Librarian I started my career as a branch librarian in Austin, Texas, and later was the children's librarian at Greenville, Texas, Public Library. When my family moved to Joplin, Missouri, I took a part-time position as reference librarian at the Joplin Public Library. Later, I became director of the library.
Writer An encounter with chiggers in Texas inspired me to write an article about them. I sold it, thus launching a freelance writing career as a sideline. A contract from Berkley Publishing for a suspense novel prompted me to resign the directorship of the library and continue to write. I subsequently wrote three more novels, seven children's books and hundreds of nonfiction articles for a wide variety of publications. In 2000, my daughter hired me to blog about pet adoptions for her website, Petfinder.com. The hundreds of adoptions I learned about through Petfinder, led to a book, Second Chances: Inspiring Stories of Dog Adoption. I also blog for her new site, Heal House Call Veterinarian. I continue freelance writing.
Art Quilter My art quilt career began in the early 2000s. I regularly show my work at member exhibits at Spiva Center for the Arts in Joplin and have participated in group shows at several area venues. My work has also traveled with the Hoffman Challenge Trunk Shows and was included in the juried 4th Biennial Wings & Water exhibit at River Arts Center, Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin. I am a member of Studio Art Quilters Association (SAQA).
