Frequently Asked Questions

I love reading, and writing! I also do a lot of sewing, jewelry making, and cooking. Whenever possible, my husband and I like to travel and camp in the mountains or desert.

I've enjoyed writing throughout my life. Most of my writing has been non-fiction, policies, and procedures. In 2005, my husband and I moved to Eastern Washington, and I had time to write poetry and begin thinking about a novel. In 2016, I finished my first novel. It's tucked in a dark corner of the closet in a file folder somewhere!

My father was a writer, so I grew up watching his joy at creating text books. He was a college professor and continued writing well after retirement. My mother, bless her heart, read every page he wrote and helped proof the rounds of revisions. They were a huge inspiration.

My first novel was by far the hardest to write. I learned a great deal through the process, especially the importance of plotting, character development, and starting with a bang.

Lately, I've been reading books by Barbara Mertz. I fell in love with her CROCODILE ON THE SANDBANK, writing as Elizabeth Peters. I have additional books in that series I can't wait to read. I also picked up AMMIE, COME HOME, which she wrote as Barbara Michaels, and it was very good. I'm currently reading the second in her Georgetown series, SHATTERED SILK, and it's a goodie! Richard Russo is another favorite author. NOBODY'S FOOL and THE RISK POOL are my favorites.

One of my favorite characters was created by James D. Doss in his Charlie Moon mystery series. Charlie's aunt, Daisy Perika, an elderly Ute woman, was such a character! Her interactions with the supernatural pitukupf, always make me smile.

Update 12/2/23: I've been reading SHIELDING THE BABY, by Laura Scott, and it's been great. Just finished KEY TO SAVANNAH, by Hope Callaghan, and enjoyed it immensely.

Along with SHATTERED SILK, which I read during the day, I'm reading 

DESPERATE VOYAGE by John Caldwell in the evening aloud with my husband.  What an exciting read!

My whole life, I've had characters and 'what-if' scenarios running through my mind. I like to look at book cover images to help solidify the storylines. When I have a possibility for a good story, I write an outline and discuss  with my husband. He has a fantastic, creative mind, and I capture his input whenever I can.

I have a huge family, so my spare time usually centers around them. I'm always working on hand made birthday gifts, painting greeting cards, or putting together a beaded bracelet. I sew most of my husbands clothes, and it's always so satisfying to see a complicated project come out well.