I was born in Illinois, but moved to Japan with my family when I was eight.  Upon our return to the States, we moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where I graduated from Camelback High School.  I went on to college, but dropped out and joined the Navy.  After a three year tour, I got married to the love of my life and went back to college.  This time, I stayed and got a bachelor's degree in accounting and an MBA.  Then, I went back in the Navy as an officer.  Back in service, I obtained another's Master's degree from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.  I retired from service with over 22 years of active duty and moved to Las Vegas.  My husband and I criss-crossed the country in a motorhome until he passed away.  I went back to work, this time as a civil servant in the federal government.  I retired once more when I began my writing career.