About Me

I was born in 1956, in Rochester, Minnesota, a city known primarily for the Mayo Clinic, one of the largest medical centers in the world. Since my father was a doctor at the clinic, my childhood was greatly influenced by this environment. People came to the Mayo Clinic from all over the world to be cured or treated for illnesses. One of my favorite memories of Rochester was the Mayo Medical Museum which is now closed. I was fascinated by the various displays of new medical procedures. My favorite was a display of objects children had survived swallowing – fish hooks, spoons, a comb, a birthday candle, a scissors, a rabbit’s foot.

I’ve been told that I was born six weeks early because my mother was bitten by a fox-hound, which they suspected of having rabies. The shock sent her into labor well before my due-date. Despite this inauspicious beginning, dogs have always been a big part of my life. Because of allergies, I grew up with poodles, all of them with French names - Louis, Jacques, and Pierre. I’ve continued the poodle tradition, and my family now has a wonderful standard poodle named Shayna.

I was the middle child. My sister, five years older, was obsessed with horses. She introduced me to the Supremes, mini-skirts, peace signs, and white lipstick. My brother, five years younger, loved to design and build lego houses. My family had three passions which we all shared: books, music, and nature. They are still my passions. I love nothing better than to curl up in bed with a good book. I also love all kinds of music: folk, baroque, choral, and rock. One of my future goals is to learn how to play the guitar and piano again. Although I love to explore cities and I divide my life between Minneapolis and Rome, I am happiest surrounded by nature.

Ten Favorite Things besides my family, my friends, and my dog

1. Unplanned days to read and write.
2. Yoga.
3. Walks around Lake Calhoun.
4. Afternoon naps at our cabin in northern Wisconsin.
5. Cross-country skiing on the city lakes after a fresh snow.
6. Sunday mornings in Rome.
7. My Italian language class.
8. Vegetarian cooking.
9. White pizza with arugula and mozzarella.
10. Sitting at outdoor cafes people-watching.

Education

• B.A. in Sociology, Stanford University, 1978.
• M.A. in English, Colorado State University, 1981.

Employment

I’ve had many jobs, among them: camp counselor, water-aerobics instructor, waitress, cuisinart demonstrator. For the past twenty-five years I have been a writer and teacher. I enjoy teaching various writing courses to all ages, and I am constantly amazed by the power of creativity and how it helps each of us see ourselves and the world around us in new ways.

Awards and Grants

1. Delacorte Press Prize for first YA novels, honorable mention.
2. Society of Children’s Book Writers’ Judy Blume Award.
3. Minnesota State Arts’ Boards Writer’s Fellowship.
4. Wisconsin Arts Board Work-in-progress Grant.
5. Voices of the Land Essay Contest, 1st place.