Being an author didn’t happen overnight. It took years of heartache, joy, adventure, and more than a few unexpected turns to find the stories I wanted to tell. Along the way, I’ve worn quite a few hats, from musician and athlete to photographer, graphic designer, marketing director, and now, happily, a full-time writer.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in music from California State University, Long Beach, and even co-wrote a musical that was performed throughout Los Angeles. My creative interests eventually led me into photography, web publishing, graphic design, and marketing. After spending the last thirteen years of my professional career as Director of Marketing and Design at Austin Rare Coins & Bullion, I retired from the business world, but certainly not from being creative.

Sports have also played an important role in my life. In 1988, I competed in the North American Gay Volleyball Association Championships in Montreal, and the following year, I won first place in water polo at the Vancouver International Gay and Lesbian Aquatic Championships. I later founded Orange Juice Aquatics, a gay swim team in Laguna Beach, and helped lead the team to victory at the 1994 Gay Games.

Some of my most meaningful experiences came from volunteering with Laguna Shanti, where I served as an AIDS support buddy and helped establish a Christmas Gift Basket program for people living with HIV/AIDS and other serious illnesses. Those years taught me a great deal about compassion, resilience, friendship, and the importance of simply being there for someone.