I’ve been a writer since the age of 12.
I was in seventh grade. A badly written science fiction book changed the course of my life.
It was terrible.
I threw it across the basement playroom. It hit a post. I said aloud, “I could write something better than this.”
And at that moment, I was determined to do so.
I pulled my mom’s old Royal typewriter out of the closet. I unfolded her rickety card table and set it up in the basement playroom. I walked to Grand Value and bought a package of typewriter paper with my allowance money. And I began writing.
I’ve been writing ever since.
Early Career
In my freshman year of high school, I entered a short story titled “Runaway Boys” into a contest sponsored by the State University of New York (SUNY) Brockport. I won. The first prize was free attendance at the Science Fiction and Fantasy workshop run by Nebula-award-winning writers Stephen Donaldson and Nancy Kress. I learned a tremendous amount, especially from Nancy, on how to craft realistic characters.
Throughout high school and college, I published magazine articles, mostly in Just About Horses and small newsletters and journals. I began working part-time at an advertising agency for a local publisher, writing ads and radio scripts for local businesses: podiatrists, plumbers, optical centers, and beverage retailers.
Later
I was promoted to marketing manager in 1995 and began a dual-track career. By day, I led marketing departments for retailers and later, education testing and publishing companies. At night, I continued writing magazine articles, mostly for equestrian and gardening publications. And I continued writing and self-publishing stories because I couldn’t get a publisher interested in my unusual blend of character-driven paranormal stories, which typically featured quirky old people and the disabled.
Now
In 2007, I quit my fast-track career as a rising marketing star in New York City. We moved to a 17-acre farm in central Virginia, and I opened my marketing agency, Seven Oaks Consulting. Today, I work full-time for Seven Oaks clients, providing writing, editing, and marketing services for companies in the technology, education, and publishing industries.
Education
I earned two master’s degrees: an M.S. in Direct and Interactive Marketing from New York University, awarded with distinction, and an M.A. in Writing from CUNY Queens College.
I hold a B.A. in English from Molloy College (now Molloy University), summa cum laude.
My proudest college achievements: that summa designation and being named captain of the equestrian team.
Volunteer Work
I support several animal-related nonprofits, including the Southside SPCA, HorseAbility and Heartland Horse Heroes therapeutic riding centers, and the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center.
I am also a member of the Friends of the Library in support of Central Virginia Public Libraries.
Since 2023, I have served on the National Assocation of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) Board of Experts.
Personal
I am married to John, my best friend, and mom to a menagerie of rescued pets. I am regularly visited by a box turtle named Myrtle, a black rat snake named Mr. Slithers, and a wild bunny living in a rhododendron next to the house.
I am a lifelong Catholic and consider myself a Daughter of St. Francis de Sales, the patron saint of writers, whose gentle spirituality radically changed my life.
I am a nutritarian (plant-based, whole food diet follower) and well-versed in raw, vegan, and vegetarian living. I grow my own food as much as possible, including fruits, vegetables, and herbs.