About
I grew up in rural Kansas, where there was plenty of time for reading. My mother (an English teacher) took my sisters and I with great frequency to the library. My imagination developed rather effusively; I was certain, for instance, that a little man with a poison dart gun lived among our the basement storage, that a very skinny civilization conducted life within the walls of our home, and that a Bengal tiger (somehow) hid itself in the school bathroom.
Before I learned my letters, I dictated short stories to my mother. She would read them back to me, and always I insisted on changes and corrections. Gamely my mother worked with me until I was pleased with the story. (I imagine she was glad when I learned to write.) Throughout my childhood, I continued to put stories on paper. It was my passion.
Eventually I went to Kansas State, where I graduated Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa. I did a Masters in geography, married, and had four children. My writing had long been pushed aside; I seemed never to find time for it. I read many, many books to my kids, though, reacquainting myself with the children’s market. I discovered fantasy, which was a genre I didn’t read as a child. For the past five years I’ve volunteered in the school library, visiting with the kids about books, and learning what is available on the shelves.
I began writing Beyond Seaside with my twin boys in mind. Patiently they’ve sat through many a reading of various books; but only occasionally have we discovered a tale that truly enthralls them. Beyond Seaside was written with a lofty goal in mind. I want it to enthrall children and adults alike!
