I grew up in Orillia, Ontario, a small town surrounded by thick forests, glistening lakes, and a rich history. Throughout high school, both English and Theatre Arts appealed to me. I wrote stories and performed on stage. When admitted to the BFA program at York University’s Dance Department in 1980, my heart soared. Gradually, however, I realized that ballet would always have an important place in my heart and life, but not as a vocation. The next logical step was right in front of me. I had spent my summers during high school, directing a program for children with and without autism. And so there I was, standing at the admissions department at the Faculty of Education. This decision led me to a fulfilling career as an educator for young children, and later, for those at the college level. Building a career and a family consumed me for a while. It wasn’t until middle life that I more seriously put my fingers to the keyboard. Since that time, I’ve written in a variety of genres, each one providing deep personal satisfaction and challenges. Writing is food for my soul, and I can’t imagine living without it.