My first inspiration for writing came in first grade. I can still remember it, as odd as most memories from childhood are, in little snippets. My first snippets comes from trying to illustrate a story I wrote about my cat, Ikus. The thing is, I never had a cat named Ikus - his name was Mr. Magoo, and he was an angry old Persian a friend gave to us because she couldn't have him in her apartment. Still, I felt that renaming him and writing a story about how he barks at birds would be the best story a first grader chould write. I still have that story, as well as the other remarkable stories of a first grader, coil-bound and stuffed into storage somewhere.

At my elementary school it was just natural for children to write stories. My first, second and fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Dwyer, made time daily for us to edit, write or re-write whatever story we'd been working on. She also read to us, which is where my love for series came about. I remember sitting in story circle and leaning over in excitement and puzzlement as she read us Encyclopedia Brown, or laughing hysterically as she read us Hank the Cowdog. Under her, I wrote short stories at home and in school, and was even encouraged to enter a poetry contest. To my surprise, I was awarded first place for my poem. It was at that moment that I thought I might have a career in writing.

Despite all of the early influences, it wasn't until my junior/senior year in high school that I really took the deep plunge into writing. I was in an AP English class with Mr. Adams, an eccentric English teacher who shed light on something I'd never heard before - NaNoWriMo. National Novel Writing Month is every November, and it encourages authors to write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days. He offered us 60 points extra credit if we made the 50,000 mark, even if it was after the 30 days. I dug in, and that's where my first real novel came. The Clan was written in 22 days, done before Thanksgiving dinner was on the table. Not only did Mr. Adams give me the outlet and the push to actually finish a novel, but he also gave me the tools necessary to turn it into something better.

Despite my love for writing, I am not seeking a degree in anything that relates to writing. On the contrary, I'm currently enrolled at the University of Arizona seeking a degree in Veterinary Science with a minor in Sociology, and am also a proud sorority member. I am still actively writing, and since my first brush with NaNo in 2005 I've participated and finished every year. Following The Clan came Dear, Homminus and in 2007 it was Muse. I encourage every aspiring author - regardless of your age or ability - to join me in November of 2008 for the best 30 days of your life.

Right now, I am only self-published. I am actively seeking representation for all of my novels, and have been sending out query letters to agents that I feel are the best fit. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please visit the "Contact" section and send me a note - I'd love to hear from you!