People often ask me why I chose to be a writer.

I have to give credit to the young lady who inspired me to write: her name was Anne Frank. Like many other young girls in elementary school, I was required to read “The Diary of Anne Frank” when I was in 5th grade. While it ultimately documented one of the most horrific times in world history, Anne’s story also inspired me in many ways: here was a young woman who showed exceptional courage and discipline in documenting the ordeal her family was going through as her very life was being threatened for the two, long years that her family was in hiding. Anne Frank inspired me to write as a young woman. The year I read her diary, I started my own and I have never stopped writing.

I also attribute my discipline as a writer to my late sister Nancy Ann Kramer, who always encouraged me and believed in me. It is in Nancy and Anne’s memory that I continue my life and work as a writer. Read my tribute to my late sister in this City of Hope “Hope News” article: In Honor of Nancy Kramer.