Get to Know Rainy...

A decision I made when I was eight years old made me a writer. It was the hardest choice a kid can make, whether to choose a beautiful bride doll with her own wardrobe, or a writing desk for Christmas. 

Growing up poor, I could only ask Santa for one large gift. I wanted the doll in the worst way, but something about the writing desk whispered to me., "Take me! Take me!"  I chose the writing desk, and never looked back. 

After high school, eager to follow in the footsteps of my favorite poet, Rod McKuen I decided that college couldn’t teach me how to write, so left school for a life on the road. 

Working nearly 100 jobs on my journey, all of them bad, I decided I would settle in Chicago and get a writing job in advertising. The problem was, without a college degree. I could only work as the department secretary.

All the while I peeked over the writer’s shoulders and kept a full candy bowl so they'd stop by and give me tips. Finally, I worked my way up to technical writer, and then marketing writer. My corporate writing won me five national awards and I finally finished my bachelor’s degree. 

After earning an MFA in Creative Writing and an MA in Arts at Manhattanville College, I taught college writing for four years in Manhattan. Now, a full-time creative writer, I really enjoy having the freedom to write what I want.

With my debut novel complete, I am now moving into the publication phase. My debut novel is a work of Speculative Historical Fiction, about something that happened to my family in the Civil War that haunts me to this day.

In spite of staying busy writing, I also enjoy gardening, guitar, crafts, and DIY home reno projects. And I still want that bride doll!