In 1983, I began writing after our son and daughter went away to college. Unlike many writers, I never wrote as a hobby or dreamed of being a writer when I was a kid--I guess I was too busy goofing around, but I did love to read. I read everything from Nancy Drew to Frank Yerby as well as a passed-around copy of Peyton Place. This last one was sexy stuff when I was a kid. I started writing more for fun than seriously, but some encouragement from a published friend soon had me working on a novel. By the way, it was dreadful and thankfully met its demise in my paper shredder a few years ago. Being a serious writer is not for the faint of heart, nor is it the road to a quick buck, but then nothing of real value comes without a few struggles. I did begin to sell to some very small markets, and later I sold to the confession market as well as a lot of non-fiction. While these steps to success were encouraging, I really wanted to sell novels. In fact, I wrote a number of completed manuscripts that were rejected before I finally sold one in 1989. That book, Black Horse Island, a Silhouette Intimate Moments, won RWA's prestigious RITA as the Best First Book. I've been a RITA finalist three times. With more than nineteen published novels and over four million copies in print, I've learned that my strengths are intensely dramatic story lines and strong compelling characters. I've written for Silhouette, Harlequin, St. Martins, Avon and Berkley. Currently, I'm writing for Berkley. Coming soon from Berkley is THE BOY ON THE PORCH. When I'm not writing, I like to snoop around in antique stores. I love old things from linens to glassware and English china and finding a new antique shop to explore is my idea of a good day. I also buy and sell on Ebay--an additctive habit.. I live in New England, the most gorgeous place on the planet, where I usually set my books. My son and daughter are both married now and they and their spouses have blessed me with 3 brilliant granddaughters. Spoiling them is as much fun as writing books.
