Being a teacher and being a writer both began in childhood, and I have continued to use those parts of myself throughout my life. Before I wrote my first novel, many of my essays, short stories, and articles were published in magazines and newspapers around the country. As with Funerals and Fly Fishing, my topics often involved kids, family relationships, and humor. Now that I am no longer a full-time educator, I enjoy having the opportunity to visit with teachers and students online or in person. I love getting inside the head of a character and sharing the insights I've gained from doing so.  And, as all good teachers do, I still love to see the fun of kids becoming great readers and writers along the way.