Even with writing and creativity as my profession, I’ve always written fiction on the side. (My first Christmas present to my wife, actually, was a picture book manuscript, as we had no money for presents…) These one-off inventions grew into a pile of children’s books manuscripts — from picture books through YA — as I became fascinated with the curious craft of storytelling.

I particularly love helping people find their voice, as it took a long time for me to discover I could write. To that end, I lead k-12 classrooms in writing and storytelling, help at the local writing center and volunteer with the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.