My interest in writing began when I was in Reseda High School in the late 1970's. One of my English teachers, Darlene Loiler, encouraged me to get into the creative writing program at school. In college, I started a technical writing career and discovered that I could actually earn a living from writing. Although I enjoy technical writing, it has always been my dream to write creative works. I completed several screenplays in the 1990s and started work on my first novel, which I hope to finish next year. I enjoy writing that strives to be something more than merely entertaining, but I want humor and satire blended in with the seriousness. My favorite writers include Kurt Vonnegut, Herman Melville, Emily Dickenson, and e.e. cummings. And, yes, I like Matthew Arnold too.

Education: BA English, Creative Writing, California State University, Northridge (1985)

Writing awards: Award of Excellence, International Online Communications Competition (1997); Award of Achievement, International Technical Publications Competition (1996)

Public speaking awards: Top Two Area Governor, Toastmasters Founder's District (1998); Division G Evaluation Speech Contest winner (1995, 1999, and 2001); Runner-Up Founder's District Evaluation Contest (2001); Division G Toastmaster of the Year (2001-2002)

Other awards: Eagle Scout (1977)