ABOUT ME

My Childhood

I was born in Ontario, Canada, and spent most of my childhood there. My parents never met a cat they didn't like, so we always had plenty of them around. I remember playing hide and seek with my two sisters until the sun went down on long summer evenings. We also had fun building igloos in the snow when school was cancelled for the day.

We went on lots of family vacations around Canada and the U.S. when I was young. I think that's what turned me into the traveler I am today. I've explored nine countries on three different continents, as well as 39 of the U.S. states. I'm looking forward to seeing more of the world in the future.

School, Jobs and Hobbies

Writing and reading were always two of my favorite things to do when I was young. While other teenage girls spent money on new clothes, I usually spent mine on new books. After I finished high school, I went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in English from the University of Texas and a Master's degree in Education from UCLA.

I didn't always know I'd be a professional writer someday. I've worked as a receptionist, a data entry operator, an accounts payable clerk, a salesperson and an elementary school teacher. I've also done a lot of volunteer work. Most of it involves three of my favorite things: reading, writing and kids.

But the job I've loved the most is being a mother. My husband and I have a teenage daughter and boy and girl pre-teen twins. We've lived in California and Texas, but we now call Oregon home.

When I have spare time, I turn to my hobbies to give me the creative 'boost' I need. I enjoy photography, traveling, gardening, scrapbooking, home decorating, walking and yoga.

My Work

I started my career writing essays and parenting humor for adults. My work has appeared in publications like Daughters, The Oregonian and The Polishing Stone.

I've also written articles, short stories, poetry, puzzles and activities for children. You might find my work in magazines like Highlights for Children, Hopscotch for Girls, Boys' Quest and Fun for Kidz. Some of my work has also appeared online at Wee Ones and Dragonfly Spirit.

I even write about writing! Those essays have been published in KidMagWriters.com, Byline and Once Upon a Time, to name a few.

Writing my books has been the most challenging and rewarding work! I'm currently looking for publishers for several of my picture books, as well as an early chapter book for children. I'm also working on several other picture books and a middle grade novel.

I am a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, as well as two critique groups for children's writers.

Contact Me

If you have any questions or comments, you can contact me here.