I was born and raised in the eastern Missouri Ozarks -- my folks grew up on adjoining farms, and our family roots go deep in Madison, Iron, and Reynolds counties. I went to college at the University of Missouri.

After a few years as a newspaper reporter, I returned to school and then got into the higher education biz, with teaching stints at Centenary College of Louisiana, Drury University, Culver-Stockton College, and Western Kentucky University. I retired recently after a couple of years teaching at Central Methodist University.

Other stuff

I'm an avid canoer, rafter, and kayaker on Missouri's float streams.....a longtime member, friend, and supporter of the Quincy, Illinois, Unitarian Church.....a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.....a hiker (ok, make that walker).....a former president and board member of the Missouri Writers' Guild.