By day, a mild-mannered accountant, I transform at night to an impassioned author of romantic historical novels, paranormals, and suspense. I live outside of Columbus, Ohio with my wonderful husband of many, many years, two adult children, and my canine shadow - a mixed breed mutt named Oreo. When I'm not knee deep in tax returns as a self-employed CPA, or typing away on another manuscript, I'm active in several writing organizations. Every now and then, I break out my paints or pastels for a different creative venue, but of the two, I find writing not quite as messy. I love to cook (but hate to clean up). I have a bit of a reputation with my desserts. They always incorporate chocolate and alcohol in some intoxicating fashion.

I started writing fiction in 1996 and entered my first full manuscript, a romantic suspense, in Romance Writers of America's coveted Golden Heart contest. Although it didn't win, it did final in the suspense category and thus validated that I might be onto something. I went on to write a second romantic suspense, before deciding to try something a little different, a paranormal short story. That story, Smoke and Mirrors, was published by LTD Press in a paranormal anthology, DREAM QUEST, that included several extremely talented writers, all of whom were far more experienced in this business than me. As the newbie, I was shocked to see my name favorably mentioned in reviews. I had thought no one would bother to read it! Unfortunately, Dream Quest is out of print, but a few copies might still be kicking around Amazon..

The idea for The Education of Mrs. Brimley, my Golden Heart winning manuscript, developed from a contest sponsored by Lori Foster. Her contest was looking for sexy, sensuous entries, and I had an idea about a woman doing a reluctant striptease. The concept made more sense set during a time period when women wore layers upon layers of clothing. As I began the writing, I fell in love with the late Victorian period and my characters. I hope you will as well. To read more about my Victorian striptease, visit my books page.

Shortly after winning the Golden Heart, I was contacted by Cori Deyoe of Three Seas Literary agency who had read the manuscript and enjoyed it immensely. I knew at once who to call in the event of a publisher's offer. I hadn't too long to wait. The following week, I had an offer to publish and an agent to boot. Although the title is bound to change, Mrs. Brimley as well as two books to be named later, will be published by Berkley publishing.

In addition to Romance Writers of America, I'm a member and officer (you guessed it - Treasurer) of Central Ohio Fiction Writers. I also belong to The Golden Network, a chapter of Golden Heart Finalists, and Scriptscene, a chapter for scriptwriters. Hey - you never know when Hollywood will come knocking.