I first began publishing articles when I interned at my local newspaper during High School. I remember my extended family gathered round the table at my grandparents’ farmhouse, reading my work aloud each week. I remember the nervous butterflies as I awaited their feedback — relief at their laughter and paralysis at any throat cleared with confusion or, worse, disappointment. I don’t remember any of the topics themselves. Those pieces, save a few my mother clipped, are lost now, somewhere in the abyss of the paper’s archives. At the time, newspapers were just beginning the conversation of going online, so my long-winded embarrassments missed the immortalization of eternal access. Thank you, God.
I met my husband, MPR Reporter John Enger, back when we were both wannabe writers at Minnesota State University Moorhead. He challenges my beliefs, sharpens my prose, and humors my schizophrenic dreams. He also inspires the majority of what I write. Many of the early posts found here are from a previous blog, titled Married to this Man, which I began as a mystified newlywed. We’ve come a long way since those oversimplified memories. Now we live in a world of complicated schedules, renovation projects, and a mortgage. We have a toddler son and a baby girl.
In addition to our “day jobs,” John and I run Enger Grove, an online business that sells artisan woodworking products made by John.
I love blue-sky television and deep, thoughtful literature. I’m an impatient cook, but bake a mean loaf of bread. I’ll drink any cup of coffee you hand me, regardless of the brand. As a freelance writer, I’m published in both trade journals and lifestyle magazines, but consider myself primarily a writer of fiction. Follow me on Instagram.
My work experience:
After getting my BA in English-writing, along with a minor in music and certificate in publishing, I started my career in the magazine world. I was the assistant editor for Lee Publications in Palatine Bridge, NY, which published several regional and national trade magazines. After moving back to Minnesota, I became the Communications Director at Watermark Art Center, a regional art center serving a rural, 9-county area. I now work from home as a freelance writer and book marketer in addition to marketing our family business and keeping track of my ever-busy children.