My mother read to me every night during my childhood. I grew to love reading, and before long, writing my own stories. Several high school and college teachers encouraged me as well. Major influences among writers include Eloise Jarvis McGraw, who wrote my favorite book from childhood, "Mara, Daughter of the Nile." Not only did this book convince me I wanted to write, but also sparked a lifelong interest in Ancient Egypt. Lloyd C. Douglas, author of "The Robe," gave me a love for beautifully phrased descriptions, and Harlan Ellison, author of "I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream," encouraged me more...
