Well, lets see. Background and major influence? I recieved my education at the University of Utah, where I studied Music. I took some creative writing courses, but at the time, I thought that I wanted to be a musician. I suppose that it was later in my life, after working graveyard shifts where I had nothing better to do than read, when I discovered my new passion. It was while tearing through various novels that I began to see the various methods and styles for telling a story. One night, a thought occured to me. "Hey, I think that I could do this!" It was from that moment that I began the task of creating my first novel, "The Petal and the Thorn". And now, here it is, a few years later and that novel is now published. and three more are in various stages of polishing. So, look for more from me and please check out my short stories and poetry. Upon looking back at my life, I can remember as a child, when my teachers in elementary school would constantly complain to parents that I "daydreamed too much". Of course, I would always get my butt chewed out for it, and I can remember not having the slightest damned idea what daydreaming was, not to mention when I was doing it. Oh well, I suppose I am having the last laugh now, huh! I once heard it said that actors are bull-shitters who get paid. I suppose that it might be said that writers are daydreamers who desire the same.

I have had several achievments in life. Completing four novels is quite an achievment. Juggling a infant writing career (or hobby), a full time job, a spouse, and my babies, Sophie and Peenutt, my Shih-tzus. I am working hard and waiting and so the achievment, certifications, and awards will have to come later.

I would like to take this opportuntiy to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of the coffee producing countries of the world for producing "my liquid muse" for which I could not have dragged my butt out of bed every morning to write! LOL