I have always loved storytelling and children’s books.  This love came from the nightly bedtime rituals from my mother.  When my children were small we went the library weekly.  They too became book lovers. To this day, my youngest son will flange the pages of a good book, just to inhale the smell!

Writing a variety of genres is most appealing to me.  Some of my works include; a rhyming picture book about a naughty Christmas elf, another about what really happens at an upscale doggie daycare.  and retelling great old Appalachian folktales for a new generation of readers.  Most recently my focus is on picture book biographies and writing humorous entertaining stories that kids can relate to or just make them laugh.

I received my certification in children’s book publishing from The Institute of Children’s Literature.  I continued to study creative writing at Northern Virginia Community College.   I've taken in depth picture book dummy courses  at the Workhouse Arts Center, and many online webinars to improve my craft.  Art is another love of mine and my favorite mediums are watercolor and pen & ink, which I've studied over the years with several local artists.
  
Years ago I had the pleasure of meeting Patricia Polacco at a book signing.  She told me about the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), and I have been an active member since.   I'm very fortunate to me a member of an active local critique group.  I reside in South Riding, VA with my husband of over 30+ years.  We have three grown children,  and two active/entertaining grandchildren. I love the outdoors and hike in WV frequently. “Peace and tranquility from a long hike really helps me with my writing.”