For those of you who have not yet read my books, my stories are set in the American West of the 1800's and feature vividly-described, historically accurate settings that span the US from Missouri to California, from Canada to Mexico. Many of my books portray the poignant history of our Native Americans, and though the characters are my own, I use real historical locations and events in all my novels. I must be doing something right, because more and more men are writing to tell me how much they enjoy my westerns, too. Louis L'Amour has always been one of my favorite writers, and I am very flattered that my male readers compare my books favorably with his!

       As for myself: I live in rural Southwest Lower Michigan, about five minutes from Lake Michigan. This is great for my husband Larry, owner of our family business, and an avid fisherman whenever he can play hooky and get away to The Lake. Of course, that's nowhere near as often as he'd like to! Larry and I have been happily married since October 2, 1965.

       Larry and I have two grown sons, Brian (l) and Brock (r), of whom we are very proud. Both are now married, with families of their own!

       I was so excited when three more members were added to the Bittner family in 2000: my new daughter-in-law, Lori, and grandson Brennan, as well as my adopted grandson, Ryan! Lori is an accountant registered with the IRS. She does income taxes and also helps small businesses with tax problems.

       On 8 December 2000, the two of them presented me with the most wonderful Christmas gift imaginable: my first grandson, Brennan Bittner! Here's a recent photo of Brennan, who recently won a baby contest for "Prettiest Smile," "Most Photogenic," and "Best Attire." he received two medals and two trophies! He also goes on to the next contest, on his first birthday.

       The handsome young man on the left is my adopted grandson Ryan. He's very excited about being Brennan's half brother, enjoying helping with Brennan now, and looking forward to all the things big brothers and little brothers get to do in the future. Ryan is very well-mannered and does great in school! We are delighted that he is now a part of our family.

       Even more new members have been added to the family in 2001: On September 22, my son Brian was married in a lovely outdoor ceremony. My new daughter-in-law, Edna (pictured left), is Assistant Secretary at Michigan Mold, Inc. I would love to share some of their wedding pictures with you!

       This is Edna's 10-year-old son, Brandon. He is one of three of Brian's new step-children. I have now gone from no grandchildren a year ago to one grandson and four step-grandchildren! Brian and Edna want to have a child of their own, so I am no longer crying the blues about having no grandchildren! I am a very happy grandma now!

       Here's the Queen of the household, my little white dog, Lashon. She's an eleven-year-old Bichon Frise, angel soft and as sweet as can be. Though Lashon weighs just 13 pounds, in HER mind, she's a Newfoundland who is sized just right to sleep on my desk. Lashon is my best friend. We walk together every day, and she goes just about everywhere with me, including to the office.

       Lashon is also a writer. In fall, 2000, she had her first short story, "A Day in the Life of Lashon the Bichon" published in a book of pet stories called "TAILS" TO TELL to benefit two wonderful animal organizations in our area. Since the book is sold out, I've put her story right here on my website. At right is Lashon the Author at work!

     I am a member of the Lioness Club, a service organization here in my hometown. Every year, as one of their fund-raisers, the Lionesses put on a Fashion Show and salad luncheon at the Elk's Club in St. Joseph, MI. Here are a couple of the outfits I modelled this year. The quality of the photos isn't the best, but I hope you can see how much fun everyone had at this event! If you live in this area and would like to join us on 10 November 2001 for this year's show, please contact me for ticket information.

       This is Jessie Florentine (Boussum) Williams, my half-Potawatomi grandmother. As a child, I often "stayed over" in her small house with no running water or modern conveniences--she had no use for such things! Perhaps it was being with her that instilled in me a love for the pioneer spirit, the thrill of listening to a good story, and, later, a desire to write my own. I often feel her guidance as I write, and I know I owe much of my success to the things she taught me.

       I also owe my success to my readers, whose encouragement keeps me going through seemingly endless rewrites, who write my publishers when they hear my books are going out of print, and who send me poems and letters and photographs--some of which provide inspiration for future projects! You are what makes long hours at the computer worthwhile.

       You can find a full listing of my books, and ordering information, elsewhere in my website, as well as being able to take a peek at the numerous foreign translations of my books. Don't be shy about sending me email, either. And if you would like to receive a bookmark and hard copy of my newsletter (and add your name to my mailing list for occasional special mailings), send a self-addressed, stamped envelope every six months to: