Storytime—When I was growing up, Keokuk, Iowa, a Mississippi River town, was a great place for kids. We could walk or bicycle just about everywhere. Nancy Drew and Perry Mason served up our closest encounters with murder. If my sister and I heard creepy noises in the basement, Mom blamed them on Casper the friendly ghost.

Back then I never dreamed I’d write a book, let alone a romantic suspense novel or mystery. But I loved stories—hearing them, reading them, inventing them. Our spooky basement was the scene of many a candlelit séance, where my grade school friends and I tried to scare the bejeesus out of one another with ghost stories. My great aunt, who lived with us for a time, acted out Mac Beth—“out, out damn spot”—as a bedtime story for my sister and me.

When I entered Northwestern University, I planned to become a lawyer. Soon though, I started hanging out with journalism types and was seduced into the cult. It’s a decision I’ve never regretted.

But, after many years of writing for other people—ad copy, newsletters, trade magazine features, speeches, technical manuals (anything for a buck)—I decided it was time to write for me. To try to author the kind of books I love to read.

Critique Partners—
I can’t say enough about the importance of good critique partners. I was lucky to be able to share the RWA festivities with two of my critique partners, Howard and Robin.

Day-To-Day—I try to write every day. I set word count goals and track my progress. Since I’ve always made my living as a writer, I’m comfortable with deadlines and putting my fanny in a chair for as long as it takes. I’m also accustomed to working with editors and value their input.

I do have other interests—swimming, kayaking (I live on a lake), gardening, tennis, and READING. I love to read. Can’t imagine going to bed at night without a book in my hand. Thankfully my husband shares my passion for reading so I don’t have to use a miner’s light to indulge my nocturnal habits.