Top Ten Things I Love (in no particular order):

• • Gardening. My outdoor garden is perfection! I love cooking what I grow – and sharing it, too!

• • Coffee mugs. I choose a different mug each day, based on my mood.

• • My pets. We currently have two ridiculously adorable beagle mixes, seven city chickens, and a school of fish.

• • My daughter. She’s intelligent, creative, and quite the artist.

• • My hubs. He’s kind, hard working, and the best builder I know.

• • Needle-felting. I’m a self-taught wool fiber artist.

• • Early mornings. Like 5 a.m. early.

• • My clarinet. I’m a proud member of the LaPorte City Band since 1996!

• • Words! Interesting words bring me joy.

• • Flat Land –  Indiana’s till plains are stunning!

Looking for a more traditional author bio? Here it is:

I’ve been writing books ever since I can remember. My first books were made out of cardboard and duct tape. I still have them.

Around 2005, I decided to write for publication. I joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and attended writing conferences. I volunteered for leadership positions and also joined a critique group. I am so thankful for the TaleBlazers!

In 2007, I wrote a picture book for Columbus, Indiana’s Art Council called MOUSE’S BEST GIFT. The book adorned the city’s store windows during Christmas. A parade and interactive game accompanied the story.

I’ve written articles for magazines such as Humpty Dumpty, Scholastic Instructor, and BackHome, and recently wrote a four-book children’s series about Indiana called INDIANA MY STATE, GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS (State Standards Publishing, Spring 2015).

I’m currently working with my talented agent to improve my stories and find homes for them. My best advice to aspiring authors? Read, read, read! The more quality stories you read, the more you are filled with good writing. And, never give up! Rejection is part of this business. In fact, it’s part of life. Learn from it and move forward. Best wishes to you always!