I began teaching in the 1994/95 school year. Only those people who have been teachers know how much of your life can get swallowed up into your job, especially in the first few years. I have heard teaching described as more of a lifestyle than a career and that is true.

During this time period, I really began to try and finish Princess of Amathar. I worked in fits and starts, setting it aside for long periods of time, but at last I finished it. With the help of several wonderful friends and colleagues, I revised it and polished it again and again. Then I sent it out to publishers and agents.