

BACKYARD BEAUTIES
When I wrote my YA-novel, Honeysuckle Holiday, I knew it would take place in Memphis and in St. Louis -- two areas where I spent part of my childhood. Each city would leave a huge thumbprint on my life, particularly as I grew older and moved with my family to West Virginia, where the story concludes -- or perhaps, to some degree, begins. The main character in the novel is Lucy. Her sisters Caroline and Grace play significant roles in young Lucy's life, as she makes her way


WRITERS & AUTHORS
For as long as I can remember, I've been a writer -- short stories, journal/diary entries, poetry, essays, and most recently, novels for young adults and middle-grade readers. I've either had a pen in my hand or my nose in a book. And sometimes, both at the same time! The written word and its creation are as integral to my daily schedule as rising & showering & eating. And the creation of each genre gifts as much from its fruition as from its first word. It's a magical a