When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
My love for writing blossomed at a young age—around 10, if I recall correctly. I had an extraordinary fifth-grade teacher, Mr. Marston, who always took the time to comment on my stories and writing projects. His kindness left an indelible mark on me, one that I carry to this day.
Sadly, as I transitioned into middle school, things changed. I became the target of bullying for my love of reading and writing. In an attempt to avoid being picked on, I stopped pursuing the things that brought me joy. Looking back, I regret that choice deeply. I missed out on countless great books and valuable opportunities to hone my craft.
Now, at 32, I find myself playing catch-up—not just with books, but with the dreams I once put aside. That said, one thing I never gave up was journaling. Throughout high school, I filled my notebooks with stories, often about people I didn’t particularly care for. Interestingly, as I grew older and started getting along with most of my classmates, the “material” ran dry. But I suppose that says more about personal growth than anything else.
Writing has always been my safe haven—an outlet where words come easier than conversation. In many ways, it’s been my constant companion, even during the times I felt I had to let go of it.
What other careers have you considered or explored?
My very first job was as a waterpark attendant at Lake Compounce, a theme park in Bristol, Connecticut. To put it lightly, I absolutely loathed it! I didn’t even make it through the summer before I called it quits—and honestly, no regrets there.
Not long after turning 16, I landed a job at T.J. Maxx, which, if I’m being honest, might just be the best job I’ve ever had. The atmosphere was amazing—I loved my coworkers, got along with most of my managers, and genuinely felt valued. If life had taken a different turn, I might have stayed there much longer, but I knew I wanted something more for myself.
That’s when I joined the United States Air Force in 2014. I served honorably for seven years as a Traffic Management (TMO/2T0) Specialist and Supervisor. During that time, I completed two deployments to the United Arab Emirates and was stationed at only two bases: Mountain Home AFB in Idaho and Lackland AFB in Texas. After separating from the service in 2021, I stepped into the role of full-time mama—a new chapter, but one just as meaningful.
Nowadays, I’m a stay-at-home mom and a proud graduate of Southern New Hampshire University, where I earned my BA in Creative Writing and English. I’m currently completing my MFA in Creative Writing with a focus on Online Teaching. Working hard toward becoming a freelance creative writer and author, I’ve self-published my debut psychological thriller novel, Crimson Keepsakes, which published June 15th, 2025. My sophomore novel, False Frequency comes out next summer on June 15th, 2026 (Obviously a special date for me). Of course, my ultimate dream is to be traditionally published and see my face splashed across a billboard in Times Square.
Dreaming big? Always.
What are some of your favorite books to read?
When I rediscovered my love for reading at the end of 2022, I dove in with Jeanette McCurdy’s memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died. It was a gripping start, but since then, I haven’t found another non-fiction book that quite hit the same note for me. So, I decided to see what everyone else was buzzing about.
That’s how I stumbled upon A Court of Thorns & Roses by Sarah J. Maas, my first foray into the fantasy genre—and let’s be honest, the spicy subplots were an unexpected but enjoyable bonus. I liked the series well enough, but then I discovered Samantha Shannon’s The Priory of the Orange Tree. That book completely reignited my love for fantasy. It was a game-changer.
Before long, I started branching out into other genres. Some of the fantasy I read had elements of horror, so I thought, “Why not try an actual horror novel?” Enter Grady Hendrix’s How to Sell a Haunted House. While the book itself wasn’t terrifying, the PUPPETS were another story entirely. I have a strong aversion to puppets and dolls, so those scenes were downright unsettling.
Since then, I’ve explored more horror and thriller novels, and I’ve grown to love the genres. One of my absolute favorites is Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan Is Killing It. The mix of suspense and wit really kept me hooked.
M. A. Skallberg 