I have been writing in one form or another (often very poorly) since elementary school. I, too, went through what I call the "Thesaurus Stage" and wrote a book only a mother could love. To her credit, she read it, and very politely and encouragingly made the suggtestion that words over three syllables aren't ALWAYS best. I have a BA in history with a minor in writing, and I have been out of school for a few years. I am currently employed as a reporter/editorialist/editor/sports-writer/photographer/page designer/all-around-do-everything-gal for an itty bitty weekly newspaper. I have been married three years to a ruggedly handsome man who tells me every day that I am beautiful and loved. No, ladies, you can't have him; he's mine. I own a pet skunk - yes, you read that right - and she is the sweetest little furball you'd ever meet. Her name is Lily, and she likes to cuddle, play with stuffed animals, dig, and sleep on the bathmat in the bathroom. Don't worry, she was descented, so her stinker is defunct. My ultimate dream? To walk into a bookstore, pull a book off the shelf, and say to the cashier at the checkout counter, "Do you know who wrote this? Oh, wait, it was me." But seriously. What writer doesn't want that?