I lived my early years in the country near Grand Rapids, Michigan.  There weren’t many other kids nearby, so I spent lots of time outdoors with barn cats and books. I never stopped loving either. 

I grew up to be a teacher, and moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan. I worked mostly with preschoolers and their families. My husband and I adopted three girls who are now grown up. Thirty years with all those children gave me lots of ideas for stories, and they continue to inspire new stories.

When I’m not writing, I love to wander beaches looking for treasures. I especially like to collect glass polished by sand and stones.

My love of stories started with my dad. He would make up totally zany stories that I would ask to hear again and again. Zeke & Freddy Ant were frequent visitors. I also thank him for my sense of humor. Without it, my pencil paper and I might be frequenting a little padded room.

My husband sees the joy that reading and writing bring to me, and supports me in my dreams. My daughters inspire my stories. A friend bites you? Yup–a story. Stomach virus in the house? You guessed it, a story.

My critique group in Ann Arbor has helped me to become a better writer. Since 1996, this group of big-hearted, talented authors has believed in me and pushed me to write, rewrite & submit. I’m a very lucky ducky to be a part of this group. A special thanks to Deb Pilutti for her help setting up this website.

SCBWI-Michigan is an amazing, active group. I stay connected via their list-serve & website, Mich-kids. I have attended conferences, where I have learned and been inspired by my peers. I’ve made editor and agent connections that I wouldn’t have without this organization. I had the honor and privilege of working with Rhonda Gowler-Greene in 2004, when I won the SCBWI-Mi picture book mentorship contest, with a manuscript called Tumbleweed Twins. She helped me make the story bolder and ready to sell.  In 2016, this story, now called Giddy-Up, Buckaroos was published by Tiger Tales Books, who also published Farmers’ Market Day in 2013.

Readers: I appreciate all the parents, librarians, booksellers, teachers & children who are reading & sharing my book. I hope to have more titles to share with you in the coming years. Thank you all!