The turn of a phrase that brings a laugh, a plot twist that surprises, fascinating characters who seem to write their own stories, rhythms and rhymes and language that make reading such a pleasure--all these drew me into the craft of writing.
My love affair with the written word began at age four, sparked by my father's avid reading and my mother's care in teaching me to decipher the cryptic groups of symbols we come to know as words. I began writing poetry at eleven-years-of-age, encouraged by my sixth grade English teacher. Years later, the tediousness of a repetitive job prompted me to begin my first novel. The story unfolded as I worked, and was recorded during breaks.
I might have continued to write solely for my own amusement if a friend had not introduced me to the Cincinnati Writers Project: a raucous bunch who nevertheless know their craft and mercilessly drive home the essentials of good writing in their Wednesday evening critique sessions. A writers group is an invaluable tool for a budding author. My articles and stories began appearing in print immediately.
With an educational background in Graphic Arts and English, I've worked as a printer, editor, production photographer, technical data clerk, jewelry designer, artist and art dealer.
My interests include horticulture, which led me to restore an old garden as well as design and create a new one from subsoil to garden structures. I've written articles and stories about both of them. I dabble in paint occasionally, and you'll find the image of one of my watercolors on the ART page of this web site. Prints of the original are sold to raise money for a favorite charity. I enjoy photography and carry a camera with me whenever I travel. A few of my favorite shots are posted in the PHOTO section. Most of the blockprints on the site are from my cookbook Feasts, which I published in 1995.
Please take time to explore.
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