Being a foster parent for several years was very influential in my writing.  The trials and triumphs I shared with foster children, biological families, and social workers had a profound effect on me.  I love working with teenagers, especially with those who come from troubled backgrounds.  I have taught youth groups at church and have mentored teens for the greater part of my adult life.  The goal of my writing is to give readers something to think about. I want the people who see my books to enjoy reading them - hopefully laugh or cry or get happy or sad while reading, but in the end I want them to walk away enlightened or inspired to take action regarding something they read.