I was born and raised in the Delta region in Mississippi, the youngest of three children.  My mother is a published author and she has passed the passion of writing on to me.  I am a mother of one and a "MiMi" of one beautiful granddaughter.  I would have to say the major influence of my desire to become an author is my mother who from an early age encouraged creativity and imagination.  My Dad instilled a "never quit" attitude within me.  I have been writing since I was able to pick up a pen or pencil and write.  I have entered various contest.  I have been writing poetry since a very early age though I have not tried to publish any.