M. J. Holt abandoned the big city to live on the family farm with her husband and many animals on a peninsula in Puget Sound. Their animals include rescue dogs and cats, ducks, geese, and retired hens. She gave her cattle to her cousin who is now the farmer. She became a professional writer when she was sixteen, and has finally returned to her roots. After she could not make a living with a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature, and a B.A. in History, she did publish academic articles, and taught upper division writing and literature. Meanwhile, on a parallel track of life, she wrote business articles and books, published and edited the Venturer, a popular early-stage-business monthly newsletter, and helped early-stage companies through the fund-raising process connecting them with investors. She has been a featured speaker and seminar leader in business. Through these experiences, she met thousands of people; good and bad.