I have been writing stories and journaling since I was in High School. I won't be saying how long ago that was. Writing has become a passion, an outlet, and a calling (sometimes in the middle of the night). I work full time as a Paraeducator in a Deaf Ed classroom with elementary kids. It's a toss-up which of my jobs I love the most, school or writing. My students are amazing people, and they give me great insight in writing for teens and young adults. Learning to read took me longer than most, but once I caught on, I developed a lifelong love of the written word. Because I had trouble in school, I think it gives me a deeper compassion for every child that walks into our building every day.Raised in the Pacific Northwest, I grew up camping, hiking, swimming, and loved the exhilarating feeling of climbing a tree all the way to the top until it swayed under my weight. As a middle child with five siblings, the outdoors was my great escape. I still seek the outdoors. I enjoy all the seasons in my hometown. Winter skiing, snowshoeing, and curling up by the fire afterword with a warm blanket; the interesting spring skies as the storms roll in; summer at the lake with hiking, swimming, kayaking, and boating; and fall with the crisp air, pulling out my soft, warm sweaters and fuzzy socks to stay warm at recess once school starts again. Writing runs in the family, I credit my vivid word pictures to Great Uncle Ralph Waldo Emerson. My earliest composition was a secret admirer letter…to myself…when I was ten. I love writing adventurous “edge of your seat” suspense in wild places.I just finished my third book, Her Name Is Summer Sky, about an indigenous girl with blue eyes that because she is different, she becomes a target of bullies. Making decisions based on being bullied takes her in a direction that may cost her everything. My first two books, Zion Quest and Zion Lost, are about love, forgiveness, and a spiritual battle between good and evil.I have other short stories and articles on my website, Writing Apples, if you are interested in learning more about me.I am honored and even called to bring messages of hope and faith to my readers.Read more about this authorRead less about this author