I was born and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan, the daughter of a Kellogg's employee. I attended a Catholic school and then entered a convent. I was there for two years. Later I received a BFA in Creative Writing from Bowling Green State University, and then a Master's in English and an Ed.S. in education. I live in Florida with my husband and two cocker spaniels, plus a daughter, son-in-law, and a granddaughter.