I’ve been busy. I WAS. . .

• A wife and mother (still my favorite role)

• A partner at Steptoe, a large DC law firm

• An adjunct professor at Georgetown Law

• After one spectacular mid-life crisis, a history teacher at the wonderful Maret School in DC

THEN THE PANDEMIC HIT. . .

I disappeared down the writing rabbit hole and emerged in the fictional town of Poplar Point with two unforgettable women, Alice and Helen. Joint Venture—my debut novel—was born. It went on to win awards, but more importantly, it convinced me I’d finally found what I wanted to do.

I AM A SOCIAL ACTIVIST. . .

More than 20 years ago, I founded Hope for Children Fund, a nonprofit that partners with community organizations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to help children living in extreme poverty, many of them AIDS orphans.

Along the way, refugees and their families have lived in our basement, I’ve taught English to new Americans, and I’ve tried to make the world a little kinder.

I LOVE TO. . .

• Laugh

• Play with my grandchildren

• Go to the beach

• Spend time with my friends

• Play the piano

• Take pictures

I DON’T LOVE TO. . .

• Cook

I WRITE FROM THE HEART. . .

I love stories about complicated families, unlikely friendships, second chances, and the secrets we keep from the people we love most. If my novels make you laugh, cry, argue with the characters, or stay up far too late turning pages, I've done my job.