemingway (his short stories); classic poets Edna St. Vincent Millay, Edwin Arlington Robinson, Edgar Lee Masters, Emily Dickinson, Edgar Allan Poe, and Robert Frost; and rocker-poets Jim Morrison (The Doors), Adam Duritz (Counting Crows), and Adam Levine (Maroon 5).    

     The Pathway to Dreams       
     I always encourage my students as follows and will extend this message to anyone reading this: do not give up on your dreams. If God has placed a dream in your heart, it is there for a reason! The dreams that will not let go of you, even if you have tried to let go of them--accept them as God's purpose. Follow His guidance, and He will direct your paths to them! (Proverbs 3:5-6)
     Thank you to those who have read this long story. God bless each of you and thank you for your interest in my books! Much love to all of you,
Gina xoxo (2021)

P.S. Help us help animals! Click on the "Help Animals" tab. Above, I mentioned that I am eager to serve the Lord with my books. One way is to use some of my proceeds to help animals and to lead volunteer projects nationwide and around the world! Volunteering is VERY simple, inexpensive, and FUN! Keep checking my website and Facebook page for fun activities coming up. (My Facebook link is under the "Contact Gina" tab.)