Yes, I was about six at the time and tried to write a story about a fairy in a flower. Unfortunately, I couldn't write the words I wanted to use, so I invented a new alphabet to compensate. I even made a red construction paper cover for it, complete with yellow yarn binding it. I loved it!

Gosh, with each book it seems to change. Usually scenes come to me at the most inconvenient of times, and eventually they start to frame the story. I try to do a little preliminary plotting for the book, but often by the thirtieth page the characters start bossing me around, telling me more of what they want to happen than anything I had planned. Sometimes I fight them. But they always win. By the time I finish the book, it isn't what I'd originally imagined, but often much better.

The writing that changed my life, in no particular order . . .
Shakespeare's HAMLET
Poe's "The Raven"
Lee's TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
Kingston Hong's THE WOMAN WARRIOR
And everything by the Brothers Grimm

Everything. I am a wee bit picky about what I read, but I have no favorite genre . . . yet.

Cluttered notes abound, a picture of my son when he was a toddler, a small chest with precious plot notes, a snow globe with a smiling ghost, candles--not a great choice considering all the paper, office supplies, Chapstick, far too many sticky notes, a cork board full of thoughts and inspirational thoughts, and my Precious--my Mac laptop. I covet this baby more than a Gollum wants that golden ring. Seriously. I heart my laptop that much.

I grew up in Montana. Most of my writing centers around open spaces like my home state. Many of my characters are farmers too. But mainly I think I have a good feel for the colors of the land--the red and bone colors of earth, the mixed hues of wildflowers, the vibrancy of sunsets. All of this reflects in my writing.

At six. I never took it seriously until I was in my thirties though. So much time wasted, trying to run from this dream.

There are two joys I've experienced now: 1.) when I'm so involved with my writing, and things are working for me, and I'm abso-freaking-lutely in love with everything--it's a resonating feeling as if I'm finally in tune with myself and the world. And, 2.) when I hear from the people who read my work, and they love it. I love, love, love hearing from my readers!

So much! I am humbled by their support and kindness. I hope to keep writing stories they enjoy.

My son. I am such a lucky mom, because he is so amazing. I am blessed to watch him in this journey of life. And I love writing. I'm still in awe that I have had readers write to me, so that always helps me wake up with a wide smile.