About Me

Education

I was born in Mobile, Alabama, but grew up in Southaven, Mississippi, during the 60′s and 70′s. My high school friends know me as quiet, shy bookworm Beth Cook—flute-player and drum major of the marching band, singer in church ensembles, and sketch artist. College friends probably remember me marching in the Famous Maroon Band at Mississippi State, active in Baptist Student Union missions projects, and singing at the drop of a hat.

Beth Gets Married and Becomes a Music Teacher
I met Scott White while I was at State, and just knew the Lord’s will was for me to become a minister’s wife. Good thing Scott thought so too! During five long years of seminary, I ignored my music-teacher’s certificate and worked as a bank teller. Then we found our little corner of heaven in Mobile, Alabama, where Scott served fourteen years at Dauphin Way Baptist Church. I taught private piano, voice, and flute lessons so I could stay home while our kids were small. We’re now on staff at First Baptist North Mobile in Saraland, Alabama.

Becoming a Writer
People always want to know how you “get published.” Everybody’s story is different, but here’s mine. Even as a teenager I enjoyed writing stories in a big flowered notebook hidden under my bed. But it wasn’t until I took a fiction-writing course at the University of South Alabama in 1986 that I realized there might be a market for what I wrote: romances with a Christian world view. To make a long story short, the first book I finished and submitted got close to publication. Even after the ultimate rejection, I was hooked—called, if you will, to write. I was determined to learn whatever it took to write a publishable novel.

Me on the Right - Creator in Training

I joined Romance Writers of America, then joined the Gulf Coast Chapter of RWA and met other writers with similar goals to mine—generous women who were also great teachers. (I’m no longer a member of either organization, but still have warm ties there.) At our local conference in 1998, I met an editor who was instrumental in my first sale to Tyndale’s HeartQuest romance anthology series. I’ll never forget her phone call telling me that my submission looked great! One of the biggest thrills of my life.

Signing Tour de Force at My Church

After two more novella sales to Tyndale, I signed with literary agent Chip MacGregor of Alive Communications in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Before moving on to a publisher’s position with Warner Books, Chip facilitated the sale of another novella, plus a three-book series with Steeple Hill’s new Love Inspired Suspense line and a two-book deal with Zondervan. Alive agent Beth Jusino took me on and piloted me through a three-book contract with Zondervan and a couple of historicals with Love Inspired Historicals. Recently Beth moved out of publishing, freeing me to make the move to Chip MacGregor’s new agency, MacGregor Literary Services. I’m an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

I feel blessed to have found a creative outlet that allows me to share my Southern upbringing and Christian worldview, and entertain readers all over the world. God has truly given me the delight of my soul!

The Music Teacher (Again) Etc.

Chillin with my best friend of 31 years

My gang — Nicole and Ryan in the background, their Judah in Hannah's lap, and Larry on the right.

Meanwhile, I appreciate my most valued roles as wife, mom, and grandmother, and teacher. I’m the choral director at John L. LeFlore Magnet High School in Mobile. I’m also second-grade Sunday school teacher, church orchestra member (I play the flute, piccolo and pennywhistle), and artist. I love to read, quilt, sew, go on mission trips and avoid housework.

If you have questions about what it means to be a Christian, please contact me. I’d love to share!

Zoë on Spring Break

THE DOG WHO OWNS ME

Zoë Belle, my three-year-old Maltese, keeps me company while I write. She’s sufficiently trained that she does well with basic commands like sit, stay, “chill” (lie down), and leave-it…when she’s in the right mood. I love to take her on daily walks around my neighborhood, because she draws attention and starts conversations. I’ve gotten to know many of my neighbors for the first time, through my little friend. She’s quite the socialite!