I'm a Chicago writer and poet who has been writing for decades. I also paint in watercolor and apply my poems to the work using a technique I developed that accommodates lengthy text.

Since 2012, I survived breast cancer and leukemia which inspired me to escapee from an advertising career, but every once in awhile, they track me down and hold me hostage for a few days.

I've been a part of the poetry slam in Chicago, where the form started and also co-founded Chicago Slam Works to elevate performance poetry. Although I don't compete with my own work, I value the slam for making a critical form accessible and fun for younger people who don't usually get chosen for sports teams or honor rolls.

Travel, relationships, creative thinking and art give me a lot to write about. I have two grown daughters and a husband who believes in me.

Latest book: Lending Color to the Otherwise Absurd
(See Amazon). I've also been published in many poetry anthologies. Other books include "How to Succeed in Advertising When All You Have is Talent" (first edition) that ended up in a lot of university class rooms; "25 Words or Less...How to Write Like a Pro to Meet the Special Someone." There are also dozens of gift books for sisters, wives, friends, etc. that show my name on the author's flap.

Advice on self publishing, layout, design, and performance poetry, poetry slams.