Since I was a young girl, I’ve always loved writing for its ability to make sense of the world around me. It’s long been my gift, seen in cards I made as a kid, journals I’ve kept for 30 years, essays adorned with teachers’ encouragement and chatty letters I sent my parents from afar, now bundled in keepsake boxes.Writing helped me understand myself and connect with others. 

That it could be my livelihood was another matter.

I envied my college pals who made a beeline to their dreams of becoming vets, musicians or accountants. Me? I changed majors three times, starting in Journalism (right idea but too factual), detouring through Home Economics (inexplicable, really) and landing in business school (why not?).

Lasting just 13 months in my first corporate marketing gig, I was frustrated early (ha!). Too many layers between my ideas and permission to execute. I started working for small, creative entities (with impassioned personas to match) in the marketing communications field, getting paid to articulate brand, emotion, and ideas. It was the “work until 2am to please the crazy boss” phase of my life.

Until I learned I had a brain tumor.

Starting at age 9, I had epileptic seizures that shook my being — physically and emotionally. Their cause went undiagnosed for 15 years until the discovery and removal of a benign brain tumor in my 20’s. I was terrified and relieved. It was the start of a new chapter of my life, seizure free. 

To combat post-surgery boredom, I started hand-painting thank you cards for my well wishers. Over time, this simple hobby blossomed into a publishing company I co-ran with my husband, Jim, for 16 years! In spring of 2010, we partnered  with Sourcebooks, Inc., the largest independent and woman-owned publisher in North America. Now I’m back to working for myself, finding inspiration in the dailyness of life and partnering with the people and companies that allow me to do my greatest work!