Q: How long have you been writing and what other careers or jobs have you had?

A:  From the time I wrote my first story in third grade–an epic saga about my hamster–I’ve wanted to be a writer. I wrote and edited non-fiction for years before making the switch to my first love, fiction.

My day job is the complete opposite of writing and provides a perfect balance. I’m a USCG-licensed boat captain and I get to take 5th graders out on