After a long career as a journalist – newspaper, magazine, and public relations – I’m making the leap into creative writing. I currently have three projects in the works – two novels and a series of six cookbooks.

As the editor of a professional magazine for educators, I did my own design work and won numerous awards for cover design. Early in 2011, I applied those skills to design eBook covers for some author friends and several web and print ads as well. They encouraged me to offer a freelance design service specifically for authors. Thus, Book Graphics was born.

My public relations experience is diverse and falls into five main categories – education (K-college), aerospace, the arts (art museum, symphony orchestra, theatre, etc…), non-profit development, and internet technology. In addition to the usual public relations activities (media relations, news releases, consumer relations, internal relations, etc…), I have a long and successful track record in special events. From a 24-hour live telethon to an annual week-long statewide media-sponsored aerospace education project, I’ve pretty much done it all.

As a newspaper reporter and editor in a major metropolitan area, I primarily covered hard news –  politics, city and county government, and police/crime.

During high school, I was an exchange student and I speak (rusty) French. And, I have degrees from two SEC schools – a B.A. from The University of Tennessee (French, Education and Life Sciences), and a graduate degree from The University of Georgia (Journalism).

I love spectator sports and am a rabid fan of: University of Tennessee Lady Vols NCAA basketball; University of Tennessee Volunteers NCAA football; Tennessee Titans NFL football; and, the Atlanta Braves MLB team. (And I’ve been known to stay awake and tuned-in 24/7 during the Olympics lest I miss an event!)

I am addicted to contract/duplicate Bridge, dark chocolate, and news.