I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area where memories of trips to the ocean, picnics in parks, walks through San Francisco, museum visits, and gatherings of family and friends continue to draw me back to my beginnings. Hikes in the Sierra, late dinners on warm summer nights, gardening, as well as, grandchildren, reading, and travel fill my days, weaving ideas and inspiration for my writing.
A number of years ago I asked a celebrated children’s writer where her stories came from. The author challenged me to find them within. I took pen to paper, and, like magic, stories flowed. Well, perhaps, not quite so easily. After extensive reading, studying craft, writing, innumerable rewrites, considerable editing, and countless submissions, a long-awaited box of books arrived on my front porch.
Teaching children’s literature and storytelling at California State University, Fresno nurtures my passion for children’s literature and my love of teaching. I have invited students of all ages into my world of children’s literature, immersing them in the nuances of writing and the art of storytelling.
My husband, Bob, and I reside in central California. My life is filled with nature and children’s literature. I shared the love of both with our three sons when they were young. Now I read armloads of books to my young grandchildren and practice my storytelling to their delight.