Donna Shelton

I was born in Chicago and my family moved to Joliet when I was three. I'm married with two kids, 4 dogs, 4 cats, 4 turtles and a rat.

Although I hate the rapid growth of Joliet, and dream of moving to another town, I'm still here. My favorite authors are Katherine Kerr and Stephen King, I like to read just about anything. I'm addicted to buying books and learning new things. I've been writing for 20 years (since I was 11 years old). My first story was CRYSTAL THE CRYSTAL WING PEGASUS - never published - but I keep the original handwritten story near my desk. It reminds me of when my passion started.

I've had several articles and some short stories published in magazines, newspapers and some e-zines over the years. Somewhere around 180 total. I've also written several columns in The Joliet Herald News (a major newspaper in my area) about pet care. I should mention that some of my earlier writing was done under my maiden name of Locke or Mindock.

My interests outside of writing include: dancing, walking on a beach or in the woods, watching my favorite t.v. shows on DVD and of course having fun with my kids. I work with C.O.P.E. (www.copecats.org) a non-profit organization rescuing animals and I almost always have foster animals at my house. I'm also a Approved Humane Investigator with C.O.P.E. It's mostly cats, but we help dogs and any other animal that needs help too!

I enjoy being an amateur paranormal investigator. I love the paranormal and anything spooky! I LOVE Halloween! My favorite seasons are Spring and Autumn. It's always a little rainy, beautiful leaves, not too hot and not too cold.