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It’s All About Books
Stories fascinate me—they always have. When I was growing up my relatives almost never saw me without a book in my hands. Even now that I’m busy with my career, teenaged children, pets, writing groups, relatives, fitness and friends, I read an awful lot. I read when I eat (a no-no, I admit), in the bath (leads to soggy pages), and always, always, always in airplanes (I’m a nervous flier). I even read while driving (thank goodness for books on tape).
A Bend In The Road
Despite my love of fiction, when it came time to pick a direction for my studies in university, I chose business. I ended up with a degree in Commerce, which I followed with two years of articling and several more exams, in order to become a Chartered Accountant. I worked in this field for about six years, and while I enjoyed my job, I had a secret yearning for something else.
When I had my first child, I finally had an opportunity to step back from what I was doing and re-assess what I wanted from life. I decided I wanted to be a hands-on mom. I also wanted to write books. And so I tried.
Persistence Pays
I typed my first book on an electric typewriter, and sent it to Harlequin Enterprises with great expectations. I had so much to learn! The books I had enjoyed since my teen years seemed so structurally simple, but I soon realized that achieving this effect requires great skill and talent. Hoping I had the talent, I worked on acquiring the skills and ten years later (yes, it really did take that long!) I sold my first book to Harlequin Superromance.
 It Could Happen to You
Writing about ordinary people, in extraordinary situations -- That’s the kind of story I love to read and it’s the kind of story I write, as well. Whether you’re a mom with kids, a single career woman, divorced, retired, young, old (or any combination of the above!) I want you to feel as if you are reading about something that could happen to you in your real life (or to your daughter, or mother, or best friend).
Though I have been thrilled to be nominated for RWA’s Rita award, RT’s Career Achievement award and The Bookseller’s Best award, my biggest rewards come when I receive an e-mail or letter from a reader. I also enjoy getting together with other writers at the smaller RWA conferences. What a great way to travel and to meet new people who share the same interests and passions as I do.
We only have one life to lead. I’ll always be thankful that, because of stories, we can experience so much more!
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