Biography

Here's what you need to know about me:

I was born and raised in that part of Illinois known to outsiders as "not Chicago," the land of church potlucks and after-school 4-H meetings. The Midwest is a fundamental part of my identity. Secretly, I still believe it to be a universal truth that all the best recipes contain cream of mushroom soup. I also have an unnatural liking for sweet corn and I pronounce my short as with a nasal twang.

Late last year, I moved to the Seattle area after more than ten years in northern Colorado. I had thought Colorado would be my home forever and it was difficult crossing those fantastic mountains to take up residence on the west coast.

I have never not wanted to be a writer. My dad was a journalist when I was small and he once took me to the newspaper offices, showing me the printing presses behind a large, plate-glass window. I could smell the ink, still wet on the paper, and I knew I wanted them to be my words being printed. I still do. I'm in love with every aspect of the word business. I have a bachelor's degree in English with a focus on creative writing. I've worked binding reports in a print shop and marking up manuscripts at a book publisher.

Even though words flow through my veins, I am catholic in my hobbies. I know how to belly dance well enough to be paid to do it. I've collected biographical postage stamps since the fourth grade. Every other Saturday, I play Dungeons & Dragons with my friends and I attend gaming conventions without shame. I make collages from torn paper, bits of cheesecloth, oil paint, and sealing wax.

I really like the color orange and my favorite number is 11.

I adore Elvis Presley.

And Johnny Depp.

I like my eggs over easy, my steak rare, and my coffee black with Splenda. Unless it's a weekend. Then, I'd like a triple grande, nonfat, no whip, honey latté. Please.