: About Me

I'm a writer, editor, photographer and public speaker.

According to my mother, I have always had a book in my hand or found a way to write. She claims that as a preschooler, I wrote with a stick in the dirt before I could form my letters and on more than one occasion, she's found me secreted under extra thick quilts with a flashlight, reading long after I should have been sleeping.

I have been a features writer for Senior Life of Florida since 2003, and in 2008, resigned from my day job to work more closely with the publication as the managing editor. I am the senior writer for Viera Voice, another Bluewater Creative Group publication and oversee many aspects of an annual, the Boomer/Senior Guide. Toward the end of 2008, I was promoted to editor of Senior Life and I continue as managing editor of all three publications. I photograph for the company and act as community liaison as well as the personal assistant to the publisher.

I assist the marketing director, who calls me Miss Tweaky, for my ability to spot ways to tweak an ad and to be able to understand cryptic notes between the client and sales representatives.

In November, 2008, Senior Life won 12 national awards including: Most Improved and Best of Show (2nd place). I earned a first place award for my community service article that highlighted Brevard's community kitchen. I was responsible for the interview, photography and the final article, including edits and final proof. My story about a local realtor who sculpts with a chain saw earned me a second place and my cover photograph for the June issue won first place. However, I am most proud of our Most Improved award, because I feel that is a direct reflection of my contributions during 2008.

My work has been published in several regional literary magazines and periodicals including Senior Life, Viera Voice, Literary Liftoff, The Florida Writer, Florida Palm and Rambunctious Review

In the past, I facilitated a local writers' group for the Florida Writers Association and organized a successful one-day writer's conferencein 2007. I worked on several sub-groups for the Space Coast Writers' Guild where I was acquisitions editor for Literary Liftoff until the magazine's abeyance.

In 2007, I drafted my first novel ahead of National Novel Writers' Month's thirty day deadline and am in the process of shopping for an agent. I have several children's books waiting for publication and many creative non-fiction projects waiting their turn for release.

I am honored to have been invited to help write the memoirs of Frederick Rutledge, a direct descendant of Edward Rutledge, the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Schools often request my participation in career days and I have a standing engagement as penpal with a fourth grade class each year where students and I communicate through email and cards. I'm among the first invited each year to read to children at the local mall's Book Blast during the school breaks.

Deadlines invigorate me and I enjoy the challenges of working with a creative, energetic publisher.

My passion is ...

Writing, followed by reading and eating chocolate.

I know too much about ...

Chocolate

My parents always told me ...

"Lights out! Put down the book and turn off the flashlight! Go to bed."

My childhood ambition ...

was to be veterinarian until I learned about euthansia.

My favorite memory ...

I recall my first facial. My younger sister and I were making mud pies and had access to culled cucumbers.

Why I write ...

I write to share my knowledge, to inspire and motivate others and because I think otherwise, I'd wither.

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

I love reading by Dean Koontz, but am currently reading creative non-fiction. I'm often listening to new novels on audio as part of my job. I enjoy techno music but find classical awakens my muse. Television is something I can take or leave, but I love Sci-Fi.

My first job ...

after babysitting, my first job was assistant clerk in a women's clothing store.

My best moment ...

I've had so many wonderful moments in my life, that to name just one would be unfair to the other moments in my life.

My inspiration ...

My family insprires me as does nature, good music, great chocolate and the perfect glass of wine shared with a good friend.

Relationships & Family > Communities & Support Is there such thing as gaydar?

3 of 9

In recent years, the term gaydar has become more popular with younger adults and teens, generally when they initially discover someone close to them is gay. They might announce, “My gaydar was way off,” or “My gaydar was right, again.” Most people form first impressions upon meeting new acquaintances, employers or colleagues. Often, the initial feelings are correct. Generally, any adult who has been exposed to a variety of personalities can tell if another person is genuine or phony. If a person is pretending or trying too hard, it’s often evident immediately....

More..

Writing:

• Professional Journalist
• Marketplace Approved Writer
• Marketplace Premier Writer
• News Writer
• Helium Charter Member