For those of you who have not yet read my books, my stories are generally set in the American West of the 1800's and feature vividly-described, historically accurate settings that span the US from Missouri to California, from Canada to Mexico. Many of my books portray the poignant history of our Native Americans, and though the characters are my own, I use real historical locations and events in all my novels. I must be doing something right, because more and more men are writing to tell me how much they enjoy my westerns, too. Louis L'Amour has always been one of my favorite writers, and I am very flattered that my male readers compare my books favorably with his!

       As for myself: I live in rural Southwest Lower Michigan, about five minutes from Lake Michigan. This is great for my husband Larry, an avid fisherman whenever he can play hooky and get away to The Lake. Of course, that's nowhere near as often as he'd like to! Larry and I have been happily married since October 2, 1965. We have purchased a condo in Las Vegas, where we plan to spend winters and vacations. Even after all these years of marriage, Larry and I feel like newlyweds in our new "get-away!" I've added a page of Las Vegas photos, for anyone who is interested.

       Here is a recent photo of my husband, Larry (center) and our two grown sons, Brian (l) and Brock (r). We are very proud of our boys. Both are now married, with families of their own! Brian recently purchased the family business, Michigan Mold, Inc. from us and is now President/owner of the company. Michigan Mold is a service business related to the mold-making, tool & die industry.

       Brian's wife, Edna, launched a use-car business, V-Force Auto, on the Michigan Mold property.

       Here are my handsome grandsons: Brennan (born in December 2000) and Connor (born October 2002), Brock's sons; and Blake (born August 2003), Brian's son. They are the light of my life!

       Here's the Queen of the household, my little white dog, Lashon. She's a Bichon Frise, angel soft and as sweet as can be. Though Lashon weighs just 16 pounds, in HER mind, she's a Newfoundland who is sized just right to sleep on my desk. Lashon is my best friend. We walk together every day, and she goes just about everywhere with me, including to the office.

       Lashon is also a writer. In fall, 2000, she had her first short story, "A Day in the Life of Lashon the Bichon" published in a book of pet stories called "TAILS" TO TELL to benefit two wonderful animal organizations in our area. Since the book is sold out, I've put her story right here on my website.

Note: 16 April 2007 -- This is one of the worst days of my life. We had to have Lashon put to sleep today. She'll be buried in our back yard, her little domain for the last 16 1/2 years. Bichons are smart, loyal, fun, clean, obedient, easy to train, and have great personalities. We will miss her terribly, and I feel she'll be with me in spirit forever, as she's been at my side night and day her whole life. All of you who have had a pet companion will understand exactly how I feel. Please read my Tribute to Lashon.

     I am a member of the Coloma Lioness Club, a service organization here in my hometown. Every year, as one of their fund-raisers, the Lionesses put on a Fashion Show and salad luncheon at the Elk's Club in St. Joseph, MI. Funds raised by the Lioness Club are used to help needy families in the area and also to contribute to good causes, like new equipment for the Coloma Fire Department. Members also buy gifts every year at Christmas for children of poor families. We wrap them up and deliver them, along with food. It's a wonderful organization, and I have many good friends among Lioness members.

       This is Jessie Florentine (Boussum) Williams, my half-Potawatomi grandmother. As a child, I often "stayed over" in her small house with no running water or modern conveniences--she had no use for such things! Perhaps it was being with her that instilled in me a love for the pioneer spirit, the thrill of listening to a good story, and, later, a desire to write my own. I often feel her guidance as I write, and I know I owe much of my success to the things she taught me.

       I also owe my success to my readers, whose encouragement keeps me going through seemingly endless rewrites, who write my publishers when they hear my books are going out of print, and who send me poems and letters and photographs--some of which provide inspiration for future projects! You are what makes long hours at the computer worthwhile.

       You can find a full listing of my books, and ordering information, elsewhere in my website, as well as being able to take a peek at the numerous foreign translations of my books. Don't be shy about sending me email, either. And if you would like to receive a bookmark and hard copy of my newsletter (and add your name to my mailing list for occasional special mailings), send a self-addressed, stamped envelope every six months to: