The author also paid closer attention to the stories she read, taking note of the elements that either pulled her in or repelled her. Rather than sitting on her laurels and trusting her gift, Tracie did research. If anything, the rejection strengthened the author’s determination.

However, if the teacher in question was trying to discourage her, he failed miserably. But she had to apply for the class, and to her dismay, the author’s teacher rejected her because she supposedly lacked talent. In high school, Tracie took an immediate interest in creative writing. Even though her mother used Tracie’s stories to keep her quiet, the author indulged in the activity because she wanted to get and keep her mother’s attention.

The author had no idea at the time that she was honing her storytelling abilities. Once church ended, Tracie’s mother would sit and listen to the story. He gave her a pencil and paper and told her to write a story.

At the time, the woman was trying to keep her daughter quiet in church. To find out more about Kathleen or connect with her through social media, check out her website at mother inadvertently introduced her to the activity. They now make their home just north of Houston, Texas and are the parents and in-laws of a blended family of Texans, Okies, and three adorable Londoners. Kathleen and her hero in combat boots husband have their own surprise love story that unfolded on social media a few years back. She’s even been known to write a few nonfiction books. When she’s not spinning tales about her favorite historical events or her wacky Southern relatives, Kathleen also writes (mostly) relative-free contemporary and historical romances, cozy mysteries, and the occasional historical romance with Jack the Ripper and the Austin Midnight Assassin serial killer thrown in to shake things up (I’m looking at you, The Black Midnight). Kathleen would also be a member of the Daughters of the American Republic, Daughters of the Republic of Texas and a few others if she would just remember to fill out the paperwork that Great Aunt Mary Beth has sent her more than once. A tenth-generation Texan and certified paralegal, she is a member of the Texas Bar Association Paralegal Division, Texas A&M Association of Former Student and the Texas A&M Women Former Students (Aggie Women), Texas Historical Society, Faith Hope and Love Writers, and is a member of the executive board of the American Christian Fiction Writers. Kathleen Y’Barbo, is a multiple Carol Award and RITA nominee and bestselling author of more than one hundred books with over two million copies of her books in print in the US and abroad.

Golden Twilight by Kathleen Y'Barbo