ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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 canceled 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.

Of course, the job I've loved the most is being a mother. My husband and I have a daughter in college, and boy and girl 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.

Work

I started my career writing essays and parenting humor for adults. My work has appeared in publications such as 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 Babybug, Highlights for Children, Highlights High Five, Hopscotch for Girls, and Fun for Kidz.

I even write about writing! My essays have been published in Children's Writer, KidMagWriters.com, and Once Upon a Time, to name a few.

The most challenging work for me has been writing books for children. I write picture books, easy readers and chapter books. The highlights of my career (so far) have been: winning the Barbara Karlin Grant from the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, attending the Highlights' Foundation Chautauqua Workshop, and placing 7th in the Writer's Digest Annual Writing Competition.

I am a member of SCBWI, as well as two critique groups for children's writers.

Contact the Author

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