My desk is filled with typed papers, all stories leading somewhere. I know where its all at because its MY mess! During the few times I get a system and file stories accordingly I absolutely lose myself on looking for what I knew was sitting on my desk! Rule of thumb is 'don't worry about how organized I should be...just write when the story unfolds within my mind and trust that it will all come together in time.'

I grew up in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. As a kid I played in the ditch behind our home and remember pulling the legs off of water skeeters. We walked the train tracks in between the mountains and playing along the Rio Grande River. I think the scenery and wild life influenced my writing because there are always more thoughts than the ones we speak out loud. As a grown up I also indulge in photography when it comes to deer in my back yard and the scenery changes in all four seasons.

I first started writing in the sixth grade. I had this amazing English teacher who always encouraged my imagination. I didn't do it for years and finally picked it back up during college. My favorite character "Itchy Brother" was born during that time in my life and continues to show up in every book written for kids. He is amazing and has his own personality. :-)

My latest book (in which I am still writing) is based on non fiction circumstances. It's everything related to addictions and the cause n effect for each person using. I live through the emotional havoc addicts cause in people I love. Being part of it has led to the creation of characters that will leave a lasting impression on its readers. There is action, adventure, drama and horror all in one. My novel should be ready in the next couple of months. Until then I will continue publishing books for kids and inspirational writing.

My motivation for becoming an indie author was submitting kids manuscripts to a few traditional publishers and having them suggest I gut my entire story and do it 'their way.' I have written most of my books over the course of seven years, and done all the revisions I am willing and able to do. I also didn't want to wait 18 months for my book to be available to readers. I wanted to learn all I could about publishing my own books and having the leisure of making changes when I want to. Indie publishing allows me and authors like myself to enjoy all aspects of being an author and making whatever decisions we feel necessary.

Smashwords has contributed to my success in paving the way...my job as an author is to focus on writing my books. Having this portal with Smashwords simplified my publishing headaches. I didn't need to purchase expensive software to convert my books, or waste years trying to perfect it. Smashwords allows me to do what I love and let them handle the distribution and everything else involved with setting the stage of perfection!

The greatest joy for me is thinking of some child that I will probably never meet in person enjoying my book. I have my animal characters and they are so real to me as the writer that I imagine boys and girls relating to a squirrel, a kangaroo rat, or a princess. Writing is a conversation between two people...I write and someone reads it. My love for writing is in bringing a smile to another person and leaving a lasting impression.

My fans are important because without people reading what I write or awaiting the next book...it becomes talking without an audience. I encourage feedback whether its positive or negative. I encourage emails and correspondence. We all work together and there isn't anyone who can or should stand alone without at least one person. Life is hard and the media seems to only show the horrible and negative aspects of society so having people relate and enjoy my writing is worth more than words can say.

My favorite authors are Frank Perritti, Ted Dekker, Randy Alcorn...to name a few.

Not knowing what I will experience. Believing with all my heart that something will happen and I will either expand on a book in progress or start with a new one! Trusting God that all things that happen are in His timing. Each moment I live is only lived once and I want it to all mean something greater than the average life I could have settled for.