About

Passions

 

If you had asked me when I was a teen what the biggest decision of my life was, I’d have reflected on the choice my grandmother gave my 10-year-old self. Which Christmas present would I prefer – a doll or a book? She skillfully sewed beautiful doll clothes . . . but I did love books! Oh, how I agonized over that decision!

Despite my voracious appetite for reading, I ended up choosing a doll.

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Teachers

 

In seventh grade, the spunky Miss Shriner assigned us a personal narrative. I lament my long-gone copy – I vaguely remember its being funny and being surprised that I had a sense of humor. That composition catalyzed my passion for writing!​

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In high school, I had the most wonderful English teacher – Ms. Ella Carter, from whom I learned so much. A feisty, determined educator, she recommended the language-geeky me to the local board of education as an afterschool tutor. It was my first job, paying fifty cents an hour.

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College & Career

 

Just as with the choice of a book or a doll, I struggled with what major to pursue in college: Should I study to become a teacher or a writer? Savoring the thrill of educating students in language but still aspiring to write stories and poems, I majored in English and worked on the university's magazine staff. 

 

I could have continued my part-time job after graduation, but I was offered a full-time position as an English teacher at a start-up college. I packed all my worldly goods into my 1972 Nova and drove 750 miles to a rural town with only one blinking yellow light. I fully intended to climb the academic ladder from grad student to dean of the English department.

 

That wasn’t meant to be. The start-up eventually shut down, forcing me to seek positions in private schools. Throughout my career I have taught students on almost every level – from freshman composition to K-4 phonics.

 

​When I eventually left the classroom, parents began to call me to tutor their children. Thus in 2006, Inkwell began around my dining room table. I'd come full circle, back to the employment I’d had in high school – thankfully, increasing my hourly wage! Before I knew it, my schedule was filled with students.

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Creative Writing

 

I am also returning to the road not taken. My dream is that a commercial press will publish my work. To feature my most recent compositions and share writing insights and ideas, I’ve launched a blog – Inklings. My hope is that it will spark curiosity and inspiration in your writing journey.