As a novelist, I’ve derived much satisfaction from using my words to create a world and peopling it with characters that think and feel, act and react. As these characters emerge on the page, I become involved in their problems, await with eager expectation their responses to situations that arise.

When I write nonfiction, my purpose is to convey in a clear, concise manner some information that has enriched my life. I seek to address a need others have and provide them with a viable resolution.

I’ve had the experience of seeing my words in print, both in novel form and as articles in national magazines and have ambivalent feelings regarding publication, mainly that a substantial portion of my writing time must be spent attempting a repeat experience.

Yet, there is a special writing I try to practice that is just for me. It has evolved into a combination journal/diary/planning book. I’ve found it a great way to gather the threads of my life and reassess daily happenings.

Following Julia Cameron’s suggestion of ‘morning pages,’ each day I write at least three pages, setting aside a special time complete with little traditions. I always write at the desk in my bedroom. I always light a scented candle. I keep a supply of cheap ball-point pens in a nearby drawer to prevent a halt in the writing should the pen I'm using run dry. I like to use a five-section spiral notebook and if I’m flowing even fill in the blank space of the divider pages. What I put on the page as I do my “three pages” every morning is never meant for publication.

Writing...the act of writing itself...is an activity that satisfies something deep within. I’ve come to realize that through the act of putting words on paper, I can make sense of my world. Writing clarifies my thinking and enables me to communicate in a very direct manner those feelings and convictions I feel deeply.