Bio

I have always been a writer. My first grade teacher told my mother she should save what I wrote in class. Which first grade teacher said that, I don’t know. I had four first grade teachers. While growing up, I would spend time outside with paper and pencil. I wrote poems, skits and plays, and short stories. As shy as I was as a child, it was a great way for me to express myself.

I spent 28 years as an elementary school teacher–mostly in third and fourth grades. While teaching third grade, I wrote a play about Abraham Lincoln for my students to perform for Presidents’ Day. I have read countless middle grade and picture books. I have always loved to read children’s books. My favorite books? That’s a hard question. I would say that I love Owl Moon, Charlotte’s Web, Shiloh, and many others that don’t come to mind. My favorite authors growing up were Louisa May Alcott, Margaret Mitchell (Gone with the Wind), and Carolyn Keene (Nancy Drew mysteries).

I am married and a native Texan. I have two beautiful daughters (both are educators), two wonderful sons-in-law, and three perfect grandchildren. Family is important to me.

My main hobbies which I’ve enjoyed throughout my life are doll collecting, playing the piano, and, of course, reading. I also love to see new places.