I've always loved stories, words, and word games. My favorite authors are Mark Twain, George Eliot, William Shakespeare, Ellen Goodman, and Toni Morrison. As an English professor I've always encouraged students to become their best selves in whatever they write. As a writer, I've applied literary quality to light verse and poetry that anyone can understand. My novels inspire and entertain while chronicling the triumph of the human spirit. My articles and essays have been praised for logic and clarity. 

Listed in several Who's Who compendia. Achieved honors status in college, scholarships, two awards of "outstanding teacher" as an English professor, and recognition of leadership in my field and community. As a writer, have won numerous prizes in poetry and light verse. Have published five textbooks in English composition and vocabulary, a historical novel, a humor booklet, two poetry chapbooks, and many prose pieces and humor in newspapers and magazines. I've also edited my uncle's memoirs of his prisoner-of-war experience. In 2007 I received an award for best historical fiction with potential for film media for VOICE OF THE VANQUISHED; THE STORY OF THE SLAVE MARINA AND HERNAN CORTES. In 2011 I rewrote the story for young adult readers. entitled, MALINALLI OF THE FIFTH SUN, which has earned two awards, "Editor's choice" and "Rising Star" from the publisher.

My newest book is a historical novel, MALINALLI OF THE FIFTH SUN: THE SLAVE GIRL WHO CHANGED THE FATE OF MEXICO AND SPAIN. Malinalli is a historical figure that has been demonized by some male writers and artists as "La Malinche the Traitress," but her true story is much more fascinating and inspiring.