I am a native Iowan, growing up in the central part of the state. I have an associate's degree from Marshalltown Community College (Iowa) and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in journalism and English from Iowa State University (Ames, IA). Although I am a retired journalist from The Tribune in Ames, IA, as the features writer, I continue adding to my writing experiences -- including a first novel, freelance and features articles for several magazines and as a published poet. In addition to writing and marketing my first novel, Winds of Destiny, I enjoy my garden, my books and needle work. My husband Paul, a woodworker, and I enjoy traveling, camping and spending time with our three children and seven grandchildren. 

 The book not only provides historical information but is a coming-of-age story. The main character (Catherine) grows and learns about what things are important to her life – that of a faith, family and love. It is a tender and warm love story but does not need sexual scenes to get the point of enduring love across. It is also a story I believe gives some insight into the world of religious values without becoming preachy. Perhaps, in a subtle way, I can encourage others to take up a cause leading to freedom of religious views or other controversial issues. Even though my character forsakes her own family, she comes to learn about family values through the love, kindness and dedication of her new friends who become her family.

The other part of my writing inspiration came about after taking a comparative religion class when I returned to school at the age of 45 to work on a degree in journalism at Marshalltown Community College and Iowa State University. My idea was born. I was intrigued, and still am, by the diversity and yet the sameness of religious beliefs. I felt compelled to write about how people dealt with the many stumbling blocks presented by the religious and political powers during the reformation period. The story has been brewing since then and when I retired two years ago I had time to think about the work, do further research and develop characters I thought would tell an informative story and be both entertaining and interesting. 

About my book "Winds of Destiny"

The inspiration for my book has been a two-fold process. Because I am a writer, I always wanted to write a book like the many I have enjoyed throughout my life. I have read a wide variety of stories that have addressed history, romance and the value of family life. I am a firm believer that most authors are a product of the books they read. I can’t help but think that my writings or any author’s work is not somewhat influenced by those books. In my story I see the influences of the books I love – Gothic romance intermingled with a bit of intrigue and a bit of history. I love Tolstoy and C.S. Lewis, while Arthurian stories rank among my all-time favorites. I like to read books that inspire you to learn more about any subject, be it religion, time-frames in history, historical battles, the holocaust, the Czars of Russia or the kings and queens of many countries. I also have enjoyed the writings of Belva Plain, Coleen McCullough, Mary Stewart and Stephen King.