Peggy Purser Freeman
Writing Down the Brazon
Books to Encourage and Entertain Families
As the dyslexic, eighth child of a sharecropper, it’s a miracle that I’m an author, journalist, and editor. Plus, I get to live where the Brazos River hugs the land. It truly is the Arms of God.
My literary journey began in third grade when the teacher said I might not pass to fourth grade because I couldn’t read. She handed me the book Tip and Mitten. I groaned. The book’s plot didn’t intrigue me at all. Everyone in the book called, “Here, Tip!” as they searched for the dog. It was obvious he hid under a pile of leaves. At that time, spelling made no sense to me, and sounding out words even less.
Now, I write and speak to groups about my books and my passion for faith and freedom.
My husband Dickey and I have lived in Pecan for twenty-four years. For twelve years I worked as editor of the Granbury/Glen Rose Showcase Magazine. In that position, I met and wrote about the amazing people and places in Hood County
Since history intrigues me, inspires me, and gives me hope, it’s no surprise that my first novel was historical fiction set in the town where I grew from child to woman. The Coldest Day in Texas (TCU Press) was one of three finalists for The Texas (Austin) League of Writers’ Teddy Book Award, presented by First Lady Laura Bush. The temperature reached 23° below zero in Tulia, Texas in 1899.
Growing up in a large family taught me to pass down—clothes, stories, and knowledge. Readers tell me that Cruisin Thru Life ~ Dip Street and Other Miracles -makes them laugh and cry. In these slice-of-life stories with tips on living, the reader remembers the main drag when you could afford gas to cruise around with friends. In this book, I share stories like meeting the love of your life and then hearing your future mother-in-law laugh during the wedding. Watching our children drive off into life, praying for them, seeing them coming back home again and again… all life’s ups and downs… remind us to keep cruisin’. If we take the dips carefully and have good friends beside us, we will survive.
Writing for the family brings the joy of diving into a child’s imagination. In Spy Cam One, Digby the first dog thinks he is White House Security. Despite the first cat, PC, and with the help of the President’s children, he saves the day.
One reward of the author’s life is helping young people survive sibling rivalry, bullies, and mean girls. In My Sister the Cheerleader, I shared the emotions of the sport of cheering in the fictional life of twelve-year-old Makay. Each chapter includes a bible study on God’s answers to the problems girls face. Coming soon is Sink the Sub, the story of fifth grader Jake ‘and how he deals with adults who lie, leave, and die.
My book of games and activities, Teach Writing Without a Pencil, provides tools to help kids who don’t like to write, spell, or read. This book can help all students improve their writing and provide fun while waiting, driving, or family game night.
As a freelance writer for regional magazines across Texas and Oklahoma, I have met the most incredible people, heard their stories of fame, and felt the emotions of three major wars. I’ve experienced what God’s love does in the world today as neighbors help neighbors. While reading Tip and Mitten in third grade, I had no idea that journalism would bring such gratification.
My latest novel Lost Ones Guide Home for the Christian time-travel market will hopefully be out in 2026. Although all of my literary efforts have a slice of my heart in them, this one holds a special place. Born more than a century apart, Zoë and Ejiro fight hate and question self-identity in a world divided. Zoë’s love for him will put a rope around his neck. She must return to the future or live in 1861 as if she’s White. Either way, their life together is impossible. Will Zoë discover God’s purpose for her? Can love reach beyond time to transform forbidden love into forever?
In 2019, I was honored to be commissioned as a “Yellow Rose of Texas” by Governor Greg Abbott for my writing about Texas and Texans, my leadership on the board of directors for the Texas Heroes Foundation (THF), and my efforts in creating and directing Constitution Camp for Kids. All of this came about with the help of my colleagues at Granbury Writers’ Bloc, the THF Board of Directors, and my amazing friends in the Daughters of the American Revolution. Writing, promoting Texas History, and teaching kids about our God-given rights secured by the Constitution have blessed me beyond measure.
My inspirational articles appear in numerous Chicken Soup for the Soul books, including “Happily Ever After” in 101 Best Stories on Love and Marriage; “Lessons from Matt” in 101 Best Devotional Stories; and “Deconstructing My Birthday” in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Young at Heart. Two were chosen as stories of the day on the Chicken Soup national podcast.
I love to encourage everyone to record their stories of faith and family. As a motivational speaker, I share my personal experience with dyslexia. In my Student Writing Workshops, I use games and activities to improve student’s test scores. I also speak on finding family history, and I give first-person programs on freedom’s journey and the US Constitution.
Follow me on Facebook, X (Twitter), Pinterest, and Instagram. Contact me at www.PeggyPurserFreeman.com.
Or… join me at the Pecan Dog Park for Yappy Hour. I’d love to hear your stories.