I had a photo of myself smiling in the mirror of my motorcycle. The rest of the photo was all wrong for a book cover, but the inspiration was right there in that grin. I hired illustrator Rich Barrett http://richbarrett.com/ to take that inspiration and turn it into the cover.

I totally subscribe to the maxim that an empty desk reflects an empty mind!

Not really...I live my life in the no-judgment zone.

My desk is a thick piece of frosted glass that spans two short filing cabinets. It is covered with papers, books, a pack of dental floss, index cards, a bottle of Rescue Remedy, a glass flower that I made at the Corning Glass Museum in NY, a bottle of white-out (likely dried up) journals, business cards (my own and others), drink bottles that need to be recycled, and a bowling trophy that I won at the 2012 International Women in Motorcycling Conference, a stapler and calculator, a photo with me kissing a burro in Arizona, and of course my computer.

I remember writing little Nancy Drew-type mysteries on my long bus ride home when I was in middle school. I always loved reading mysteries.

Responsiveness to my community of readers. I can update my books to include new information, change pricing, offer coupons and box sets—all manner of responses to reader needs. That feels great!

After a career of writing nonfiction books of my own and ghostwriting/editing for clients, I am writing a historical novel based on the diaries and correspondence of my great aunts, who were born in a Kentucky coal camp during the Depression. They saw the rise and fall of empires, the advent of new technologies and even new economic models during their lifetimes and I am fortunate to have their words and memories to guide the story.

As often as possible I'm on my motorcycle exploring North America's byways, scenic overlooks, and parks. I based my TEDx Talk, “Chance Encounters can Change Your Life” on my experiences while traveling.

Winter usually finds me knitting while listening to audiobooks with the cat curled up beside me.

My interests are diverse; everything from history and biographies to cozy mysteries and self-help. I love finding a new series and taking a deep dive. At the same time, I try to pace myself and savor each one.

I recommended several of my favorites at they relate to "Hit the Road: A Woman's Guide To Solo Motorcycle Touring." Here they are:
Beard, Elspeth. Lone Rider: The First British Woman to Motorcycle Around the World

Booth, Janice  Holly. Only Pack What You Can Carry: My Path to Inner Strength, Confidence, and True Self-Knowledge
  
Chodron, Pema:
• The Places that Scare You: A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times

• When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times
Gelman, Rita Golden. Tales of a Female Nomad: Living at Large in the World
 
Hay, Louise. You Can Heal Your Life

Hough, David L.:
• The Good Rider: Part One and Part Two

• Mastering the Ride: More Proficient Motorcycling

• Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well


Jansen, Liz. Women, Motorcycles and the Road to Empowerment: Fifty Inspirational Stories of Adventure and Self-Discovery

King, Carla. American Borders: A Solo Circumnavigation of the United States on a Russian Sidecar Motorcycle

Potts, Rolf. Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel 

Pryce, Lois:
• Lois on the Loose

• Revolutionary Ride: On the Road in Search of the Real Iran


Rich, Tamela. Live Full Throttle: Life Lessons From Friends Who Faced Cancer

Singer, Michael A.:
• The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself

• The Surrender Experiment: My Journey to Life’s Perfection