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I have always loved to read. Books take me to places I've never been. They involve me in all sorts of exciting adventures. Because books have always been so magical to me, I never thought that I'd be talented enough to write one. And so, I became a Young Adult librarian -- connecting kids with books that would enrich their lives. However, after moving from my home state of Maryland to eastern Pennsylvania, I decided, along with my husband, David, to write a travel book on the Pennsylvania Dutch country. In doing this, I came upon two stories that began to stalk me. They stalked me for years and finally, through hard work and over time, I was able to give voice to them -- I Am Regina and Moon of Two Dark Horses.

The publication of these two historical novels gave me the courage to write a contemporary novel based loosely on my own life -- The First Horse I See. I then returned to the historical genre to write a Civil War adventure -- Anna Sunday, which was inspired by a song I have always loved -- The Battle Hymn of the Republic. I have recently completed an Appalachian Folk Fantasy -- Gnat Stokes and the Foggy Bottom Swamp Queen -- due out from Philomel Books in spring, 2005..

Writing novels is a challenge for me, but I love the journey the writing takes me on. I make such interesting discoveries about myself and about the world. I encourage everyone to read and write. There's a beautiful and intriguing world to be discovered -- both inside and outside us.