I eloped with my husband, John, my freshman year in college, after I turned 18. He was 20 and a junior at a different university. It was quite a scandal.

Upon hearing the news, John’s mother took to her bed for two weeks. However, when she finally arose she was magnificent; the perfect, loving mother-in-law.

Thus began our grand adventure together. It has taken us from living in Indiana, to Los Angeles, New York City, Charleston, West Virginia, and ultimately to Chicago, where John has for several years been absorbed in the family business, Bodine Electric Company.

In our 22 moves (yes, 22 – this is not a typo) we were also bringing along first Heidi, then Alan, Michael and Kate, our beautiful children. Actually, we now have 7 beautiful children because I consider Alan’s wife, Nora, and Michael’s wife, Jolene, as my daughters. Just as I think of Kate’s husband, Matt, as another son.

There is nothing I enjoy more than when the entire family gets together. A close second, is when I take my 4 girls off to a Spa or into the city for the weekend. They need the break from their 10 children; 7 boys and 3 girls.

Whatever the slang is currently for “neat” and “cool," I’ve been called it by my grandchildren’s friends – all because I love to do “fun stuff” with them.

I like to build memories - like taking the 5 oldest grandchildren to the special 12:01 am showing for each of the three Lord of the Ring movies. Trust me, I wasn’t even the oldest person in the theatre.

I’m thrilled that the older ones still like to hang out with me. Each summer we hike the 8 miles along Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, from our house on Williams Bay to the town of Lake Geneva. It is a rite-of-passage when each child gets old enough for the trek. We stop along the way to do some yoga poses and to discuss what’s going on in their lives. The two youngest grandchildren and my 130 pound Black Newfoundland dog, Atlas, stay at the lake house - – I’m not quite intrepid enough for all 10 and the dog – but maybe next summer.

My childhood was quite different from my grandchildren’s. I grew up in my grandmother’s house taking care of my mother, who has been mentally handicapped since birth. I’m writing about those years in my autobiographical novel, IN MY GRANDMOTHER’S HOUSE.

I believe all my novels have grown out of my experiences growing up, dealing with challenging situations.

I write about women who face adversity with grace, humor and compassion and thus survive trauma stronger and wiser than ever. Women with multi-faceted personalities; women who embrace life with passion.

I do.

My family is my #1 passion; writing is my second.

When my children were young I sold stories to HOME LIFE, FATE, WABASH AND TRUE CONFESSIONS magazines. 15 novels followed for LYNX, HARLEQUIN and FAWCETT. I’m also a member of the Authors Guild, Romance Writers of America, Novelist Inc., Chicago North RWA, and Off Campus Writers.

My next two passions, Philanthropy and Travel, are in a dead heat for third place. I was taught at an early age to be a giver and I believe it is important to give back to my community. I’m active on several charitable boards: The Service Club of Chicago, The Chicago Academy for the Arts, Parkways Foundation, and The Woman’s Board of La Rabida Children’s Hospital.

Whenever I can, I travel – I never know where I’ll find a great story idea! So far this year I’ve been in South Africa, London, Vermont, Florida, California – and in the fall I’ll be on a cruise from Venice to Malta.

Last year I traveled to England, Cambodia, Thailand, California, Hawaii and China. I’m trying to get someone to go to Tibet with me next year. If anyone is interested, please let me know.

I want to do it all for as long as I can! I'm
thrilled to now be writing Lady-lit under my own name for Warner Books. First book, still untitled, about Chicago's most notorious gossip columnist, will be out in 2007. I'm laughing as I 'm writing it -- can't wait for you to read it!