I grew up in small rural Montana towns located on the Rocky Mountain Front and the Hi-line(along the Canadian border). Montana's big sky landscape, its people and history have definitely influenced my writing. My book, "Silenced," is an anthology of short stories written around the Montana landscape.

My first short story was written at twelve or thirteen years of age. I recall the concept of crafting a story with a beginning and end. Prior to that I wrote in journal form, writing thoughts and poetry.

My lastest book, "Ida Hawkins P.I. Eight Days," actually began with the concept of writing a serial detective novel like the kind seen in magazines in the 1940s and 50s. I began with Ida Hawkins, a detective in New York City who ends up in Montana. I wrote six episodes and wrote a query letter to Montana Woman magazine asking if they would be interested in the idea. A few months later I was informed by letter that I had won a fiction contest, that I never entered. The six episodes of Ida Hawkins were published each month for six months. I keep a framed copy of one of the episodes on my wall. In 2003 I took the six episodes and made them into a full length book.

I was motivated to become an indie author because of frustration, a file packed with rejection notices and an all around desire to have control of my own work. I realized up front that it was still a lot of work, but I love the independence and challenge.

I haven't sold a lot of my books, but it is steady as she goes. I have definitely learned a lot of things since first publishing on Smashwords, and often encourage other writers to give it a chance. I find Smashwords to be an extremely well thought out program in many different ways and am very appreciative for the opportunity to publish.

Writing is my greatest joy because it is natural to me. I write everyday, sometimes for hours and never tire of it. I have wanted at different times to create a more structured writing time, but find that inspiration is my best companion.

I am blogging the sequel to Ida Hawkins. I just started the beginning of August. It is interesting for two reasons. It really is a replication of how the Ida Hawkins story began, and it is a way to engage new readers.

I have to say that coffee is my inspiration to get out of bed every day....good strong coffee. But generally I am writing about half of the way through the first cup!

Frankly, I am always writing, even when I am walking my dog or visiting with my neighbors. I have two blogs going and am in the middle of several novels, several screenplays and free-lance investigative reports.