I believe the key for me is shorter projects, and I also act like I'm five in a good way.  I am mature, but I never wanted to grow up.  If I could, I would like to be a carefree child forever. I remember my childhood very vividly and the idealistic and hopeful spirit of my youth has not left.  That spark will hopefully never fade.

My children's books are inspired by my animals, my two cats and my royal pekingese, Joey.  I write lots of poetry about my beloved animals too.  Unfortunately, I have a hard time adjusting to the adult world and I also write poetry that is dark and gloomy.  I am very happy though when I am within "the four walls of hope," that is how I refer to my home.  I am married to the most wonderful magical man I could ever hope for, and have three of the funnest, cutest furry children that light up my life and help me remember who I am inside.

As for the writing for adults, I  write because I have to, it just pours out and my mind is restless.  It never stops.  Not all writers are artists, I am an artist. I have an unconventional way of viewing things.

If you like my poetry, you can purchase it on lulu.com or you can click on the link right here!  I will be adding my book to the store on the 9 of Swords site to make it easier to purchase soon. My next project is going to be a poetry book with my own illustrations for my poems.  I have one painting and one poem complete.  I am currently working on a painting to go with silent guardians.  I feel as if this is my true calling poetry and painting together.  The marriage of the two arts might be able to make those that dislike poetry (because there are a lot who do) find it more appealing.  Also, I am proud of being able to add the literal personification of a painting to my poems.

Please visit my personal website to read previously unreleased stories and poems. www.pisceshalcyon.com and also www.9ofswords.com/pisces.html   The 9 of Swords June issue is up!  Please visit the website, and we are also taking submissions!

I do write about things that are dark, because I recognize the darkness in my self and others and channel that into my writing.  I also write about the beauty all around us!

I am highly influenced by Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins. His writing and poetry are beautiful and enchanting.  I also have dark and twisted thoughts.  I am also influenced by Edgar Allen Poe, Phillip K. Dick, Madeleine L'Engle, Philip Pullman, and Stephen King. I also enjoy Emily Dickinson, and Hunter S. Thompson. 

A year ago, I never would have believed that I would have an online e-zine that I designed from scratch.  It doesn't feel real.  I am the editor and creator of 9 of Swords Magazine, an ezine to promote independent writers, artists, and musicians.  I don't think if I had to do it all over again, that I could.  9 of Swords is about people.   I have met so many great people, and so many talented writers, many right here from author's den!  9 of Swords is currently featuring two authors discovered here on Author's Den, David Boyle and Scott Tacke!  There are so many wonderful undiscovered talents waiting to be discovered! Please check out the website at www.9ofswords.com!  Thanks

As far as my own work, I must admit , I am not extremely good at editing my own work.  It is quite bothersome.  I need to hire an editor just for my own work.  I don't know if this happens to anyone else, but I will get a good flow of ideas in random order and have to rearrange them.  It causes words to accidently get left out, or things to be somehow out of place.  I get so mad because sometimes I will re-read my work and wonder how a ridiculous typo escaped me.   If only I could write in order!!

I also love animals. I have a beautiful lynx point siamese "Beauty Queen" cat named Princess, Gila, the Tabby cat from Tijuana, and Joey, a beautiful pekingese!  Yes I live in a household where the humans are outnumbered by the animals!

 Please read my work, enjoy and know these works are some of the jumbled thoughts of a creative and restless mind.  Thanks for viewing my work, and I hope it opens your mind to new possibilities and brightens your day. :)