About me.

I’m a writer. I live in North Carolina with my husband, two daughters, two stepsons, a poodle, and an unfortunate number of cats. I’ve done mostly children’s books.

This is my typical work environment. To make the experience complete, picture me in my bathrobe, just offscreen. Every day I get up, get the kids off to school, then sit down at my computer. After checking important, work-related websites, such as Lolcats and Pioneer Woman, I do more intensive, authorly research. I cannot tell you how many times this research has paid off.

Look at these adorable shoes I got on eBay:

I actually do get work done. I have deadlines. I have a mortgage. I have diet Coke. It all comes together. In addition to working, I have a whole other real life. I have Paul, the Wonder Husband.

Here is my handsome and sophisticated husband sitting on the ground in South Carolina, eating boiled peanuts. He’s so cute.

Plus I have the challenge and fulfillment of motherhood. And stepmotherhood. This is my first-born, Nina, looking chic in Paris in 2007. She is now five inches taller and her hair is longer. 

This is my younger daughter, Piera:


  And this is Max, my stepson.

This is my younger stepson, Adam, with my handsome husband Paul. And his cello.

All of the children except Piera are now taller than me, which makes them cackle with glee. Piera still has about an inch to go, but then, she’s only eleven.