Updated - April 27, 2008. I know this bio has needed to be updated for more than a year, but at least I'm doing it now, yes? I've got some really good excuses for not writing, but before detailing those (truly excellent) excuses - a little bit about me: I'm 38, live in the Seattle area and recently(ish) received my Masters degree in Library and Information Science. I'm not a library gal though - more of a digital information guru. I'm pretty good at building, organizing and finding information. I started writing fanfic back in 2001 after I was laid off and surprised the heck out of myself by how much I enjoyed it and how much others seemed to like my writing as well. FanFiction.net was the first place I posted my stories, and it was because of YOU that I continued to write and grow as an author. Truly! I've won several fanfiction awards, including a "Chevron Award" for Best Author in 2005. I'm primarily known for my Barista series, but have written other team adventure stories as well (long and angsty with several of them rather shippy as well). A full bio on me is available on my website (just google dietcokechic).

Okay, now for the excuses:

Excuse #1: Took new job in Feb of 2007 and was working 50-60 hours a week (in the beginning) designing a database and helping design a website (CMS-driven for those who know what that is) for a non profit company working on education reform. Absolutely ADORED the job and had my own office to boot, but alas...

Excuse #2: Was laid off in October 2007. Our entire office of 10 people were laid off when our big grant holders decided to take the project back in house. We were all horribly surprised and quite upset (naturally!). Never saw it coming!

Excuse #3: In April of 2007 (back when that job was ever so secure and life looked very sunny), I began a remodel project of converting my attached 400 sq. foot garage into half garage/half bathroom. I was also going to knock down 12' of wall at the back of the house and add another 6' in depth so that everything was even. The new spaces would become a third bedroom and second bath). Unfortunately, what WAS going to be only 72 sq. feet of new construction (that back side of the house), ended up being 500 sq. feet of new construction. Apparently my garage structure wasn't up to code and we had to tear the whole thing down and build everything new - including the foundation and walls. Design started in April, and construction in late July. By the end of October all the inner framing was done and the roof was on, but that was IT. I was left to do all the electrical, plumbing and drywalling myself.

Excuse #4 (gotta save for the best for last): The very week I was laid off - the same week that basic construction finished - I found out I was pregnant. Completely planned and wanted, but I never thought it would "take" so quick and seeing how I live alone, I was pretty freaked out for a couple of weeks there trying to figure out how all of this would work. Thankfully, I found myself another job within a month. Although it is a contract position (with a software company you all just might have heard of grin), and doesn't come with paid holidays or vacation, I do have great medical benefits and that's all I really am concerned with right now. Plus, I honestly enjoy the work and the people I work with. Evil commute though.

At the moment I'm 32 weeks pregnant and the kid (boy) is an active wiggle worm who definitely keeps me on my toes. The house isn't quite done yet, but the end is in sight and I should have the floors installed by the end of May in time to move things in and finally clear the tiny little 60 sq. foot bedroom that will become the kid's room. Not that he'll be using it much the first few months (he'll be sleeping with me), but he should at least have a room!

I will be returning to Kira and Daniel (and maybe something new to boot!), but it will probably happen after this little rugrat is born. I do want to sincerely thank each and every fanfiction.net readers who have taken the time to read and review my stories. My writing ability and confidence has SOARED in the last six years, and it's primarily due to you. I've also created some pretty good friends to boot. Thank you!

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