I had always wanted to write, but spent most of my younger life doing the things other women did. I went
to college, managed my own business and did evaluation and counseling in the Maryland Rehabilitation Center to help other
physically challenged people learn to manage their disabilities.
Born with Arthrogryposis (ARTH-row-grip-O-sis), a birth defect left me a quadriplegic with only 3% use
of my left arm and 7% use of my right. Though, I am confined to a motorized wheelchair, I have taught writing classes for
a local college, travelled to speaking engagements, given telephone and television interviews, and attended writer's conferences
sponsored by the International Womens Writing Guild.
I use a mouth stick to type manuscripts on my computer, or surf the Internet, and do pen and ink drawings,
holding the pen in my mouth.
In 1998, I gave up my 56 hour a week telemarketing business, started my first book, LOVE AUNT ALMA (a poetic
devotional set in the Great Depression), and returned to the Eastern Shore of Maryland to follow my dream to become a
writer. My wonderful husband, John, and little terrier, Buddy, and I remain on the Eastern Shore today.
Currently I have written six books: Four Christian fiction works--LOVE AUNT ALMA, LETTERS IN MY CASKET, YOUR
TRUE FRIEND ALWAYS LOUISA, and AT THE GATE CALLED BEAUTIFUL; one non-fiction book co-authored with award-winning writer, Arline
Chase, HOW TO PROMOTE, ADVERTISE, & MARKET YOUR PUBLISHED BOOK; and edited and illustrated one anthology, CHRISTMAS IN
THE COUNTRY (a portion of the royalties go to Easter Seals).
I hold an Associates Degree in Religious Studies from School of the Bible in California, a Bachelor
of Arts in Psychology from Salisbury University in Maryland, and a Masters Degree in Theology and a PhD in Biblical Studies
from Northwestern Theological Seminary in Florida.
A Christian, I am a member of a local United Methodist Church, but my writings, while firmly based in
Christian faith, are inter-denominational and suitable reading for any audience.
The things that make me tick include listening to Celtic Woman, Cat Stevens, etc.; reading the Good News
and books that challenge my thinking; watching well-developed dramas and informative documentaries on unedited
historical accounts and current events; taking nature walks; and, most important, spending time with my family and
friends.
