Meet Kristy

wife. mom. writer. Jesus girl. Back Road Diva. lifelong southerner. dreamer. admirer of small-town charm and back roads. music lover. movie buff. bookworm. mental health advocate. enjoyer of coffee, laughter, and meaningful conversations with friends. thankful for family & the family of readers.

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 out in the country in East Tennessee, near the Smoky Mountains. My dad jokingly told people we lived so far out in the boondocks that we had to swing in on the grapevines. ;) So, being out in the middle of nowhere feels like home to me, and small-town life often serves as a backdrop for my stories.

For recreation, I enjoy riding shotgun beside my husband in his truck. We enjoy 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 pizza joints, we just never know where our adventures will lead.

When I was growing up, I never imagined myself getting married or having kids, but now my greatest joy is being a wife and mother. My family is my biggest blessing! God knows what we need even when we don’t see it. I’m also a dog mom, and we currently have a sweet & salty little fur girl who we adopted and adore.

My BA degree is in communications (journalism emphasis), but I took a detour and also studied special education. I met Ken the first day I was on campus for graduate school. I didn’t finish my master’s in special ed. but received my “Mrs.” degree instead.

Prior to focusing on 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 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!

Lastly, I live with a mental illness (bipolar) and was a recipient of the Clifford Beers Award from Mental Health America of the MidSouth for improving attitudes toward people with mental illnesses. I sometimes struggle, but I persevere. I keep on keeping on! You can too . . . no matter your situation. Better days are ahead of you. Please, don’t give up! Also . . . always remember . . . there’s no shame in seeking help.