I started my novel – the first scene of Chapter One – in a class at the University of California, Los Angeles Writers' Studio. I continued through the university's novel writing series, learning craft, making friends, and weaving together the best and purest story I could. By January of 2010, I was ready for the next step.

 What a difference a year makes!

 Thankfully, over the course of last year, I found an amazing and supportive agent who led me to Berkley Books and a wonderful and passionate editor for The Last Time I Saw Paris. It was an magical year and I owe a great deal to UCLA's Writers' Program.

 So you can imagine my delight when I was featured as a success story on UCLA Writer's Program website. I can't say enough about the talent, craft and support available in the program. I hope that reading my story inspires someone to start Chapter One of their novel.

 See the story at the University of California, Los Angeles Writer's Program Success Stories website:

http://www2.uclaextension.edu/writers/success.php?recordID=224