Look and Listen

Biography

Stats: Born in Tucson, AZ to an Air Force family - moved all over the US and Orient. Currently live in Texas w/my husband of 30+ years. Graduated in 1978 w/a business degree (go figure). Editor of the University paper for 2 years (won first place statewide awards). Graduated w/high honors and as a member of Who's Who. Played in a band in the 80s, where I was one of the primary song writers. Now, I'm writing novels and can't seem to quit. I have two series - each featuring Native Americans. The first, Black Wolf, involves four Lakota brothers who form a rock band in Austin Texas. Man, the trouble those boys get into! The second, my T'on Ma series, is set in the high plains of Texas during 1850-1880 and deals with Kiowa figuring out what to do with the homesteaders and those pesky Bluecoats. I also write 'stand-alone' novels, that don't belong in a series. My first, "Tascosa" was released in Aug 2007. It's a western/romance/historical story. I used several real names in that story.

Inspiration

I am a small fraction Native American. My family has tried to locate the tribe, but my grandmother (born 1906) was so embarrassed by the fact, she refused to discuss it, even in her 80s. (She died several years ago.) The most we could find out is that the woman came from a tribe around the Great Lakes. For whatever reason, generations later, I am fascinated with the different cultures as the pioneers 'discovering' America ran into the people already here. Because I've lived in other countries, I know what it's like to be the 'outsider', the one who has to prove themselves before finding acceptance. Even the best of intentions can be misunderstood through cultural filters. I like putting those types of situations in my writing.