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All About Me. I grew up in Manitoba, Canada, where the grasses sway on the open prairies and the lakes abound with jumping, acrobatic fish. My house backed onto a forest of towering oaks and shady elms. It was the perfect playground for climbing trees, collecting tadpoles, and examining vacated bee hives. I started writing when I was a sprout in elementary school. I’d paste together pages of blank paper, illustrate them, and fill in the spaces with my stories, dreams, and poetic justices of the way I saw the world. It allowed my creativity and freedom to seep onto the pages and give credence to the person I was. In high school, I worked for the school paper. It took many attempts to publish my first article, but I never gave up, no matter how frustrating it got. My first accepted article was on a subject very near and dear to my heart, the Make-a-Wish Foundation and my parents said that my face nearly blinded them for months, it shone so brightly. Not quite Mom and Dad, but pretty darn close. In 1994, I moved to Calgary, Alberta and met the man of my dreams in 1998. We married and after many happy years there, we left Canada for a new opportunity in Texas. I had no idea what my life had in store for me, but I knew I’d embrace the adventure. In 2003 while pregnant with my last child, my oldest daughter re-awakened my passion. “When are you going to write that children’s book, Mommy,” she said. I’d always loved to write but her words were instrumental in re-focusing me. That day, my daughter taught me a life lesson. Sometimes, children see much clearer than adults. Not wasting another minute, I began re-cultivating my creative playground by submerging myself into the writing community. With the support of my husband and family, I completed writing courses, attended workshops and conferences, and read stacks of children’s literature. All of my efforts, I’m happy to say, are helping me become the writer I’ve always aspired to be. And I’m not done yet. There’s always a teachable moment around every corner. Always keep your eyes and ears open…your best keeps getting better. In January, 2010 the Austin SCBWI chapter presented me with the Meredith Davis Volunteer of the Year Award at the 2010 Destination Publication conference. It was a great honor to receive the award from Tim Crow, former Austin SCBWI Regional Advisor. My eyes swam in tears. I love giving back to the kid-lit community who continues to graciously help me with my journey. Then in March 2010, I accepted the Assistant Regional Advisor position for the chapter taking over from the multi-talented Lyn Seippel. I’m currently serving with the vivacious Debbie Gonzales, Regional Advisor, educator, and talented author of many early readers. I feel blessed. Ever since I was a little girl, my mom and dad always taught me to believe in myself. “I think I can, I think I can, I know I can.” That’s why I live by the motto “You’re never too young or old to follow your dreams.” God’s path awakens many opportunities, but if you don’t seize them and make them yours, they’ll waft away like driftwood floating out to sea. I believe in family, passion, and making a difference. There’s no celebrity map to follow on living your life but making your own. I hope everyone who visits my website is inspired to follow their own dreams. I can’t wait to meet you there!
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