I was born in the Southern California town of Ontario: an enormous holding tank of smog in the summer and a perfect spot to view a snow capped Mount Baldy in the winter.

I grew up devouring Judy Blume books and Mad magazines. Being a latch key kid, I spent many hours of my childhood alone, but music and writing always seemed to rescue me from my loneliness.

My experiences in junior high and high school left a residue that I’ve never been able to forget. I’ve a strong sense of my “inner” teen, which led me to teach middle school English for nine years.

I stopped teaching when my daughter was born but continued to write poetry and read teen lit: my genres of choice. But when my son was born, I started hearing the rumblings of characters, which guided me toward writing young adult novels.

I truly believe there is no voice more unique, honest, and vital than the unadulterated voice of teens.

I currently live in San Diego with my husband, two children, cat and dog.