Val Brown would like to be able to tell you all about her adventurous life as an international jewel thief and the intriguing people who are enthralled by her every utterance, but that would be a second work of fiction in this book. The truth is that Val was raised in a military family. One mom, one dad, one sister, one brother. The family moved around a lot, as one expects of families in such situations. Val became a hit-and-run student, leaving the scene of the school after a year or so each time. However, her unique upbringing allowed her to see things wouldn't most people only dream of getting to see in their lives. Perhaps that beginning is why Val find people so fascinating. Val worked her way through a community college. It was just like a real college, but cheaper! She became a nurse many years ago and hasn't quit that day job yet. Writing was only a fantasy until she met online MJ Walker, an British poet, and started a writing partnership and friendship that has led to several published novels.