About

I’m a freelance writer for an internet news service, local newspapers, and a variety of magazines. When I’m not freelancing, I’m most passionate about writing books and articles for children.

My Background

I grew up in a large family with two brothers and two sisters. Elementary school was challenging for me because I preferred playing with my friends, going on the swings, riding my bicycle, and getting dirty – very dirty! I was definitely a tomboy. As I got older, my mother told me to shape up and start studying or I wouldn’t be going to college. She instilled in me how important it was to get a good education. That’s when I started paying attention in school and enjoying my classes. I learned that school is much more enjoyable when you study and do the homework!

I graduated from Montclair State College with a Bachelor of Arts in Home Economics Education. I always wanted to be a teacher but got sidetracked along the way when I was offered an internship at Forecast Magazine. I couldn’t possibly turn down the opportunity to write for a prominent home economics journal in New York City! It was one of the best experiences of my life.

After my work at Forecast Magazine I went to Purdue University where I graduated with a Master of Science in Consumer Sciences and Retailing. I held a variety of sales positions following graduate school before I pursued a career with IBM as a systems engineer and then as a marketing programs specialist.

I met my husband at graduate school, and we married several years later. His company took our family overseas for four years to the Philippines. We also traveled extensively to Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Egypt, and parts of Europe while living overseas. Our oldest daughter was two years old when we moved to the Philippines, and her sister was born there. We all fell in love with the country and the wonderful Filipino people. It was another unforgettable life experience with many lasting memories for all of us.

When my family moved back to the U.S., I started writing children’s stories. At bedtime my daughters would beg me to read multiple books. It was hard getting them to sleep, so I started weaving stories about our overseas adventures.

I also enjoy writing poetry. Funny and silly and wacky words! Then it grew into games, crafts and activities during my years as a Girl Scout leader for two troops. Spending my summers outdoors as a Girl Scout camp counselor gave me a newfound appreciation for all kinds of critters…. And the opportunity to write about them. There’s never a shortage of ideas!

Jack London Service Award

I’ve been a member of the California Writers Club (CWC) for many years, and in 2009 the club celebrated its Centennial. At the annual meeting I was honored to receive the prestigious Jack London Award for exemplary service to CWC and the Tri-Valley Branch. My colleagues shared their thoughts on why they nominated me.

Kathy has been a pillar of the California Writers Club Tri-Valley Branch since its beginning in 2005. She was the first newsletter editor, second president, and the branch’s only representative to the Central Board. After the untimely death of founding President Sue Tasker, Kathy was the prime mover in establishing the Sue Tasker Memorial Serice Award to recognize a member for significant service to the Tri-Valley Branch.

Kathy has also been instrumental in bringing structure as well as unity to the club. She developed a survey that Tri-Valley uses each year to get feedback from branch members. Kathy is currently co-chair of the committee working to publish a club anthology. She coordinated the redesign of the branch website and provided the content for the web pages. In 2008, she became the treasurer for the statewide CWC organization and chair of the finance committee.

Top Ten Favorite Things

  1. Spending time with my family.
  2. Celebrating birthdays and special occasions.
  3. Writing.
  4. Reading a good book.
  5. Having a romantic dinner with my husband.
  6. Eating chocolate.
  7. Baking outrageously delicious cookies and cakes.
  8. Skiing.
  9. Quilting, crafting, and doing all kinds of handwork.
  10. Walking my feisty little pooch with friends.