Most of us can think back and remember a favorite teacher, someone who truly believed in us even at a young age.  I remember Mrs. Whitney, my 5th grade English teacher. I wrote short stories and poetry and declared my intention to become a writer.  Mrs. Whitney felt this was an entirely attainable goal.  I think if I looked hard enough I could find a middle school yearbook collecting dust somewhere with an encouraging note from Mrs. Whitney telling me she looked forward to reading my first book.

Sometime during high school and beyond, the idea of becoming a writer faded into the background and a career in sales and marketing seemed entirely more sensible.