Meet Gretchen

My work focuses on holding space for people—and their books—at the edge of becoming.

What I’ve learned about myself is that I’m drawn to people who carry a message they feel compelled to share—people who sense that their work is meant to serve something larger than themselves. I’m drawn to people who carry a message, a story, or a body of wisdom they feel compelled to share—people for whom a book is not simply a product, but a way of making meaning, creating impact, contributing to a larger conversation, or leaving something of value behind.

As an author, editor, and publisher, it’s a privilege to serve as Chief Creative at Village of Care Press. As a book doula, I’ve had the honor of nurturing 22 collaborative books for Retreat House Spirituality Center in Dallas and 18 books for solo authors—each one a distinct act of care, courage, and becoming. You can learn more about my own publications below.

Having worked in publishing since 2013, with four decades of experience as a writer and editor, I have seen how traditional publishing can privilege some voices while leaving others unheard. That experience has deepened my commitment to democratizing publishing—to creating pathways for more voices to be heard, more stories to be preserved, and more wisdom to be passed on.

Clients often describe me as multi-faceted, and I love to explore their work with them. As a long-time Buddhist, practices of mindfulness, meditation, and compassion naturally shape how I work with clients—especially when the process feels vulnerable or overwhelming. Before the pandemic, I was a comedy performer and I believe gentle irreverence is a form of care, especially when the going gets tough. This integration of disciplines and experiences allows me to work with the whole person, not just the writer or the manuscript.

Lifelong learning is both a refuge and nourishment for me. An explorer by nature, insatiable curiosity compels me to learn about people, cultures, and how we sustain resilient happiness. I’ve lived in five countries, nine states, and 26 communities—and traveled widely beyond that. This has given me a deep respect for diverse ways of knowing, a soft spot for non-native English speakers, and a continuing commitment to social justice and equity.

Drawing on my early years as an archaeologist, I often describe my Self as an archaeologist of the Soul, seeking out spaces that speak to the culture of place and the origins of our shared humanity. I am fascinated by the stories we tell around campfires, real and metaphorical—stories that tell who we are and how we got here, stories that shape who we are becoming. Alongside my publishing work, I am a holistic healer, teacher, and artist, with certifications in storytelling, playwriting, shamanism, eco-spirituality, and Jungian dreamwork. These understandings of the world and aligned practices continue to shape my writing and deepen my capacity to hold space for others as their own work is birthed into the world.