I was a bookworm from the moment I learned how to read. I devoured Nancy Drews, Judy Boltons, and Trixie Beldons – sometimes two books in one day. Was it any wonder I ended up writing mysteries?

Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, I dreamed of becoming a ballerina or a writer. I practiced my pirouettes and penned short stories. My family moved to Long Island, where I continued to write stories until I was discouraged by a high school English teacher.

Turned off to writing, I continued to read voraciously in college and concentrated on my major, Spanish. I studied in Mexico and Spain, intent on becoming fluent in the language. I taught high school Spanish, married my dentist husband, and we started a family. When our two sons were small, I found myself drawn back to writing fiction.

The germ of my first novel, a romantic suspense, appeared in a dream. I completed it, then wrote a novel for children. I sold neither book My friend and fellow writer, Roberta Gellis, said I had a knack for writing for children, so I began another juvenile novel. Three proved to be the magic number. Holt bought AND DON’T BRING JEREMY, and it received some acclaim. I’ve been writing ever since.

Selling one book, two books, even five, is no assurance that a publisher will buy book number six. The writing life is fluid and ever changing. After years of writing books for children, I’ve turned to writing mysteries and romantic suspense.

A writer is a writer forever. We may have more than our share of disappointments, but the rewards are many – knowing you bring joy to readers; sharing the camaraderie and support of your fellow scribes. Writing is a way of life, one I wouldn’t relinquish for anything.