I was fortunate in 1980 to meet Shaker Heights, Ohio Fire Chief William Pickford, who allowed me to interview firefighters for a nonfiction book I planned to write about the fire service. But I quickly learned that I was an "outsider" at a time when women were not welcome in the firehouse. I had to earn the trust of each firefighter and when I finally became part of their "firehouse family," I felt as if I'd received a very high honor. Through my novels, I try to show some of the stresses common to all firefighters, no matter where they live or the time period in which they live. These are very special people and I'm proud to be one of them and to be able to tell their stories.   

State of Ohio certified fire safety inspector, B.S. Degree from University of Cincinnati in Fire and Safety Engineering, Breeder of national champion Appaloosa horses, Former NFPA 150 Fire and Life Safety in Animal Housing Facilities Technical Committee Member.

In 2016 I finally published my memoir, "Hey Guys, the Redhead's Back!" that recounts several years in which I was going through a divorce and how being part of a "firehouse family" gave me insight into myself and enabled me to begin a new chapter in my life. I also have a website focused on Fire Safety in Barns (www.firesafetyinbarns.com). If what I write can save the life of a single animal, or prevent one fire in a barn, I will feel I have "earned my keep."