Why Women Matter

Today is International Women's Day, and I salute the women who have helped raise, nurture, mentor and encourage me and others.

From our mothers and grandmothers to our biological sisters (in my case, three of them, and their friends) to our teachers and youth program leaders to women mentors in the workplace to sister-friends with whom we've mutually shared triumphs or tears, and who've climbed beside us or pushed us higher - thank you all.

It is in honor of you that I write women characters in my novels who stand together through highs and lows, tell each other the truth, love even when it's hard, and grow together in purpose and grace.

Women who, like you, change the world for better. Even in the darkest of hours, places or seasons, and even when you don't realize it, your presence brings life-sustaining hope. Thanks for being the light.