I started dabbling with blogging in 2008 under duress. At my first Christian writers’ conference a few years earlier, everyone urged me to begin building an online platform. They claimed if I wanted publishers to consider my nonfiction book proposals, I’d better start “building a platform.” I panicked at first. Then, I dove head first, drowning in the technology challenges.

Blogging helped me establish my online presence, as advised. In fact, my first book, Words That Change Everything: Speaking Truth to Your Soul launches in June 2016.

As a writer, a writing instructor, and blogger, I enjoy encouraging others to tell their faith and family stories—because when we tell the stories that matter most, lives change and heart heal. I recognize the need for people to tell their stories. Passing along their legacy stories helps them make sense of some of the crucial issues that they face in life. I know the powerful impact of story.

As a mother and grandmother, I also know the importance of sharing my faith stories with my children and grandchildren. I believe my stories will be my spiritual legacy to the next generation. I’m working with another writers on a book for grandparents, encouraging them to consider the legacy they will leave to the next generation—especially their faith and family stories.

My husband, Dan, and I have been married 40-plus years. Native Texans, we moved to Central Arkansas from Texas with our two children, Adam and Tara, several decades ago. Then, we moved to Hot Springs Village a few years ago, preparing for my husband’s recent retirement. Our children and their families (seven grandchildren) live in Texas and Arkansas.

My social networks. Honestly, it’s still a struggle to schedule time to blog on my personal site (www.karenjordan.net), since I contribute to several other blogs, including the WordServe Water Cooler (www.wordservewater.com) and FaithHappenings.com. But I hope you will check out my blog. And be sure to “friend” me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter @KarenJordan. You can also find me on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Pinterest.