Biography

In school, I wrote stories and drew pictures that are now in a big box in my attic. At Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut (where I met my husband—who shared my love of ice cream, movies, and the dot game), I majored in Creative Writing and Art History. I went on to become a children’s book editor, for a few years at Soundprints (Norwalk, Connecticut) and a few more years at Children’s Press (Danbury, Connecticut). Then I left office life to enjoy the sunlight and fresh air, and have two children.

Through all that, I was always writing. My first book was published in 1995, and I’ve been writing every day since then. (Okay maybe not every day, but days I don’t write I feel like I forgot something important, like brushing my teeth.)

I decided to become a student again, so I could grow even more as a writer and artist. In the summer of 2015, I graduated from the Vermont College of Fine Arts with a Master’s Degree in Writing for Children and Young Adults. Then I decided to become a teacher, and taught writing classes at the University of Hartford as an adjunct faculty member.

Most recently, I’ve devoted more time to the other side of my creativity: my art. And in my sunny studio, I spend my days steeped in collage, paint, and fiber arts, and teaching art and writing classes. My favorite days are ones when writing takes me to a new discovery, art makes my hands messy, and school visits energize me and hopefully the next generation of creative kids as well.

When I’m not creating or teaching, I ride roller coasters, watch movies, play Catan, hike with my husband, put together jigsaw puzzles, and collect Funko Pops.

I don’t draw on the garage wall or mailbox anymore. And I have long ago run out of the pink paper. But I still use my pencils until they are nubs, and there is always an ample supply on hand.