To have my first novel published was one of the nicest surprises of my life.  After teaching for 41 years, I finally had the time and the determination.  I have for most of my life had a creative bent that had to be satisfied in one way or another.  I have done most of the finish work on four of our houses, consider myself something of an artist, having sold several oils and watercolors.  I have also designed, built and sold many pieces of furntiture.  In addition to this, I have also written many poems and had a couple published.  A couple of things that have made writing a particular joy for me:  First, when I sit down to write, I'm never quite sure where the story is going to take me.  It has always been like reading a good novel and being anxious to get back to it so as to find out what happens next.  Secondly, my main characters, because I can't help but live with them everyday, become like friends or like people I'd really like to know.  It just a very enjoyable experience, and now with the start of my third novel with a new protagonist I have found a new friend.  Am I odd?  Is there anyone out there who feels the same? 

Associate, Bachelors and Masters degrees