I was born into a close-knit Polish-American family on May 5, 1961. Growing up in Dearborn Heights, Michigan filled my childhood with unforgettable experiences that shaped who I am and that continue to influence what I write. My dad my hero and role model instilled in me a love for reading and a desire to succeed. My mom my shining example of how joyful life can be taught me to experience each day with passion and to record the meaningful moments so they live on. Thanks to them, I knew before I reached high school that I was born to be a writer.

In 1976, my family moved to Houston, Texas, where I excelled in academics, became a pretty good competitive swimmer, and immersed myself in writing short stories, poetry, and, before graduating high school, novels. After earning my BA in English Education at the University of Houston, I planned to teach for three years and then pursue a career as a full-time writer. Until I began working at Galena Park High School, I had no idea how much I would love teaching or how much all those great students would enhance my life. Thanks to them, I won many teaching awards from the community (North Channel Chamber of Commerce), the district (1988-1989 GPISD Teacher of the Year), and universities (University of Texas and Texas A & M). Galena Park also became the subject of my first published book, which I co-authored with Sue Elkins Edwards.

The 1990s were literally a whirlwind experience. While I was inside it, my house was hit by a tornado. Although I temporarily lost the house, I ended up writing an article about the disaster that became my first magazine cover story. Meantime, I had several teaching articles, essays, a play, and some poetry published.

After earning an MA in creative writing from Antioch University and a library science certification from University of Houston-Clear Lake, I went from classroom teacher to school librarian. With Dr. Patricia Potter Wilson, I co-wrote a series of library programming books that set me on a course toward being a full-time author.

Professionally, I write both fiction and non-fiction, edit others’ manuscripts, coach and teach writing to adults and teens, and visit schools to share motivational concepts from my book, The Success Express. Personally, I share my life with my partner, Jerry, our wonderfully loving families, and Rex and Joey, the two best dogs in creation.