Dee's first feature article was published on the front page of the San Gabriel Valley Tribune in California on July 4th of 1999. About World War II, her husband was particularly proud as he served during the Navy at that time. Before dying of pancreatic cancer, he made her promise to complete the two novels she talked about for so many years. She decided if she published 10 articles, then 25 and finally 51 she would start them. When awarded the Prime View Champion Award for Creative Expression by the newspaper, she knew it was time to keep her promise.