I actually tell people that I am the luckiest person I know. It's true. It never fails to amaze me that the things that have gone wrong in my life always seem to work themselves out in a much better way than I had originally planned, and that the best things in my life have come when I've least expected them.

I was raised in the Great Pacific Northwest city of Spokane, Washington. Third of six children, I had terrific parents who taught me the value of time in the bathroom, how to laugh, and what it's like to be truly loved. I went to college, and for ten years after that I worked as an intensive care nurse in a hospital where I met most of my closest friends.

Then I met my future husband, a lawyer, Prince Charming in a great disguise. We moved to the Shenandoah Valley in Northern Virginia, where I hung up my stethoscope and spent the next six years gestating. The results of which are Katie, Matt, Nick, and Ben.

After my four children came along I didn't think things could get any better. But guess what, they did! On a dare from my husband to "write a better novel than that," I took a stab at writing something longer than a letter and more fun than a college term paper.

I found writing therapeutic. Not only was it relaxing, but it was also a great way to escape from Mr. Rogers, Big Bird, and four short people who refused to speak English to me.

I didn't intend to start a third career as a writer. However, as my luck would have it, I was fortunate enough to find an encouraging agent and helpful, supportive editors. I hope my stories will bring a little happiness into your life -- that would be the icing on the cake!

-- Mary Kay McComas