About Me

I was one of those shy, quiet kids who spent more time reading than talking. Literally. I didn’t speak a single word for the first three months of preschool, but I had already taught myself to read. My fascination with reading led to many hours spent in the library and bookstores, and eventually to writing. I wrote my first novel when I was sixteen years old, but spent ten years rewriting and perfecting it before having it published.

Native to New Mexico, my husband and I spent several years in Colorado for college and work before moving back home to be near family again. Our two children love having their seventeen cousins close by again. They also love having all the neighbor kids over to play, which has made our house the unofficial summer and after school hangout spot.

When not writing, you can find me out and about with my family or sneaking a few minutes for one of my many hobbies I never seem to have time for. I love reading (obviously), though I tend to stick to indie and small press authors more than mainstream books. I don't do nearly enough painting and drawing, but I have a passion for art and I think kids really need a creative outlet to express themselves. I also enjoy sewing, though my dreams of becoming a fashion designer never really panned out. And for my day job... I spend my time trying not to get bitten by small children in my work as a dental hygienist.

My reading interests are as eclectic as my hobbies. My first love in books is Young Adult and middle grade. I still have a collection of books like Which Witch and The Enchanted Forest series on my bookshelf, and I love rereading them with my kids. I also enjoy thriller/suspense mysteries like The Romanov Prophecy, fantasies like The Mistborn Trilogy, dystopias like The Hunger Games, and I'll admit it, gushy, girly teen romances like Twilight.

What I look for in a great book is strong characters, a plot with no holes, and a captivating story. I can't stand stereotypical or "token" characters. Even side characters should have an element of depth and uniqueness. I don't like female characters that are pushy, loud, and overly tough, because that quickly gets on my nerves. Male characters should never be perfect, and if they have a secret, all the better. Plot holes, or plots that get lazy at the end and don't wrap up everything are a big pet peeve of mine. If I get to the end of the book and am confused and unsatisfied, it's very likely I won't read that author again. Storylines can be well thought out and intelligent, but if they don't pull me in quickly I get the urge to start skimming.

Having said that, I do not skim books. I have a strange compulsion to finish a book I start no matter how good or bad it might be. There is only one book I have ever not finished in my entire life. I bugs me still, but I've forgotten the name of the book, so it's hard to remedy that now. Have no fear that I won't finish a book that is sent to me. So, on to the reading!