Ever since I was old enough to remember my wild and colorful dreams, I’ve told stories. I love the thrill of that smile, that raised eyebrow, that tilt of head telling me my tale is engaging.
After pursuing three semesters of literature and art at Smith College in Massachusetts (my home state), I craved bigger, broader challenges. The United States Military Academy at West Point offered more experiences than I could have imagined.
Upon graduation, my thirteen years as an Army Officer continued to provide story fodder, as did my years of teaching in the public school system after my children were older.
When my mother handed me a shoebox filled with letters my father wrote to his family while deployed with the Army during WWII, I knew the time had come to ditch paid employment and write books. Although I have yet to finish the book inspired by Dad’s letters, I committed myself to writing stories about life, real and imagined.
As my list of published works continues to grow, I’m excited about the stories I have yet to write. I thrive on fun challenges, so I’ll be writing in as many different genres as I’m inspired to for the rest of my life. And as long as I can make one person smile, laugh, cry, or cringe while reading my work, I’ll know I should keep writing.
My debut novel–“Miss?”–is based on my first year as a 7th grade language arts teacher in a school that was shut down at the end of that year (I didn’t break it). It took me seven years to pull out my notebook of daily bullet points from that stressful year, and another year to create the novel based on my notes, but it was a labor of love that helped me believe I could do more.
Since that first (loosely fictionalized) novel, I’ve written several more, all inspired by people and dreams and the magical atmosphere surrounding me in Colorado. I’ve learned that although people say I write well, I know I can always improve. Writing communities, workshops, contests, conferences, and critique groups have helped me improve my craft.
I’ve also learned that creatives must have tough skins. Once a work is published, it belongs to consumers, and some consumers will never be completely satisfied. One negative review can invalidate twenty glowing ones if an artist/author allows it to, so don’t!
My story (and stories) will continue to evolve as I experience new things and challenge myself; there are worlds and genres I have yet to explore. My current WIP will take readers into a future where a Military Academy in an undersea metropolis will challenge more than our hero.
Thanks for your interest in my work!