I am currently i the final editing stages of a book entitled "Revelation Unfolded". It is a work that examines the chapters in the New Testament's Book of Revelation which talk about the 7 angels (chapters 8, 9, 15, &16) and the chapters and verses related to it and the 2 prophets/witnesses.

In this work, I show how the two different accounts of the seven angels are just John's telling of the same events from two different viewpoints. The seven angels in both accounts are the same seven angels. One group is meant as a lesson and warning for the wicked. The other group is meant as a sign for the righteous. In chapters of the book, we see how the details and events will unfold for this generation and its progeny. I also discuss the importance of the mission of the two prophets/witnesses, what their advent will mean and what to expect at that time period.

Another unique feature of this work is that I discuss how the writings of John are related to the Mayan calendar and what the authors of that calendar were trying to tell us.

My favorite authors are:
1. The Biblical writers (of course)
2. The writer's of the Book of Mormon
3. James E. Talmadge
4. Richard Draper
5. Shakespeare
6. Edgar Allen Poe (a more contemporary genius with the English Language)
7. Anne McCaffrey
8. Willa Cather
9. Victor Hugo (author of my favorite novel since my youth--Les Miserables)

My love for life and my family. My appreciation for the gift that God has given me in the opportunity to come to live on earth and learn lessons that I need to learn in order to progress in my eternal journey. I LOVE learning!

I participate in local politics. I also manage several local Facebook sites. One is an event site to keep the community informed as to what is happening in the county and give local institutions a way to promote their non-profit activities. The other site is a Business Review site which I started after experiencing a fire in my house. The contractor recommended by the insurance company was so inept and unreliable that it lead a number of complaints with the BBB, Angies List, and several other similar popular sites like this online. Every one of those sites HID my negative reviews of this company. So in order to promote honesty and integrity among businesses in the area, we started our own local Business Review site.

My greatest joy comes from spending time with my son and my dogs.

No, that was probably a Kindergarten or first grade picture story.

I do however, remember the first poem I wrote. It is called "This Morning". It's a short simple poem that I wrote as an English assignment. My middle school teacher was so impressed by it that it inspired me to want to pursue more writing.

This Morning
This morning I threw open the windows of my room
And looked into the cloudless sky.
The sun gathered the earth in her arms
To give it a kiss of warmth and joy
As the moon looked jealously on.

It depend on what genre I am addressing.

With my non-fiction, it is pretty straight forward. I make an outline and organize these ideas into a logical chapter order. I then begin working on the ones that seem foremost in my mind....the ones that seem to want most to jump onto the page. When the rough draft is finished, I reread it several times and edit as needed. I then ask friends and family to read the work for coherence and continuity. Once that is completed. I do a final edit and submit it.

With fiction, I ponder on my characters and what their motivations, traits, and personalities may be (Plot, theme, etc.) and do any research that may be needed. Once I have a firm grip on at least one or two of the main characters, I begin writing scenes. As the scenes unfold, I tie them together. When that is done, I go through the same editing process as for non-fiction.

Yes, as with most of my generation, we started wit the "Dick and Jane" Stories. The were so boring that I tried to get through them as quickly as possible. I was then introduced to Dr. Seuss but those quickly became insufficient for my needs as well. I moved on to the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys series. Thus began my love affair with fiction and reading. As a child and youth, I preferred reading to almost any other activity that was offered to me.

In High School, my French/English teacher (Jeri Craner) introduced me to more meaty literature and taught me the finer skills of using the English language. Through her I discovered Victor Hugo, Edgar Allen Poe and many other fabulous weavers in the English language. I learned to appreciate a wide range of genres and accept a story on its own merits. She also taught us how to try to see into the soul of the writer.

The first two are obvious for my readers:
1. The Bible
2. The LDS triple combination
These two books have shaped my life and answered many of the more metaphysical questions that I have had about life and it's purposes.

The others that I have enjoyed in my lifetime are:
3. Les Miserables. I have never though about why I like it so much before. I guess that my reasons would have to include the extremely high quality of Victor Hugo's use of language. But even more than that, I think the very foundation of the work strikes a chord with me. The character of this book faces and overcomes such extreme challenges and yet finds a way to be true to himself even though all around him misunderstand him and his motives. This story runs parallel to my own childhood and story. It seems almost a reflection of my own life.
4. The works of Edgar Allen Poe. Simply put...Poe is a genius with the use of the English Language. He uses most of the skills of the craft in very brilliant ways. His subject matter may be a little macabre for many but he does indeed know how to 'weave' a tale. I believe that he is the Shakespeare of the American Continent and is under appreciated by Americans at large. However, he is much more honored by others around the world.
5. The Stand by Stephen King. I don't typically enjoy or even read the Horror story genre. However, this book, it's theme and King's story telling prowess in it are the exception. I believe that it may be his finest literary work. I almost stopped reading the book after the first few chapters because it seemed disjointed and confusing. I am glad I didn't. That is the point of the beginning of the book and it becomes clearly apparent as the story coalesces into a unit.

In short, I like fine literature constructed by brilliant artisans who can and do show their skill with the English language...or any language for that matter.

I have dabbled in it since middle school (early teenage years). Back then I wrote mostly poetry and short stories.

My first 'serious' writing began when I entered college. I worked for tuition as the copy editor and a columnist on the campus newspaper. It was there that I gained an appreciation for the 'might of the pen'. A story well-crafted in any genre can change the world. It's quite a rush for me.

After college, I became consumed with my first love and passion...my family. As my responsibilities in that arena waned, I began to write more for pleasure and to teach.

The greatest joys of writing are for me:
1. The ability to express myself and do it well. As a child, I was introverted and very shy. Even though I am no longer very shy, I still find it more difficult to express myself effectively verbally. Not so with writing.
2. I often can 'teach' when I am writing. I love teaching and am very good at it. I find this skill transfers into my writing as well.
3. It gives me the opportunity to 'create'. I don't know why this is important to me. It just is. After all, a writer 'must' write. I love the feeling of letting my right brain take over for a while.

I read largely non-fiction 'how to' and DIY books. Fiction books that the teenagers read so that I can 'be on the same page' with my students. I also love Ann McCaffrey and her Pern series. I guess I am a fan of the old-style science fiction and fantasy books.

It's hard to narrow what I read down to one genre or type. It all depends on the situation. I read news and current events. I also like National Geographic if they have an article that catches my interest. I think I read mostly to find excellence in writing and expression. I have little patience for poorly written works regardless of where they may be found.

Mostly my smartphone. I also use my computer at times depending on where I am and how relaxed I want to be.

Right now....my stomach! :) I recently had an operation....a hip replacement surgery. As a result, it is very uncomfortable for me to sit very long. I have learned to do most of my writing on my computer as it sits on a pillow on my stomach.