Nancy Christie is an award-winning author of eight books including two novels: Reinventing Rita and Finding Fran ; three short story collections: Traveling Left of Center and Other Stories , Peripheral Visions and Other Stories , and Mistletoe Magic and Other Holiday Tales; the inspirational essay collection The Gifts of Change ; and two books for writers: Rut-Busting Book for Writers , and Rut-Busting Book for Authors . Her fourth short story collection, The Language of Love and Other Stories , and her third novel, Moving Maggie , are forthcoming in 2025. Her short stories have appeared in numerous literary publications, including The Saturday Evening Post , CommuterLit , Ariel Chart , One Person's Trash , Two Cities Review , Talking River , Edify Fiction, The Chaffin Journal , and Down in the Dirt , with several earning contest placements. A member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, Women's Fiction Writers Association and the Florida Writers Association, Nancy teaches writing workshops at conferences, libraries, and schools. She is also the host of the Living the Writing Life podcast and the founder of the annual "Midlife Moxie" Day and "Celebrate Short Fiction" Day. Visit her website at NancyChristie.com.