About Me

I was born and raised in a family of readers (big surprise there) not far from the ocean. Okay, in Massachusetts it’s hard to not be far from the ocean. But on or near the water is where I’m happiest. It took me a long time as a toddler to figure out that I couldn’t breathe water as well as I do air. I did, mostly, and still live in Massachusetts, still spend a lot of time in and on the waters of Cape Cod, and hope to never leave.

Living in a place where history is everywhere might also have a lot to do with my love of the past. I majored in history and archaeology in college and still read a lot of non-fiction on those subjects. Doing so has taught me that, quite often, real life is far stranger than any fiction.

My other great love beyond the water and history is making things. I love to sew and do needlepoint, and most particularly, make quilts. Writing fits in there as a creative endeavor, too, but has the added benefit of not leaving threads all over the carpet.

In addition to writing, my other full time career is being a wife, mom to my terrific kids, and adoring slave to this handsome guy.

     

Maple is a French Lop, weighs in now at 15 pounds, loves parsley and carrots and broccolini but has been known to steal stray Milky Way bars and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and when he’s not being regal or having a wash is a total mama’s boy who likes to snuggle, be combed and have his cheeks rubbed, and give copious kisses.

     

Maple is a house rabbit, which means he lives inside my house much as a cat or dog would. Keeping a rabbit in an outdoor hutch is not only cruel and abusive, but pointless—why keep a pet stuck in what is basically solitary confinement? Like any other animal, rabbits will blossom into amazingly personable creatures when they get lots of love and positive interaction from their humans. Rabbits don’t bark or meow, but their body language is just as expressive of emotion, from happiness and playfulness (bunnies dance when they’re happy or excited!) to sadness and anger. It takes some time to learn how to read a bunny, but is well worth it.

Like cats, rabbits can very easily be litter-box trained. They’re quiet (though most of them seem to love noisy toys), companionable, affectionate, and all-round splendid pets. In addition, many people who are allergic to cats can tolerate rabbits without a problem.

To learn more about the responsibilities and joys of pet rabbits, please visit the House Rabbit Network or the The House Rabbit Society