Once Upon a Time . . .
Those are magical words that can transport any child, or child at heart, to another place, another time. They captured me early in my life. I don't remember a time when I wasn't reading. I love to read everything: horse stories, mysteries, gothic romances, thrillers, suspense, action-adventures, biographies, classic literature (yes, I'm one of the weird ones that loved Dickens), science fiction, and any other genre or label you want to put onto a good story. The label doesn't matter because it's not the genre that makes the story compelling, it's the who did what for what reasons and what happened next.
I have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet and get advice from many different authors. When Madeline L'Engle read a manuscript of mine, her words of encouragement filled me with hope. Ed Bryant's sharp critique of one of my earliest science fiction manuscripts was both praise and admonishment to aspire to more. Thanks to Rob Chilson and Bill Wu I've belonged to a wonderfully supportive writers group since its inception. I owe a lot to the patience and sharp eyes of the members of that group. And I will be forever grateful for A.J. Budrys' faith in me when my personal life spiraled out of control and my writing trickled to a halt. It has been my privilege and honor to have each of these people willing to spend time with me, giving me guidance and support.
I have also been mentored by non-writers: my husband, my best friend, Jan, and too many others to mention by name. Many of my mentors never knew my name, I was but one in a crowd. Yet they shared their knowledge and enthusiasm freely.
I launch this web site as a 'paying-it-forward' means of thanking all of the people who have aided me. I am offering you, my readers, information and encouragement, tools and resources, not just for writers, but for anyone who aspires to fulfill a personal dream. Because, while life isn't a fairy tale, when you do what you love, you live happily ever after.
