I started writing these stories after I was in a car accident and was unable to work in the manner that I had in the past. The next (scary) step was to actually have someone read what I had written. It became for me the most fun thing ever. To have someone read and enjoy (or offer critical evaluation about) my stories has become a defining part of my life. I never know when, or if, I will write. It's always a surprise when I write a story and I like it. I write because I love the people and things that I write about. They are a part of me. I have always written. On scrap paper, or in an old notebook that is now lost, the writings just disappeared. It wasn't until I reached out to someone that I knew had some background in literature, and asked her to evaluate some early stories. She made one suggestion; that I keep a journal of my writings. Honestly, the thought had never occurred to me. I would encourage anyone who writes to ardently save all that you write. Your story is im- portant, even if no one else gets it.