When first asked to do a write up about myself, I thought, oh, this should be easy. After all, I had just finished a 54,000 word novel."
Of course, I was completely wrong. Immediately, my mind went blank realizing that I actually had to write something about me and not some fictional character.
Finding myself at somewhat of a loss, I did some research on what other published authors had written. After reading a couple of bio's one glaring fact became apparent; my journey to becoming a writer was considerably different than the vast majority. I don't hold a college degree in English Literature or Language and I've never worked or spent time in the literary or publishing industries. In fact, about the only thing I have in common with other writers is my love of books.
About me, I am a native Californian—born and raised. Other than the two years I lived in Hawaii, where my first child was born, I have lived exclusively in the Los Angeles/Orange County areas.
I hold two degrees: a B.A. degree in Political Science from UCLA, and a B.S. degree in Accounting from Chapman University, Orange, CA. I paid for both degrees by working odd jobs and gambling. Yes, I wrote gambling, though I prefer the term "calculated risk."
Certainly, I'm not endorsing any type of "calculated risk" to secure one's financial means for an education. On the contrary, I believe in the old fashioned way of making money; you should earn it. I was one of the lucky ones, but that's another story altogether.
After college, I worked in the tax and accounting fields while doubling up on a second job-umpiring professional tennis. I worked both professions simultaneously for eighteen years.
Having good fortune during the real estate boom and successful investing, I was able to retire early at the ripe old age of forty-five. I then sat down and wrote What Love Looks Like. It took me over a year to write and another to get it published.
On a relationship level, I have been married for twenty years and have two wonderful children. Again, I'm one of the lucky ones.
I look forward to reading your responses to the question posed on my message board.