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I'm Susan, and I love to write.

When I finished journalism school, I remember telling my husband, “I know how to write. Now, I just need to go live life, so I have something to write about.”

It’s been a few decades, and  I’ve collected plenty of life experiences to share. After having three kids, I am now an expert on navigating food allergies, pediatric surgeries, nerf battles, and filling out FAFSA forms.

I’ve walked with my photographer husband through Aspen groves and mountain streams while we spent 22 years living in and near Yosemite National Park in California. I homeschooled my children through their elementary school years, and now have three kids thriving in the public school system.

I worked with my husband to launch and run a custom photo lab, which we operated for 19 years until 2017, when we closed our business moved to Nashville, Tennessee. I now work full time as a writer and editor for Allen Jackson Ministries, the media ministry of World Outreach Church. It’s a place where God moves constantly.

My articles have been published in the Christian Post, Art Business News, Yosemite Guide, Nation’s Restaurant News, MOPS.org, yosemite.org, USA Today, among others. I’ve helped write and edit many books as a freelance writer and ghostwriter.

This Substack is the place where I share a bit of my heart, along with a dose of encouragement. If you like my writing, please subscribe. It’s free, and it will help me keep in touch with you (I’ll send most of my new posts directly to your email!)

Places I’ve called home:
(It appears I’m doing a slow tour of the entire USA.)

  • Flint, Michigan (where I was born and spent my early years)

  • Perrysburg, Ohio (where I went to high school and met my husband—yes, we met in high school)

  • Athens, Ohio (I earned my BSJ at Ohio University)

  • Yosemite National Park, California (I worked at The Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Valley)

  • Oakhurst, California (My home for 20+ busy and exciting years.)

  • Murfreesboro, Tennessee (Where I live now!)

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Walking by faith means holding dreams loosely, being ready to pivot, and trusting God's plans, again and again. Come see what that adventure looks like. Welcome to Life By Susan.