About the Author

I love to read; I love to hear others' stories; I love to write.

I've been creating stories since the age of eight. A very smart teacher at my elementary school in England asked if anyone in the class would like to stand up and tell a story, instead of her reading one. I immediately raised my hand, along with several others. The competition was fierce for a coveted place standing in front of the class! When it was finally my turn, I started a story about an all girls school where plucky young girls thwarted two burglars in the middle of the night. With only a few minutes to talk each day, the story became a serial. I worked on my ideas at home then tried them out in front of the class. A wonderful way to get first-hand audience reaction!

After moving several times, still reading lots and lots and writing stories and tons of letters, and raising a bunch of kids in Southern California, I went back to college. First, the practical A.A. degree: Computer Technology. I fixed the computer hardware in a retail store. Later I worked with engineers in the design and manufacture of robotic equipment. All the while I kept going to university at night, pursuing my B.A. in Creative Writing--my first love. After earning more degrees, I taught college writing for a number of years before I decided it was time, time to stop teaching so I could start writing. I miss my students; I miss hearing their multiple voices and their multitude of experiences. But I left them in the capable hands of colleagues who also love their stories.

First I wrote short stories, then a family history, then a memoir of my year in Italy, and then novels. What a joyous way to spend my time!

I do hope you enjoy my work. If not, find authors you like and read, read, read!

Cheers!

Mary McCann Marca