Where I Get My Words

My Journey

If you had asked 10-year-old me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would have said that I wanted to be a writer. Fortunately for me, childhood dreams do come true.

Born in Ohio and raised in the Southwest, I grew up enchanted by the region’s open spaces and national parks. Those early experiences coaxed my sense of adventure and inspired my passion for the natural world.

I had several vocations prior to becoming a writer, including occupations in the legal and real estate sectors. I am happy that it took me awhile to achieve my childhood ambition, as each of those experiences broadened my perspective and enriched my storytelling voice.

I am the author of thousands of published articles on business, social and environmental topics. Thanks to my UAFS professor and mentor Billy Higgins, I am also a well-trained oral historian. I'm lucky to spend my days listening for and narrating compelling stories that need to be told.

I am a member of the National Writers Union (NWU) and the Southern California Writers Association (SCWA).

I currently reside in Southern California where I drink lots of organic coffee, am neighbor to a famous mouse and count my riches in sand dollars.

My Inspirations

Always a bibliophile, books have been my constant companions and my refuge in dark times.

I grew up in a family of writers, musicians and artists. I am grateful to every member of my family for their contributions to my creative expression. My children are by far the greatest sponsors of my ongoing growth as a human being. They awe me, challenge me, inspire me and keep me humble.

My Favorite Author: John Steinbeck, who aptly said: "A writer tries to explain the inexplicable."

Other Favorite Authors (Because you can't have just one): F. Scott Fitzgerald; George R. R. Martin; Anne Rice; Leo Tolstoy; Mark Twain; Jack Kerouac; Stephen King

My Favorite Literary Character: Katie Scarlett O'Hara. Sassy, smart, a survivor -- and she looks good doing it.

My Favorite Book: That question is unfair to all the other books.

My Super Power: "Getting" people. I want to understand what matters to people so I can give their thoughts, ideas and feelings a voice.

My Fur Babies: A gender fluid cat named Luna Sol who is strangely defensive of zir mouse baby.

Best Advice I Ever Got: "Keep your sense of humor." Thanks Mom and Dad.