words, words, words

Writing is my passion.  My first professional writing gig (at the age of 12) was interviewing a Presidential candidate about nuclear disarmament.  After being cleared by the U.S. Secret Service, I had a one-on-one interview with the candidate in his hotel room, filmed his speech, and then sat front row at the press conference where I was able to ask another question.  I then walked to the motorcade with the candidate to continue our conversation.  I couldn't have been happier.  I was now a "real" journalist.  The next day in the state's main newspaper, a reporter described me as a, "nervous little girl," and then went on a diatribe about the fact that I had taken valuable time away from the "real reporters" in attendance.  My letter asking for a retraction and reminding them of the importance of checking facts was subsequently printed by that paper.  I think I may have even used words such as "journalistic integrity."  I was an odd child.I have also worked as a screenwriter and have received awards at the Austin Film Festival, the Skyway Writer’s Festival, and the Mesa Writing Festival.