I actually started writing when I was in the seventh grade and continued writing through high school, but life intervened and I quit writing fiction until recently when I retired. I discovered my years working with children had created many stories, and I now had time to pursue my original goal of writing.

The book, "Cody and Mouse Plot", is based on an actual situation. Several boys in my junior high class often tried to give teachers a hard time. These incidents actually happened in my classroom, and the mouse did run under the door into the hallway where eighth grade girls were waiting at the water fountain.

As as elementary school librarian, I read many children's books. I know what children like to read, and I know the books available. I wanted to write books, but after researching how to publish a book, I realize that getting a print deal can be difficult. Also, being a computer teacher, I am proficient in computer and internet use. I realize the potential of ebooks. I download and read many ebooks.

This is my first book with Smashwords, but I plan to publish more of my books through Smashwords.

My greatest joy of writing is when my granddaughter reads my stories and says, "Grandma, did this really happen?" My stories reveal the difference in my childhood and her childhood.

I am a new author, so I do not have any fans other than my immediate family. It would be great to have fans reading and enjoying my stories.

I have a book read to publish about twin girls who lose their shoes while playing in a haystack. When they get ready for school the next day, they only have 2 shoes, but one shoe belongs to one twin, and the other shoe belongs to the other twin. I am also working on writing some short chapter books that involve ghosts and ghost hunting.

I love Avi's "Nothing But the Truth, but one of my favorite children's authors has to Beverly Cleary. I enjoy her simple way of accurately portraying children. She is my inspiration.

When I am not writing, I like to go to craft shows and shops and flea markets. I also quilt blankets and sew items like kitchen accessories, purses, bags,doll clothes, and other items. I enjoy taking walks and hiking and vacationing in the Smoky Mountains.

I discover ebooks by searching the internet for subjects that interest me.

I do remember the first story I ever wrote. I wrote about a teenage girl's first romance problems and her becoming Miss America. It was actually my daydreams.

I have a daughter who has a graphic arts degree. I sketch out my ideas, email them to her, then she uses her talents to professionalize it.

For pleasure, I read craft articles, news events, how-to-write and -publish articles, and non-fiction history and political books.

I do not like sitting at a desk. To write, I curl up in a corner of the couch or a large chair with the keyboard in my lap.