My mother read to me every night during my childhood. I grew to love reading, and before long, writing my own stories. Several high school and college teachers encouraged me as well. Major influences among writers include Eloise Jarvis McGraw, who wrote my favorite book from childhood, "Mara, Daughter of the Nile." Not only did this book convince me I wanted to write, but also sparked a lifelong interest in Ancient Egypt. Lloyd C. Douglas, author of "The Robe," gave me a love for beautifully phrased descriptions, and Harlan Ellison, author of "I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream," encouraged me to be quirky and creative.

My time-travel romance set in Ancient Egypt, LADY OF THE TWO LANDS, won a Bloody Dagger Award and was a Golden Rose Award nominee. My romantic suspense novel, SINCE ALL IS PASSING, was an EPPIE Award finalist and Bloody Dagger Award finalist. My paranormal mystery, FATAL FORTUNE, was a Word Museum Reviewer’s Choice Masterpiece. My contemporary romance novella, "The Heart of the Matter," is featured in the Valentine's Day-themed anthology CUPID'S CAPERS, and was an EPPIE Award finalist. "A Carol of Love" is part of the HOLIDAY HEARTS anthology and an EPPIE Award finalist. "A Cup of Christmas Charm" is part of the HOLIDAY HEARTS 2 anthology and was also an EPPIE Award finalist.