I was born in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, then moved to the small town of Purdy, Missouri when I was about four years old. This town’s claim to fame was a Supreme Court fight over whether or not the school could forbid dancing. The anti-dancers won.

I was a bookworm growing up. Solid A’s, was reading Crichton and Clancy by the fourth grade. Thankfully I had a very supportive family, ones who nurtured and cherished my intellect.