I grew up in the California hills with my four siblings, building forts in the oaks. I learned to read early and entertained my brothers and sisters with many stories. They loved Narnia, The Young Trailers, and extraordinary fantasy. Robin McKinley's The Blue Sword enthralled me. I have never found enough fantasy adventure with threads of beauty, mystery, and wonder in the world. Now I enjoy old bookstores, family, and hiking the wild. Words hold so much power - let's use them well.