Did you always like writing?
Yes, I have always loved to write.  My teachers in elementary school has us write often.  One teacher in grade four, Miss Faust, focused on writing as well as memorizing poetry.  I remember memorizing, "The Road not Taken", by Frost.  We also copied many poems into our poetry books.

Who has inspired your writing the most?
That's a tough question.  I couldn't pick just one person.  I would have to say my mom and dad, my elementary teachers, and Theodore Taylor. Both of my parents guided me through life in their own way.  I used to go to work with my dad and with him, I learned the work ethic and writing receipts.  My mom taught me everything else.  She made me the "neat nut" that I am today.  Finally, Theodore Taylor, author of The Cay, had a profound effect on me as well as my students.  He visited our classroom in Oceanside, California and inspired each of us to become writers.

When do you write best?
Good question, because every writer knows when their mind is sharpest and "on" for writing.  The best time for me is early in the morning, between 6:00 and 11:00, with lots of coffee and the phone turned off.

Were you a good student in school?
Yes, I was a good student in school.  But I had to work for the A grade.  I was actually a B student but put forth the extra effort on assignments.  That's what earned the A.

Who was your favorite teacher?
I would have to pick two teachers.  My favorite teachers were Ms. Faust and Ms. Zucca at South Street School.  Both were my fathers teachers and I had them too!  They were quite strict, however, they knew their subject area and were both very caring individuals.  I'd even stay after school to hit the chalk out of the erasers against the school brick buildings for them.

What are you working on now?
Currently, I am working on two picture books.  First, BOONIE, FREEDOM RUNNER will be available in the fall of 2010.  This is a story about a little boy, Timmy, who has been unable to walk without crutches since birth.  One day, Timmy ventures outside with Boonie, a Black and Tan Coon Hound Dog and 'lil Timmy drops his wooden crutches and takes his first steps to freedom for the first time. BOONIE, FREEDOM RUNNER is a delightful story of encouragement for all ages of children.   Second, CROW NO MORE is another picture book in the works and will be released in December of 2010. This story is set in Oceanside, California and is about two old friends; a black Crow and a Portuguese fisherman.  They have fished together on the Oceanside Pier for many years.  One day, old, black Crow is missing and Paul, the fisherman, is deeply saddened.  Children will experience the transformation of loss as CROW NO MORE offers hope with the belief that life does go on but in a different form.