I became a writer through necessity.

 

When I was in eighth grade, I got a bad grade in Math. My overly-strict parents grounded me to my basement bedroom for an entire school quarter, only allowing me to emerge for meals and maintenance. I was not allowed to watch tv or read anything other than textbooks, so I wrote to amuse myself. (Mostly stories about fourteen-year-olds with parent issues). I pulled an A in math after those few months, but I also emerged from the dungeon as a writer.

 

Years later, after a failed marriage, depressed state of heart, and looking for a different sort of life, I tried writing again, this time for more than just pleasure, and that ---miraculously---paid off. Starting as a blogger, then an occasional contributor to the Idaho Press Tribune, I moved on to local and state magazines, and then became an editor and ghostwriter who helps others put their words and stories together, too.

 

Writing has been an excuse to ask the questions I normally wouldn't ask. It's been the driver for my curiosity...these days, I'm constantly thinking, hey, this incredible experience I'm having? I could share this so that others could have it, too.

 

I've been fortunate enough to have been  a writer of Idaho history, featuring spotlight cities like Featherville, Lava Hot Springs, and Roseberry. I've covered the Snake River Stampede, reviewed restaurants, and interviewed celebrities. All because Idaho took me in when I was willing enough to take an interest in it.

 

Idaho's stories  are there for anyone to collect. All it takes is an observant eye and a listening ear.  Those stories want to be told. I'm just one of the many gatherers.