Jeff started telling stories as a small child. A love of music prompted him to try his hand at writing songs, which led him to poetry. Living in both urban and rural areas of Michigan as a child, he learned to appreciate both nature and the value of diversity. That appreciation comes out in his writing, especially in poetry. Art was one of the common threads holding Jeff's family together as he grew up. His sisters all had unique and incredible talents, as did other members of the family. That talent took hold in Jeff through words. While his sisters might paint or draw a beautiful picture, Jeff would instead create that picture with his words, painting it clearly in the minds of his readers. Jeff's writing takes him, and readers, to many places. Whether poetry or fiction, he strives to both entertain and provoke thought.