ABOUT MJ

I loved creative writing in college, but my degree was in the world of computer science. I spent 30 years working in many aspects of information technology, from design through management. I somehow feel my systems development experience helped position me to craft and build stories, characters, and the worlds they inhabit. I find I take a formulaic approach to world and character building, often spending months outlining a story before I start writing the first chapter.

In 2017 I spent my nights and weekends fulfilling my dream of writing/publishing my first novel - Tallow, An Urban Legend. In 2018 I hired an editor and ended up doing a heavy rewrite of the story. She also recommended I attend Robert McKee's Story seminar. The event proved to be a genuinely life-changing experience. I released the second edition of my first book in November 2018. I quickly moved forward with two sequels.  After completing that trilogy, I switched genres with each new story. I'm currently focused on children's books.

If you follow me on Instagram, you will know I post many pictures about my dogs. As an adult, I've had two dogs. The first, JoJo, I adopted in December 2011 from a no-kill shelter. He was two months shy of turning six years old. A lab-hound mix, he had spent almost half his life at that no-kill shelter, going from foster home to foster home. We spent a great decade together. Having him by my side during the pandemic made that dreadful time incredibly manageable. It's amazing what unconditional love can do. Unfortunately, JoJo developed kidney disease in late 2021, and he was laid to rest on December 19th, 2021. 

I wasn't sure when I would get another dog. I went through a lot of loss after the pandemic. By early 2024 I felt ready to adopt again. I'd just completed my first kid's book, The Adventures of Lucky and Mr. Pickle - The Stormy Night. That's when I found Sonic! He's a full-blooded "throwback" XL Pomeranian and medical rescue. Deaf, with a chronic ear condition, he also has arthritis. It sounds depressing, but he's a bundle of joy and so grateful to finally have a new forever home. He's also incredibly adorable. People cross the street when they seem him so they can meet him. Follow Sonic and I on Instagram for updates on this lovable, ever-smiling, senior canine. Yes, even Sonic has his own Instagram account.