My husband and I have decided to stay here in the mountains of Prescott. The sound of birds, the four mountain ranges across from us, and the small town friendliness is something we realized we had taken for granted. I don't think I could give up my view here, it is a calming influence.

In the mean time, I am busy at work on three books (one I just finished and that's at the editor) and quite a few short stories. I will be posting a few short stories for your reading pleasure.

EMANCIPATION (Fiction, based upon a true story) - 13 year old Jessica is trapped in a home, suffering from physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.

As we relive Jessica's most horrendous memories, we discover both unspeakable acts of cruelty and a child with the strength and fortitude to survive. A bright child, whose childhood has been ripped from her grasp, replacing it with never ending days of learning to survive. Despite her obstacles, her humiliations, her hunger, we find a bright light in the darkness of a child who still believes in miracles.

Alone in the world, Jessica can think of only one solution, if her father died she would be free. But, does she have enough courage to commit such a horrendous act.

Homeless - (Fiction) - A paranormal thriller that will lead you into a world of darkness. Most individuals would run at the first sight of death, but Amanda Morgan is drawn to the homeless people that come out at night. There numbers are immense and their stories enticing.

Every story has a beginning, middle, and an end. One’s perception of each often determines the ending of the tale.

After all, there is always more than one conclusion, depending on the insight we have of our characters.
Sometimes it becomes difficult to understand your protagonist (could be plural), unless you understand where they have been, what motivates them, what makes them tick, how deeply ingrained are their morals.
Are they a hero, villain, or victim?

Which is Amanda? Does she even understand the dangers of the world she is entering?

Only you can decide this question, but first you must ask yourself the following:
How far would you go to get what you want in life? 
What would you give up?  
Whom would you sacrifice?
I have tossed and turned many a night, waking in a cold sweat, struggling with my conscience, debating if I should have written this story. Because at the end of the tale, I found I did not like myself much when I found the courage to answer the questions.

Will yours?

Foster Care: Tragedy and Survival (Non-Fiction) - This nonfiction book interviews five women who were either raised or sent to live in a foster home. Their stories have not been edited and the stories are graphic. Those who are too empathetic will not want to read this book. It also shows a courage that the average person never has to call upon.

At the end of the book, is statistical information regarding the Foster Care System in each state. The statistics are mind-boggling. There is another section that lists resources available to Foster Parents, programs that many are unaware of.

I have working with the direction of AARP who deals with grandparents raising grandchildren. They receive no financial compensation and yet there are programs that can help lighten their load. Summer camps for children, counseling, and much more.

Speed Dating (Fiction, Short Story) - A satirical short story about a successful lawyer looking for love the easy way.