I've always loved to write, but after my first attempt at a novel (nine chapters of Plastic City, the story of underwater- dwelling orphans in the twenty-third century that I wrote in the sixth grade), I took some time to get my bachelor's degree and to try my hand at other careers before I returned to my first passion: creative writing. After lots and lots of perseverance, hard work, and a bit of very good luck, My Darling Caroline went on to win the Romance Writers of America's RITA® Award for Best First Book of 1998. I live in Texas with my family, exploring history as I delve into the hearts of my characters.