I have had many influences in my life. When I was younger, I became very ill for a time. I couldn't even leave my bedroom. A family member pushed for me my first YA book and I was hooked from that point on. It is my greatest wish to be able to help others the way I was helped during this time.
I have written many short stories and other works in my life, but recently I made the leap to write my first full length YA novel, which I submitted for publish in Dec. '09. Shortly aftwards my book was accepted and I just celebrated the release of my debut novel, "The Thirteenth Chime", on August 13th 2010.
Authors Tamora Pierce and Sharon Shin have been a huge influence on my life. It was Tamora Pierce's book, "In the Hand of the Goddess", that I first read. I had the good fortune of meeting her in person at a book signing.
My education is on-going as I feel that it is important to keep learning throughout life, whether by going to school or reading. You can never learn enough! :-)