When I was about 9 years old, I secretly took the Institute of Children’s Literature’s “aptitude test” that appeared every week in our Sunday newspaper. When they sent back a full-blown application, I was thrilled. I slaved over it for a whole week (maybe two!) and sent it back, hopeful. When they replied saying they wanted me to pay several hundred dollars to take their course, I was overjoyed! — right up until my parents said that was definitely not an option. “But I have aptitude!” I cried. Still no. So I pursued other interests like horseback riding, reading (definitely an option heartily supported by my parents–thanks mom and dad!), and playing Dungeons and Dragons. Eventually, I went to college and got a respectable career as a computer programmer, something for which I also had aptitude but, sadly, no great passion. Thankfully, after having children of own, I finally found my way back to children’s books and writing.
I now write books and articles for children and have a particular passion for nonfiction.
My articles have appeared in Odyssey, Faces, Know, Kono, WeeOnes, and ParentMap magazines, and I have several book manuscripts in progress. My work is represented by Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency.
I have been a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) since 2005, was co-regional advisor for the SCBWI Western Washington region from 2009-2011, and continue to volunteer on the Advisory Committee as both Nonfiction Coordinator and Cvent Coordinator.
Please feel free to download my resume and/or email me if you have any questions! You can also find me on Twitter and Facebook.
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