History major in college. Influences: John Steinbeck, Will Henry, James Michener, Gore Vidal, Carl Hiasson, many others.

"Writer of the Year, 2003" (Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers & Storytellers); BEST READ OF 2002 - Native American Times. Finalist for two Spur Awards, Western Writers of America, 6/00. LOST RIVER - Best Original Paperback, Medicine Pipe Bearer's Award. Serves as Northeast Region Director for Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers & Storytellers

Second novel, The Education of Ruby Loonfoot, is the story of a young Chippewa girl struggling to survive and to maintain her Indian identity in a Catholic boarding school in 1957. "Haunting, moving and inspiring."