A storybook romance swept me from my American childhood to marriage, life and a teaching career in Yorkshire. Becoming an author seemed as likely as being a princess or an astronaut but after twenty years at the chalk-face, I left schools behind and set my mind to the dream. I've had several poems, short stories and articles published, won a handful of local prizes, as well as being invited to speak at events in the UK and US. My two grown up sons have left home now but in 1996, fifteen year old James was diagnosed with cancer and survived angainst the odds. A Life Less Lost, my memoir of that experince, was published in 2009. An experience in high school sparked the idea for my novel, Once Removed. A foodie, I recently discovered the joys of grow-your-own, love ‘doing up’ old houses, reading, badminton, skiing and various crafts. Still captivated by the British countryside, I also enjoy bracing walks with my dog.