They share the woods with black bears, wild turkeys, and numerous other wild creatures. Pat often composes poems while running trails and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Her first collection of poems, No Turning Back Now, was published by Finishing Line Press in 2004 and nominated for a Pushcart Prize. Her poetry has appeared in numerous literary journals and anthologies. Pat is an associate editor of the Asheville Poetry Review and past president of the NC Poetry Society. She has taught poetry at UNCA's Great Smokies Writing Program and College for Seniors. She holds an MFA from Queens University of Charlotte.