Biography

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I Am Born

I'd sound a lot more interesting if I said I'd been raised by wolves, and didn't learn how to read and write until I was taken from my lupine family by a well-meaning American couple. They taught me to read and write, which would explain why I was middle-aged before I wrote my first book.

However, the truth is much less glamourous. After the death of my charming, but tragically alcoholic father, my disappointed-with-life mother moved me from Dallas to her homeland, the Texas Hill Country. My rural school didn't promote the fine arts, but my mother was an avid reader and encouraged the same in her children.

I Am Educated

I acquired my knack for doing research papers (which probably explains my methodical outlining before I attempt to write my books) at the extremely religious Abilene Christian University. I learned that sex, drugs, and rock & roll were a lot more fun if the people in authority disapproved of one participating in them. I spent most of my time in Abilene trying to get past their stringent rules. A great place to be if one's bent is naturally rebellious. I majored in English Education, like all good girls, but never managed to work myself up into teaching.

I Am Unanesthetized

After thirteen years of alcoholic dissipation, I managed to sober up long enough to realize I'd wasted the last thirteen years. Determined not to waste any more, I began living my life without medication, took up photography, and discovered mountains. I suppose everyone on this planet and some extra-terrestrials have already discovered them. But, after a lifetime on the flat plains of Texas, one of the happiest moments of my life was the day I first saw the front range of the Rockies. I was transfixed, transported. I came the closest I would ever come (or cared to come) to writing poetry -- in my head.

I Am a Writer

After winning an honorable mention in a Veggie Life competition, my essay about diet and exercise was published. Encouraged, I wrote my first book about diet and exercise. It was pretty much of a downer, since I made losing weight and eating right sound hopelessly impossible. I don't really believe that, but when I wrote that book, I was in a really dark, despairing place.

After surviving the "struggle on the darkling plain," I emerged to write two novels, Baby Boomer Bachelorette, and numerous short stories.

I write short stories because I was told winning fiction competitions was a way of getting noticed by agents. I write nonfiction because I want to help people. I write novels because that's what I love.