About me pages are always a bit awkward. Like speed dating (I’d guess). Well, here it goes.

I am a Storyteller.

Short stories, novels, comic books, poetry, and screenplays–I have a love for them all. Story is universal and each medium presents its own challenge. And I love a good challenge.

I am a happy wife.

I believe in marriage. My husband is my best friend, my confidant, and my rock. He was not born a nerd. When we met he couldn’t name two members of The Fellowship. Now he can. (And I know most of the members of the Yankees, so it’s an equal exchange.) He supports me in all the ups and downs of a creative endeavor and I adore him.

I am a mother of 3 little ones.

They are my joy. Motherhood is a grand struggle, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. They teach me. They encourage me. They give me unconditional love and hope and affection. I hope and pray every day that I can be the person they need me to be.

I was born, raised, and live in the western United States.

I’ve raised chickens, herded cattle, been bucked off a few horses (not on purpose), and love wide open spaces. My current neighborhood has more people than horses, but I really love those people, so I guess I’m good with that.

My first nerd-love was Star Wars.

THE COURTSHIP OF PRINCESS LEIA by Dave Wolverton in 5th Grade started it all. I wouldn’t put it down while on a long car ride and ended up puking on the side of the road.

I had an amazing creative support system while growing up (and still do now).

My brothers have always had a love for story and often debate movies at family functions. My oldest brother and older sister are gifted artists and understand creative process quite well. My little sister is a makeup artist and has a knack for networking. My mom has always believed in my dreams (even when those dreams were to be the first woman President of the United States). Any good thing I do is her fault. She has been a constant source of wisdom for me in my life.

My dad died when I was 12, but his legacy, too, is a live and well inside me. He was thoughtful and discerning. I would sneak into his workshop and sit on a rickety stool in the middle of the room, watching him cut wood and listening to daytime court shows. Sometimes he would comment on the court cases or the circumstances and sometimes I would just relish watching him work and soaking in his calm and sure presence. The day will come when we are reunited after this life and hope that the person I become is the person he hoped I would be.

More than you wanted to know about me? Well, I guess it wasn’t speed dating after all.