Hi! I’m Amber. I’m a writer, a freelance nonprofit fundraising consultant and a passionate advocate for families, children and communities.

I am currently writing a memoir about my family’s struggle through the Farm Crisis of the 1980’s. In an effort to recover their financial losses and their dignity, my parents joined a cult that sold soap. That cult was called Amway. Our family faced some serious challenges and it is my honor and duty to tell those stories.

I am a first-generation college student, graduating with a BA in journalism from Iowa State University and a Masters in Communication, Public Policy and Advocacy from Drake University.

In 2018, I ran for Iowa Senate in a closely watched race against the top-ranking Republican in the legislature. I didn’t win but I learned a lot and I was inspired by the voters of my district to keep telling the stories of the underdogs, the forgotten folks, the overlooked and the impoverished.

As I have worked through the process of bringing this book into the world, I have discovered a few things:

1) Writing can be a very lonely business. I love to write but I’m an extrovert so I prefer to write with friends.

2) Writing can be the last thing on my to-do list. I’m a busy mom and a working professional. I need to put writing time on my calendar.

3) Book people are the best people. Whether you love to read or love to write or love both, you will find your vibe at the Iowa Writers and Readers Weekend — and you will make a few new friends, too!