Crutcher photo courtesy of Betsy Davis and VEMA.

Who "NOSE" me better than anyone?

Apart from my amazing daughters Kerry and Vanessa, Chris Crutcher probably knows me best. He's been an amazing friend and mentor to me. And yes, I know how lucky I am. He hates it when I call him heroic, but to me he is exactly that. A hero. Check out his website at http://www.chriscrutcher.com. He's the best young adult author in the business...the KING, and not just of the Mild Frontier. And I'm incredibly glad he's around.

My gentle friend, Terry Davis.

Movies & Mongolian...

Terry Davis is my movies and Mongolian Grill partner, three months a year. During the summer, he leaves Mankato and heads for Loon Lake, WA -- just a few miles from Spokane. We've shared popcorn at movies like THE HULK and ABOUT A BOY, HARRY POTTER 3 and more. We just took on the challenge of co-editing an anthology for Simon & Schuster, that may now be published with Random House. I always knew Terry was a brilliant writer. But watching the process he goes through to produce the magic has been an honor for me. I'm also honored to call him my dear friend. His website is http://www.terrydavis.net.

Rick and his paleo pal (background).

The RickSpearience

"RickSpearience." The term captures the wit and wonder of my favorite illustrator, Rick Spears -- and he made it up. Not only has he illustrated two of my books, he's given me a life-sized, museum quality Albertosaurus hatchling model, and he's won $250,000 on "...Millionaire." But even before he won and spent all that money, Rick was one of my oldest and dearest friends. I only wish he'd move from Atlanta to Spokane.

My third daughter.

Brenda, my third daughter

If I could hand pick a third daughter, it would be Brenda. I met her about a year ago through a mutual friend and I can see now why he thought she was remarkable. She is one of the toughest, most competitive, kindest people I've ever known. I hope we'll be friends for the rest of my life. I hope when I grow up, I'll be even half as tough as she already is. Brenda, you ROCK.

Roxyanne Young

Forever Young

Roxy is more than a friend.  She's like a soul-sister. We've seen each other through some tough times, and I have confidence we'll see better days ahead. But rain or shine, she's a gentle, honest earth mother with talent and tenderness second to none.  You will have your moment, Roxy.  Just sit back, smile and let it happen. And know I'm glad to call you my friend. She runs www.smartwriters.com -- check it out.  And build a website with 2-Tiers. It's the best deal out there and Roxy and her husband Kawika run the show.

Trueman photo courtesy of Whitman County Library.

A Printz of a Guy...

I haven't known Trueman as long as I've known Crutcher or Davis, but he's become one of my favorite lunch buddies of all time and a steadfast friend. I've watched him fine tune his writer's sensibilities and it's been an honor. I know his wife and his amazing son and I've even been to a few Trueman parties...heard him sing Elvis and b-b-q beef. Read about him at http://www.terrytrueman.com.