I've been writing every since I can remember, really. When I was a very young child, I would write poems for my grandmother, who encouraged me to express my creativity in written form.

In high school, even though my focus was on science, I found myself excelling in my English classes. I wrote essays and creative writing assignments quickly and with ease, and felt this was a good outlet for the creative side of me, away from the rigid math and physics courses I was taking.

In my twenties, I was drawn to writing again, taking a correspondence course to hone my skills and submitting articles to magazines, but my career kept me busy and I gradually left behind my writing.

It wasn't until I became a mother that the creative juices started to flow and I had time to look back on all of my experiences, and wanted to write about them, which brings me here!

I have loved animals forever, and always wanted to make a career out of this passion I have for pets. I have been a veterinary assistant for almost two decades, and have seen many people come and go in this field.

It wasn't until recently that I really thought about my experiences in the veterinary field and how much I've learned along the way that could benefit those who are just starting out, like I was so many years ago.

My book, "Becoming A Veterinary Assistant" is not about the technical aspects of the job, but about dispelling myths and setting realistic expectations for people who don't know what it really takes to work at a veterinary clinic. It covers the vital information for succeeding within a career of veterinary assistance.

I felt that being an independent author was the fastest and easiest way to get my word out. I've been meaning to write this book for so long, and now that I have, I want to get it out there!

Writing starts with ideas, often coming fast and furious, all on top of each other, and sorting these ideas out and watching them take form is very satisfying. I often start out thinking I might not have enough material for a book, and then as I watch it come together I realize how much I have to share.

I grew up reading Judy Blume, as many other girls my age did at the time. I could hardly get my hands on her books at my school's library, because they were always signed out!

Michael Ondaatje's books were made known to me in university. I love "In The Skin Of A Lion", and have read it many times.

My daughter's cries! I have no choice! Being the mom of a little one keeps me very busy, but during her rare naps I am able to catch up on my writing, taking care of my three dogs, and getting all the little errands done while my husband is at work.

I love baking and cooking. Actually, I love eating, and I love finding new recipes to create mouthwatering, irresistible treats at home. There's nothing better than the smell of something cooking in the kitchen that invites you in as you walk in the front door.

I'm thinking of some more pet related topics, like caring for older pets, or addressing common complaints that pet owners have, like flea control. I'm open to suggestions if anyone wants to contact me.

I believe my first long story was written when I was in fifth grade, about a kid who discovers gold in her backyard. I remember I got a really good grade!

When ideas come to me, I need to write them down quickly, and I often end up with a notebook full of hastily scrawled notes, hoping they'll make sense once I have time to sift through them.

Being a new mom, a lot of my writing takes place at night, once everyone is asleep and I won't have any interruptions (hopefully!).