I owe my interest in painting and art in general to a very talented high school teacher, then later in life to an incredibly talented local artist from whom I took classes. He inspired me to try all forms of artistic impression. As for my love of writing, I've kept personal journals for years, and have always been an avid reader - the next logical step was writing "seriously" and sharing my creative expressions with others. My personal influences would certainly include my parents. My father was a career Air Force officer and "closet writer", and my mother was a lively socialite/housewife who was known to "push the limits" and in doing so encouraged me to do the same.  I've been inspired as well by my favorite authors including Lawrence Block, Lee Childs, Arthur Conan Doyle, Robert Parker, and literally DOZENS of others.  I'm a big-time reader and find inspiration in fine writing from whatever source.

My first mystery novel was nominated for the Library of Virginia Award in Fiction for 2005.