I've been writing since I was 21. I started with poetry as a means to deal with the trials and tribulations I was going thru at the time. I had just come out as a
lesbian and was struggling to find my way. It was difficult for everyone, not just for me, but my family too who had a hard time accepting this. For a while there wasn't any communication between them and I. Eventually, though, things improved. I felt, well, I guess, whole again.
Poetry became a kind of catharsis for me, thus started me on a journey of self discovery and I soon became passionate about writing. As time went by I began branching into erotica and then found myself writing sexual fantasies about things I wanted to experience. From there I found my way into the leather lifestyle, an environment that led me into the fascinating world of BDSM. Wow, in this world I really got to know myself and began exploring everything and anything about bondage, discipline, sadism and masochism.
So what else about me? Well, I love animals, especially wolves, but since I can't have a wolf as a pet, I had a beautiful black cat named Merlin. 
He was with me for 21 years and was the delight of my life. I was heartbroken when I had to say goodbye to him, but he is journeying to the Goddess Bastet who will protect him from now until eternity. I still feel his presence and always will.
Now, I've added a new member to my family. Her name is Paisley and she is the sweetest pooch. She is a young adult and a westie terrier mix. She's beautiful. Although I miss Merlin forever, and I can honestly say I will probably never get another cat because of how special he was, so it was good to change things up. Paisley is special.
I also love music especially R&B, Old Skool, Disco, any dance music, and Classic Rock. Music for the most part has influenced me greatly, even my poetry seems sort of lyrical. Now if I could just learn how to write Music, I'd be set with a whole new career.
Spiritually, I follow the philosophy of Wicca, although I wouldn't say I'm a practicioner of witchcraft, but I do call upon some of it's rituals and to meditate especially during difficult or stressful times. I've also found thru wiccan that creative visualization is a very strong way to imagine yourself doing things you never thought was possible. If you pay attention real closely, things come your way, almost like road signs that lead you to the next level, presenting new opportunities that if you are not careful, may pass you by.
I am an avid softball player and have been playing since my early 20's. I absolutely love all women's sports especially softball both collegiate conferences and the professional league, Athletes Unlimited. I'm crazy about the WNBA and of course the Chicago Sky. I'm a firm believer in academia and was thrilled when I finished my BA in English at Northeastern in 2010. It was an even greater triumph when I completed my MS in Written Communications at National Louis University in 2020. Not long after that on 8-3-2022, I released my first full-length fiction novel The Order of the Wolf: Species Chronicles, Book One: Lineage, which is available on Amazon.com and through Dorrance Bookstore and Barnes and Noble. Book Two: Covenant is also available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, and was released this past April 2024. I will be releasing my memoir very soon. So, my dear readers, stay tuned...oh, and by the way; Book Three: Evolution in The Order of the Wolf: Species Chronicles series will be out next year. In the meantime, check out my new author's page for details and other upcoming book releases soon to follow - https://authorlisalacriola.com/
On a personal note, I've taken great pride in educating people about the BDSM lifestyle which I have been a part of, for more than 20 years. It has always been important to me that people understand the positive aspects of BDSM as well as other alternative lifestyles. I will always be passionate about this because I want folks to be informed not ignorant. The ins and outs of this sub-culture, the terminology and protocols makes for fascinating reading. The level of complexity and power dynamics within these types of relationships has intrigued me through the years, and I have a section in my site, BDSM FAQs for those of you who might be intrigued to learn more. It's still a work in progress, but a couple of basics I've already added. It's important to me that any alternative lifestyle needs to be represented as something positive, not negative, and I believe wholeheartedly that words can be educational as well as informative.
As you can see, I've been around the block quite a bit, but all those experiences assist with bringing my writing to life. Hopefully this site will give you a glimpse into my world, allow you the opportunity to read some cool stuff I've written thru the years, taking you on a journey along with me as I continue to grow both spiritually, and creatively. 
So check it out, feedback is most welcome, but more importantly, simply ENJOY! And if you happen to be hanging out at the Chicago Botanical Gardens, stop by the waterfall, as I'm sitting near the water. Say Hi.