Always with something to read.

Like those socks?

That's my sister, Kathleen, who grew up to be a journalist.

ABOUT AOBC

Let’s see – I’ve always been a writer. I come from a family of writers. Since I was old enough to use a pencil I’ve written on scraps of paper, in notebooks, and probably even on the wall. (Don’t do that!) I wanted to be a poet—in fact, when I looked for the right college, I picked schools that had poetry programs. I ended up studying Russian history!

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What else?  My favorite food is Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream. Ice cream sandwiches are my second favorite, but I do love Thanksgiving dinner (except that weird cranberry-out-of-a-can slimy stuff.)

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​I live surrounded by woods, and if I travel about a half an hour I’m in mountains in all directions. Although I’ve hiked, canoed, cross-country skied, and camped in those mountains, I really enjoy sitting in an Adirondack chair with a blazing fire, a good book, and a cup of hot chocolate. I usually have a quilt across my lap. I’ve been quilting for years, and once upon a time had a weaving studio. I own my own business, volunteer with refugee children, and have a PhD in the study of leadership and psychology of the gifted.

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My favorite places to visit so far have been Yellowstone National Park, France, and the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. I’ve always been interested in the French Resistance, but I got the idea for Skylark and Wallcreeper when I talked to a nurse who had evacuated residents from her nursing home during Hurricane Sandy. I couldn’t stop thinking about it and kept writing and writing and writing. If you hear something that makes you go, “Huh! Really?” then write it down and build a story around it!

Favorite Story:

Anne of Green Gables because I was convinced that I was really Anne.

First Poem Published:

Age 10, Periwinkle Poker Chips. My father sent it off to the New Yorker as a lark and they rejected it (!!), so I published it in my own newsletter. Ha!

Favorite Sport:

Water Skiing. There is nothing better than hanging on to the tow rope, getting your balance in the water, and shouting "Hit it!" so the motorboat takes off and you are flying!

What I Would Always

Rather Be Doing:

Reading. Reading, reading, reading, reading, reading. Won't you join me at a library or bookstore?

First Publication:

When I was eleven I created a neighborhood newsletter and distributed it (25 cent donation) to the houses in the neighborhood. I'm sure they were fascinated with my stories about the invasion of the starlings on our block, and the upcoming production of "The King and I" in my family's garage.

Amina's New Friends

A touching story about a Somalian refugee girl's first day in an American school, and her desire to make new friends.