My mother used to say - Don't deny yourself the pleasure of writing. The talent is in your genes. As one of her ancestors was related in some way to Sir Walter Scott, she always hoped that the ability to write was inherited by at least one of her children. She was thrilled that I didn't disappoint and lived to see at least ten of my books published. As a child and young adult I was surrounded by books, music and stimulating conversation, provided by a wonderfully eccentric father, a down-to-earth, supportive mother and an Italian grandmother whose favourite past-times were to quote Shakespeare and to sing Irish ditties. A high school English teacher also recognized a hint of talent in my scribblings and encouraged me to write - whenever, whatever and wherever.

Truthfully, I an not one of CanLit's family of the chosen twenty authors. Nevertheless, I do pen interesting stories and have a loyal following of supportive readers, who wait patiently for the next book or appearance. Achievements include more than twelve published books to my credit and lots of nominations for local, national and international awards -nothing received yet but perhaps someday . . . .