Diane Quail

Like my mother before me, I dreamed of writing a book and becoming an author. But dreams of writing were sidelined by the realities of life. Instead of writing, my mom looked after our family and even into her eighties was caregiver for those who needed her. My life was filled with being a single parent raising two sons and teaching elementary special education. I retired after teaching almost forty years and that's when my long time friend, Barb Mills, called. She asked if I'd be interested in writing a book with her. I wasn't sure whether to be excited or scared. Barb had already written and published several books. I wondered how I could help an accomplished author like her. I knew nothing about writing a cozy mystery and was terrified my writing wouldn't be worthy. But then Barb described her ideas for the book's plot and characters. I was hooked and decided that if Barb thought I could do it I should give it a try. Our partnership and Poisoned Patchwork were born.

Barb's writing talent, guidance, and wealth of knowledge are the foundation and framework that we built Poisoned Patchwork upon. I'm forever grateful to Barb for being such a patient partner and for teaching me so much about writing. Because of her, my dream has come true and I could tell my mom thank you for passing her writing gene along to me.