co-authors | Rules of Engagement

Say Yes—and Be Ready

When Susan suggested we become co-authors, I was surprised and excited. After prayer, I embraced the opportunity.

Although I hadn’t yet published a book, I had already gathered research, developed backstories, and written material for the story. When Susan asked me to send what I had, I was ready.

That preparation mattered. Sometimes the work we do before an opportunity arrives helps us take the next step when it does.

Give Each Other Grace

Working with another person means making room for another person’s life.

Health challenges affected both of us. Susan broke her right arm, making it difficult to read, much less write. I had health challenges of my own.

Those moments reminded us to extend grace. A delayed task doesn’t tell the whole story of what someone is facing.

Keep Friendship on the Calendar

During my Wisconsin visit, we worked and had a book signing. We also made time to enjoy each other’s company and laugh.

That time together filled our cups.

Our friendship needed attention beyond editing, revisions, and questions about the storyline. We prayed together, prayed for each other, and remembered that the person beside us mattered more than the project.

Keep Learning from Each Other

Susan helped me grow in writing, editing, and shaping a story. My military background helped her understand a world that was less familiar to her.

Together, we wanted our books to honor service members, veterans, and their families—the people navigating ordinary family responsibilities alongside deployments, separations, and uncertainty.

We’ve gained more than books from this partnership. Our friendship has grown deeper.

What has working with a friend taught you? Share in the comments—we’d love to hear!

Sometimes a new adventure begins with one unexpected question: “Maybe we should write it together?”

That’s how my writing partnership with Susan M. Baganz began—and I’m still grateful she asked.

In this short video, recorded during a visit to Susan’s home in Wisconsin, we share how friendship and a story I couldn’t quite get onto the page brought us together as co-authors of the Rules of Engagement military romance series.

A Story Susan Didn’t Forget

Before I became a published book author, I had a story I’d wanted to write for a long time. My military experience gave me a background to draw from, and I wanted to bring that world into a novel.

I pitched the idea to Susan in her role as an editor. She wanted the story.

There was just one small detail: I still needed to write it.

Susan didn’t forget. Each year, she would ask, “Where’s your story?”

Let’s just say she gets points for persistence!

A Conversation That Changed Our Course

As our friendship grew, we continued talking about writing and life. In 2018, we were driving to a conference together when Susan suggested we write the story as a team.

My response? “Are you serious?”

Susan was already an established, published author. I hadn’t yet published a book. Her willingness to work with me helped me realize how much she believed in this story.

That invitation opened a door I hadn’t expected.

A First for Both of Us

Co-authoring was a new adventure for Susan, too. She had never written a book with another author.

We each brought something to the partnership: my military experience and long-held story idea, alongside Susan’s writing and publishing experience.

And we brought our friendship.

Looking back, the answer to “Why did you decide to write together?” is pretty simple: Susan wanted the story, I wanted to tell it, and we decided to take the next step together.

That step became part of the journey behind Rules of Engagement.

Join the Conversation

Have you ever teamed up with a friend to try something new? Or has someone’s belief in you helped you move forward?

Tell us in the comments—we’d love to hear your story!

Ready to meet the characters who came out of our collaboration? Explore the Rules of Engagement books in my store.

Rules of Engagement

Inspirational Military Romances for the Patriot in All of Us!

Tag Archives: co-authors

What Writing Together Taught Us About Friendship and Grace