In elementary school we usually did grammar exercises and very little creative writing. But my best friend Sally and I dreamed of writing a book about our adventures. Unfortunately, we never did. As a junior in high school I did help write and direct our class play and that is one of my happiest high school memories.

It wasn't until I grew up and became a language arts teacher that I began to write my own stories. Through my writing I came to understand the creative process and how to help my students write better. Today, I write about topics that are close to my heart or intrigue me because it takes a long time to produce a published book. My ideas come from everywhere - my childhood in Spokane, my years living in Alaska, my children and their friends, my love of history, even current news items that catch my eye.

I taught high school and middle school drama, literature, and composition for ten years. I have a degree in history from Santa Clara University, a teaching credential from the University of California at Berkeley, and an MFA in Creative Writing. My family and I lived for twenty-four years in Alaska where I was first inspired to write. Now settled in my hometown of Spokane, my husband and I have just finished building an energy efficient "green" house and I love it. Our children are grown now, making their way in the world. I love music and hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. All great ways to clear my head and get renewed for another day of writing.