I sometimes say that I have been writing all my life, and I have, although not writing seriously. I just didn't believe in myself enough. I had to 'evolve' as a writer.

The major influences in my life that made me want to write are:

1. My best friend, Mary Lynn Blake (she used to read me Shakespeare, Georgette Heyer novels, and classics like, "The Robe")

2. My kids (because my dream is to make enough money as a writer to lavish them with gifts.)