People often ask me why I write, especially if I’m not making a lot of money doing it. Over the years I believe it has become about telling a compelling story that gives voice to important issues, or things that are important to me. As a child, I was quiet. I know many of you will not believe it, but I was shy, timid and voiceless. I didn’t know how to express myself. I think growing up as an only child I didn’t learn to fight for myself. My first real fight came when I was taking up for someone else. I didn’t think, I just reacted. Later I was scared shitless, but I’d stood up for someone because I believed in it.

As a writer, I don’t want to preach or even sway you to my opinion. I just want to open your eyes, so that you can see another person’s point of view. Books allow us to explore other places, other cultures, what it’s like to be of a different ethnicity, gender or religion. They allow us to empathize.

Giving diverse characters a true voice is important to me. I want to portray them with understanding that they are good, bad, beautiful and ugly all rolled into one. Few people are all one thing, even a serial killer might have a few redeeming qualities. Maybe he cares about the environment?

The people I’ve met, read about and researched, no matter where they are from or even what era, most want the same things: to be loved and accepted for who they are, to be respected if not understood, and to have basic human needs met. If we can first see our similarities perhaps, we wouldn’t be so quick to judge our differences.

Writing gives me a voice and allows me to give voice to others who might not be able to express themselves freely. If you want to expand your mind—read. If you want to expand your heart, read fiction.

I will be set up at The Arapahoe Community Classic Car & Truck Show Saturday, April 12th, 9 am until 3 pm. Come out and say hi, and check out these awesome vehicles! I love old cars and trucks. What are your favorites? My all time fave is 1964 Ford Mustang. We came out about the same time. But I love a lot of classics. I can’t wait to see all the displays.