A little about me...
Did you always want to be an author?
I began writing stories when I was nine years old at summer camp. At the end of each day, I would jot down a few sentences about the crazy activities we did and then make up different endings.
When did you start drawing?
I have been drawing since I could hold a crayon. My teachers in elementary school thought that I wasn't paying attention in class because I was so busy drawing the characters on the posters that decorated the room. Hey teachers, I was listening. I was just drawing, too.
What is your favorite media to work with?
I love to draw with blue colored pencils. When I studied architecture and city planning in college, we were taught to sketch with non-photo blue so it would not show when we made copies. When I studied toy design, I sketched everything in blue pencils; beginning my drawings with light blue and working darker as the drawing became more defined. Now I use my blue sketches as the bottom layer in Sketchbook Pro on my computer.
Where do you come up with your story ideas?
I've always worn many hats. I have been a circus performer, toy designer, camp director, teacher, author, illustrator, and a mom. There are many stories to create from my own experiences as well as from the silly things that I see happening around me everyday. If you don't see stories unfolding around you, spend some time anywhere that kids hang out.
What made you decide to try to get your stories and your artwork published?
I want to share my stories with lots of kids. The more giggles, the better. I also would love to hear that my stories inspire kids to read. Reading takes you on adventures and educates your mind about anything and everything you ever wanted to know.
Circus? Toy Designer? Really?
Yes, I performed in the circus when I was 12-16 years old and yes, I designed hundreds of toys that were sold in major retail stores. I believe in Carpe Diem - Seize the Day. If there is something you want to learn to do - do it. Maybe you want to play piano, learn to speak Spanish, hike the Grand Canyon, learn how to play tennis, ... If it's legal and it's safe, go for it.
I began writing stories when I was nine years old at summer camp. At the end of each day, I would jot down a few sentences about the crazy activities we did and then make up different endings.
When did you start drawing?
I have been drawing since I could hold a crayon. My teachers in elementary school thought that I wasn't paying attention in class because I was so busy drawing the characters on the posters that decorated the room. Hey teachers, I was listening. I was just drawing, too.
What is your favorite media to work with?
I love to draw with blue colored pencils. When I studied architecture and city planning in college, we were taught to sketch with non-photo blue so it would not show when we made copies. When I studied toy design, I sketched everything in blue pencils; beginning my drawings with light blue and working darker as the drawing became more defined. Now I use my blue sketches as the bottom layer in Sketchbook Pro on my computer.
Where do you come up with your story ideas?
I've always worn many hats. I have been a circus performer, toy designer, camp director, teacher, author, illustrator, and a mom. There are many stories to create from my own experiences as well as from the silly things that I see happening around me everyday. If you don't see stories unfolding around you, spend some time anywhere that kids hang out.
What made you decide to try to get your stories and your artwork published?
I want to share my stories with lots of kids. The more giggles, the better. I also would love to hear that my stories inspire kids to read. Reading takes you on adventures and educates your mind about anything and everything you ever wanted to know.
Circus? Toy Designer? Really?
Yes, I performed in the circus when I was 12-16 years old and yes, I designed hundreds of toys that were sold in major retail stores. I believe in Carpe Diem - Seize the Day. If there is something you want to learn to do - do it. Maybe you want to play piano, learn to speak Spanish, hike the Grand Canyon, learn how to play tennis, ... If it's legal and it's safe, go for it.
