MPax Bio

Tuesday, 03/30/2010 ShareThis

Living my dream in the audacious beauty of the American West. Relatively new to Central Oregon, I am fortunate to call it home. Here I write. Here I find inspiration and walk the path the Muse laid out.

If it is before noon, Pacific Time, I am in my slippers, drinking coffee and going at the keyboard. I am a typical writer that way.

Since I was young I have created stories and worlds. I loved losing myself in stories. Loved books. Now I begin to share the characters and places I've made.

A BSJ from West Virginia University, writing has always been more than a passing fancy.

Active member and Blog Director wtih Central Oregon Writers Guild. A great group of talent from which I learn and grow. Member of Willamette Writers.

Here I watch the stars. I docent as a star guide up at Pine Mountain Observatory every summer. Perhaps the one thing I love more than writing is working at the observatory. The thrill of discovery is addictive.

So what a joy to combine my passions by writing science fiction stories. It was not my intention when I started writing. I envisioned some great literary work ala Thomas Hardy or Jane Austen. As I was working, this astronaut dude with a blaster kept yelling, "Hey you! Over here!" Here I find complete creative freedom. Arthur C. Clarke, Ray Bradbury, Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. and Frank Herbert influenced me and my definition of a great story as much as the classics.

A Western New York native, Frank's Hot Sauce flows through my veins. I have also lived in New York City, Washington, DC and Portland. Met my other half in DC, who is originally from the west. Convinced to try life in the Pacific Northwest, we moved here with our two spoiled, adorable cats, and I have not regretted it. I can't imagine living anywhere else. Mt. Hood says, 'You belong here.'

One of my most vivid childhood memories was watching the moon landing. Space has fascinated me ever since. I never imagined I'd get to work at an observatory and do something with that interest. And, I always dreamed that someday I would find the time to finish writing something and pursue becoming an author.

A budding amateur astronomer and a budding novelist, this is just the beginning.

"Beacons" awarded 4th place in 2009 Literary Harvest writing contest sponsored by Central Oregon Writers Guild. Published in 2009 edition of Literary Harvest chapbook. "Buffalo Burgers" published December/January 2010 issue of Taste of Home Healthy Cooking and Taste of Home Healthy Cooking 2010 Annual Recipes cookbook. ISBN# 978-0-89821-763-6 Cool!