I have a masters degree in writing from Carnegie Mellon University. I studied the classics and enjoyed Russian lit, Fitzgerald, Dickens, and Faulkner, but currently read contemporary authors, mostly romance writers. Favorites include Catherine Anderson and J.R. Ward. My heroes are my grandfather, for carving out a successful life in a new country; my grandmother, for living so long once her soulmate had passed on; and my parents, for surviving cancer and thriving afterward. My inspirations and motivations are all around me everyday, but I have to say without the love and support of my husband, son, and daughter, I doubt I would have the fire in me to put the words on the page. It would probably be more of a smoldering ember.