An introduction. Gads, where to start. I grew up in the San Fernando Valley and Malibu, and was a Hollywood brat, my father being a director and producer, and my mother being an actress. I went straight through at UCLA, earning a Ph.D. in Theater History and Criticism in 1979 (it's that criticism part my husband so loves). Have been married to the love of my life for 22 years, having known him for 37. (We met when I was just 17.)

Together we have five kids, two bio boys, now grown, and three adopted daughters, 18, 17, and 10.

I am the author of many published short stories and book reviews for the "San Francisco Chronicle," and the author of the novel, "Rocket City," first published by MacMurray and Beck, and then picked up by Vintage Contemporaries, an imprint of Random House. More at the link to my homepage.

In the last decade, I've focused more on international adoption, and less on my writing. My goal is to get back to serious writing by the first of the year. (Many ugly chores to be done in the mean time.)

My interest in earthquakes and prediction comes from an innate fear of them. I thought if I could understand the mechanisms at work in earthquakes, I would be more relaxed about them, and that has proven true. I appreciate the non-abusive tone of this site, and Canie's diligence in maintaining an atmosphere of respect and sharing of information.

I am just here to learn and occasionally post a link to an interesting article on earthquakes. Thank you all for putting up with this geological and seismological neophyte. I have learned from all who post here, and from some who no longer do.

Cathryn

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