I grew up in a small town in the Sierra foothills, just outside of Yosemite National Park. I spent a great deal of my childhood reading, writing, and climbing trees. I was unschooled until high school, so I had plenty of time for these pursuits, as well as many others. My brother and I founded a monthly newsletter in which we wrote research articles along with other homeschooled contributors across the country. I also wrote a lot of fictional stories and dreamed of writing children’s books when I grew up.

Somewhat ironically, I became an elementary school teacher. For ten years I taught K-3. I “retired” in 2014 and shifted my focus to writing and my two children. Our days begin and end with me reading aloud even though both children are excellent readers. I also still love reading to myself: particularly mysteries and historical fiction. I don’t climb trees anymore–I’ve traded that for climbing rocks. I boulder (climb short rocks that don’t require use of a rope) whenever I can with my husband and our children.

I’m an active member of The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

I am represented by Jen Newens at Martin-Newens Literary Management.

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