I am mother to three daughters, a grandmother to two grand daughters and one grandson, and I am a great grandmother. I write from a farmhouse in central North Carolina, looking out the window behind my desk at woods and pastureland teaming with life. I hung a birdfeeder outside that window and my writing is often distracted by the antics of the birds that dine there. Deer pass by morning and evening, and it is not unusual to spy a fox or woodchuck. I don’t mind those distractions at all.

I spent my childhood just a few miles inland from North Carolina’s Outer Banks.  I loved to go to the beach with my parents on their numerous fishing trips.  I only dreamed of having a horse when I was a little girl, and wasn’t aware that wild horses roam free on some of the coastal islands until I grew up.

You probably have noticed most of my writing involves horses. After I grew up I became a professional in the horse industry as an instructor, breeder and trainer.  I relied on my thirty years of experience with horses and children, and my lifetime fascination with the history of the Outer Banks when I wrote Pale as the Moon and An Independent Spirit.

I was married with three nearly grown children of my own when I enrolled in the equine technology program at Martin Community College in Williamston, NC. That turned out to be one of the best things I ever did. I still draw on what I learned about horses there, but the biggest turning point of my life as a writer came from a composition class taught by Judy Stokes. It was her encouragement that turned me onto the idea of becoming a published writer. Thank you, Judy!

Since graduating from MCC I have run a riding school and boarding stable until just a few years ago. Recently I “retired” from full time horse management down to teaching a few special students. I spend more time writing and less time shoveling poop since I have only two horses.

I have written three non-fiction books, The Book of Miniature Horses (The Lyons Press, 2005) and The Book of Draft Horses: The Horse That Built the World (The Lyons Press, 2007) and The Book of Mules and Other Equine Hybrids, which will be released in 2008 by The Lyons Press. I also write stories and articles for various magazines.

 My works-in-progress include another young adult novel, an adult novel, and my first children’s picture book which I hope will be finished and in bookstores this summer.

When I am not writing I enjoy photography, reading, and gardening. My favorite TV show is Lost. There, that's definitely more than you want to know!