I knew I wanted to be a writer when I learned to read, a plan that was solidified when I discovered the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, my first literary hero, and then Louisa May Alcott, because I wanted to be Jo March. I was just too young to know where my aspirations would lead me. I received my first rejection letter for a poem at age 12, and my first acceptance letter—and payment—at age 18 for an article about one of the first female firefighters in New York City.

Though my goal was to write fiction, the nonfiction world drew me early. I was drawn to the real-life stories of ordinary people who do extraordinary things. I learned early on that by doing so, I could help readers to learn something new about themselves and the larger world and actually make a difference with my own reporting. To this day, I am inspired by interviewing people to learn their stories and then sharing them with readers—and in the process I am always learning something new myself. On a recent day I interviewed a physicist, a photographer, an advocate for accessible real estate and an archaeologist, all very different specialties that equally opened my eyes to new ideas and information. My work makes me happy. It’s why I’ve been a journalist my entire career.

Being someone who also appreciates order—my desk is rarely messy because neatness keeps me calm—I have also had a long career as an editor. I’m one of those people who can’t avoid discovering typos on everything from road signs to menus. These skills have served me well as a magazine publisher and as a journalism professor. It also helps me as a public speaker because organizing information to elicit the strongest response from an audience is what results in that heady experience of knowing what you’re saying matters to them.

When I’m not reading for my career, I read for pleasure; in fact, it’s my favorite activity, and I enjoy a wide variety of contemporary fiction and nonfiction, both in the adult and children’s markets. I also like to dance and sing—though only with people who love me no matter what—and I have a deep appreciation for cats and chocolate. I am also the wife of a retired high school English teacher and the mother of two accomplished and inspiring women who have helped our family to grow. A pile of books by everyone’s bedside has long been a family trait. My favorite place to be, where I go to regroup, is the beach in Northport, NY, where I spent the happiest days of my childhood.