My earliest memories are of words. My mother, Katherine, carefully stenciled big red letters onto large pieces of white cardboard and taught me to read when I was about two years old. It’s no surprise, then, that my favorite thing in the world is a good book, and I embrace writing in all its forms: nonfiction, novels, poetry, freelance articles, and commercial assignments.

My friend Sheryl took this shot at the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC. This is one of my favorite DC monuments, because Jefferson was an amazing writer.

Nearly two decades ago, I began working as a writer and editor, and have published natural history, travel, environmental, business, and outdoor features on a wide range of topics. Some of my favorite pieces have been profiles of biologists, landowners and conservationists. You can find my articles, and often, photos, in Texas Parks and Wildlife, The Houston Chronicle, Texas Highways, Texas Co-op Power Magazine, and dozens of other publications.

Writing also led me to leadership roles in several nonprofits. I’ve served as Chief Operating Officer of Bat Conservation International, Vice-president of Leadership Austin, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pets America and Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross of Central Texas. In each role, I selected and polished every word to help these organizations achieve their important missions, and I’m proud to have shared a part of each and every one.

A Texas native, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in advertising from The University of Texas at Austin, and a Master’s in Liberal Arts (with a concentration in English) from the University of St. Thomas in Houston.

As a novelist, my favorite subjects are suspense and adventure – sometimes with a romantic twist. I’ve completed two novels and am starting a third. No, they’re not yet published, but I’m working on it!

Today, I divide my time between Austin, Texas and Santa Fe, New Mexico, and every day, look forward to exploring the world, word by word.