The moment I stepped through the door of Woodland Wellness, I could already feel the Amberlight Apothecary stirring to life. The scent of herbs and candle wax, the way sunlight pooled across the floor, the quiet hum of transformation… it was as if the world I’d written had finally decided to step out of the page and breathe beside us. This enchanting transformation wouldn’t have been possible without my dear friend Ryanna Hendrix, the owner of Woodland Wellness. Her kindness, creativity, and willingness to open her space to our production brought so much heart to this part of the film. I’m endlessly grateful to her for sharing it with us.

When I first stepped into the world of film, I didn’t expect to find myself in the director’s chair. Writing has always been my first love, but directing? That felt like another world entirely. And yet, over time, I’ve discovered how naturally the two roles intertwine. Stories are meant to be seen and felt, not just read—and directing has given me a new way to bring them to life. Today, I want to share a few reflections from my director’s journey so far, in case you’re curious about what it looks like behind the scenes (or secretly dreaming of directing your own stories one day).

One of my very favorite events each autumn is the Show Low Film Festival, a celebration of storytelling that brings filmmakers from around the world right here to our mountain town. Each October, our theaters fill with new voices, fresh perspectives, and stories you won’t find on streaming platforms. And what makes it even more special? This festival is born out of love… love for film, for connection, and for our White Mountain community. I thought I’d share a little behind-the-scenes look at the festival, along with reasons you’ll want to join us whether you’re a filmmaker or simply a lover of good stories.

There’s a moment in every creative journey when the intangible becomes real… when a story you've held in your heart begins to breathe outside of you. Directing is where that moment lives for me. It’s the bridge between dream and embodiment, and somehow, it still feels like alchemy every single time. Here’s what it’s like to direct through the lens of someone who still can’t quite believe this is real… but knows in her bones it is.

Let me start by being honest: I don’t actually feel like I balance anything. Not in the color-coded, Pinterest-perfect kind of way. More often than not, I feel like I’m dancing between worlds… one moment writing dialogue in my head, the next remembering I forgot to thaw the chicken. I hyperfocus on my projects (especially when I’m in deep creative mode like filming), and when that happens… everything else drops.

Bringing a story from the page to the screen is no small task—but when the story is full of magic, heart, and wonder, it feels less like work and more like destiny. Here's a little peek behind the scenes of our creative journey adapting The Christmas Witch into a film!

In this post, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I approach character development—from their messy beginnings to the conversations they have in their heads, to the arcs that shape their growth across an entire series. Whether you're a writer, a reader, or just someone who’s ever felt changed by a fictional character… this one’s for you.

We’re filming The Christmas Witch right here in Arizona—with snow, sparkle, and all the heartwarming feels intact. But this isn’t just a movie. It’s a love letter to creativity, community, and the power of stories to light up the darkest season. And just like any great tale, we can’t do it alone.