By lucky chance, in 1991, I was invited into the Alternate Historians. Confident that I could write well, I submitted a story. Then I experienced my first critique session, and learned what it was really, truly like to have honest, professional opinions of one's work. Boy, did it hurt! But I didn't run crying from the room, even though I was quite tempted to. I kept submitting, and I kept enduring critiques. Eventually, they were no longer painful. Soon I had my first sale. Instead of joy, I felt intense relief. I had stuck it out and achieved my goal.

Goals have a habit of changing, though, so then I set my sights on selling a novel. I wrote several. "Boring!" cried the critique group. I tried again, and the next novel sold. At last, I had sold a novel! Two novels, actually, since it was a two-book deal.

Without the Alternate Historians, that never would have happened. I never would have been able to look at my own writing objectively enough to critique it, revise it, and take the rejection of it from agents and publishers far and wide. Along the way, I learned about the art of writing, the art of critiquing, and something about perseverence. Since joining them, I have sold several short stories, a poem, and four novels (two coauthored with another member of the group). I am now working on my next goal -- turning this writing thing into an actual full-time career.

Besides writing, I fill my time with working on my web sites, freelance copy editing, taking odd jobs, and planning vacations. I have a wonderful husband, and we are currently owned and managed by our seven pet rats and two cats. I have a Master's in Anthropology from Kent State University, and can't get enough of history texts, travel, hugs from my husband, and little rattie kisses.

Guides written by this Author (click title to view more information)

Beginning Manuscript Writing Writing Groups Writing Your First Novel