Credit it to the American Legion.

You see, they sponsored a state essay contest for eighth graders, and I won first place. So from the eighth grade on I set my sights squarely on two fairly hefty goals: teaching and writing.

After earning two degrees at Western Michigan University, I accomplished the first. Throughout years as a classroom teacher, I was also writing feature articles for a wide variety of magazines.

After 11 years, I resigned to devote all of my time to writing. Next came two years of freelance work before a stint with a major Midwest advertising agency that lasted 25 years.

I took an early retirement shortly after the agency changed hands in the year 2000.

Nowadays, I’m enjoying a little slower pace and more time with my family. And, of course, I’m still writing, now as a busy freelancer. Thank you, American Legion.