Birthdate: Dec. 25, 1956.
Birthplace: Morris, Ill.
Occupation: I consider myself a writer above everything else, but I work part time as a school psychologist at a junior high school. I’m at that in-between stage where I can’t give up one career yet for the other, but I’m heading down that road.
Current home: Plainfield, Ill.
Marital status: Married for 20 years to David Stybr.
Working on: I’m promoting the first book in my series, “Murder of a Small Town Honey” (Signet). The second one, “Murder of a Sweet Old Lady,” will be out in April and I’m working on the third, “Murder of a Sleeping Beauty.”
The last good movie I saw: “Space Cowboys.”
I stay home to watch: “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.”
The book I’ve been reading: “Don’t Drink the Water” (Avon) by Susan Rogers Cooper.
Favorite meal: Angel-hair pasta with pesto and garlic bread.
Favorite performers: Sir Laurence Olivier and Katharine Hepburn.
Personal heroes: My teachers. I didn’t realize at the time what a great gift they gave me.
I’m better than anyone else when it comes to: Being organized.
If I could do it over: I’d start writing a lot earlier. I took everyone’s word that I’d never get published. I didn’t start until I was 38. When your dream comes true, it changes your outlook on everything.
The one thing I can’t stand: People who look you in the face and say one thing, then go behind your back and do another.
If I could change one thing about myself: I’d be more tolerant of other people’s mistakes.
My most irrational act: Thinking I could get a book published.
Most humbling experience: My father’s funeral. He was a farmer from a very small town, but more than 200 people came because he was a good guy. It made me realize how much he affected people.
The three words that best describe me: Motivated, persistent and caring.
