Author Biography...

My mother, who is the light of my life, says I always wrote stories.  She often relays how my stories were about characters  with strange names who fought amongst each other, mostly vying for power.  When she tells these tales I remember that I have been writing since I could put pencil to paper!  My very first journal is dated December, 1975.

I was born in 1964 in Chicago, and as a native, I love my city and cannot imagine my living anywhere else.  I attended Catholic schools up until the twelfth grade, but it was in grammar school at the hands of the Oblate Sisters of Providence where I solidified my love and respect for the written word.  My maternal grandfather, the late Thomas Hill, instilled in me my passion.  As to the Oblate’s, this little known order of black nuns taught with an iron hand and truly believed in the future and success of black children!  Outside of my mother, I owe much of who I am my Grandfather and those incredible nuns!

In 1987, I received a BA in Communications from Columbia College.  After graduation, I worked as a bus operator for the Chicago Transit Authority for nearly 3 years.  I found this period in my life as one of profound growth in that it allowed me to address and face my fear of success.  I resigned in 1990 from CTA  and went on to hold various professional positions, mostly in print news and public relations.

Professionally, I have over 15 years experience in public, government and community relations.  In addition, I’ve had several articles and editorials published in various publications: Today’s Black Woman Magazine; The Chicago Crusader; The Chicago Defender; The Chicago Reader; Bronze Thrills and True Confessions.  My first book, All I Ask, was published by Genesis Press under its Indigo Imprint in 2000.  Since then, Genesis has published an additional six pieces of work from me — one anthology and five single titles.  Currently,  I am a Transportation Manager for the Chicago Transit Authority. 

In May of 1999, I received my Master of Science in Journalism from Roosevelt University in Chicago.  I belong to several civic and professional organizations, namely the Masonic Order of the Eastern Star.  In my spare time I am an avid reader, writer and bid whist player.  Though I have no children of my own,  I do have “babies,” my niece and nephew, Stephanie and Matthew.  I’m divorced and live by a personal credo:  I ANSWER TO TWO—MY GOD AND MYSELF