I’ve considered myself a writer since the the age of nine when I wrote the brilliant play, The Princess and the Ragdoll. My fourth grade classmates were amazed (or annoyed) and agreed (with coaxing) to perform for the energetic recess audience. My dream of being a writer began.

      I have always enjoyed words whether I’m reading them, writing them, or speaking them (this one may be my superpower). It’s therefore no surprise that I earned a B.Ed. in English Education and a B.A. in English from the University of Missouri. Reading, writing, and speaking became my everyday tools when I taught middle school language arts, high school English, and pre-service teachers in college. I eventually received my M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Missouri. I just couldn’t get enough of my alma mater. Go Mizzou!

     When I became the librarian at the Catholic elementary school in Columbia, MO, I couldn't believe how lucky I was. Not only do I get to read aloud to children, but I also get to use different voices with stories and help students find stellar books. One of the best perks of my job is reading incessantly at home since previewing books is a must! 

     After the birth of my third daughter, I was blessed with an abundance of raw material to use in my writing as I watched my girls interact. Suffice it to say that my talking gene has been adequately passed on. The raw material my daughters provided helped my writing explode!  Although I had dabbled with children's books before, my writing felt stunted. This time around, things clicked, and my writing felt authentic and fluid and fun! Sarsaparilla Sue and the Sassmouth is the fourth children's book that I've written, but it is the first book I really felt was publishable. May many other books follow!