Born and raised in NYC,I have been writing ever since I could hold a pencil and have kept diaries for most of my life. Quite naturally, the love affair of writing started as soon as I began to read. I remember falling in love with the March sisters and all their antics. Those stories compelled me to write my own stories. I wanted to elicit strong feelings and emotions to readers, just like my idol, Louisa May Alcott. So, at the age of eight, I started my first novel. Unfortunately, or fortunately, it has not survived. I have written many since then, some hidden in the way, way back of my filing cabinet. I consider them practice runs. Writing has always been a part of my life, but for many reasons, I couldn't devote my time to it as much as I would have liked.
I have a Master’s in Communication Marketing and Education from Rutgers University. Until two years ago I worked in the Sociology Department at Princeton University as a research assistant and edited book manuscripts for submissions. All the while, writing my own essays, articles and poems. I write for both adults and children. For children, I have been published in HOPSCOTCH FOR GIRLS, POCKETS, and WEEONES. I have three children, who aren't children anymore, they are all young adults. Life was good for a long while and then divorce happened. Actually, it was happening for years, as it often does. I started writing about it, made my own website (using a pseudonym), self-published a book for women and men who are contemplating getting divorced, and I am a frequent contributing writer for many divorce blogs. I have done podcasts and webinars to promote myself and my book.
But (isn't there always a but), my love of creative writing for children had taken a backseat. After the healing, I was able to get back on track and write. Quite frankly, I can't stop. The ideas are flowing more than I can write. There are definitely worse problems!
So, I find myself at the age of 50+ starting anew. I moved to Arizona two years ago, from New Jersey, after finding love again. I am employed in an elementary school as an Instructional Reading Specialist working with children in grades K-3 and loving it!
I have found a critique group for picture books through SCBWI Arizona, and life is good!!!!
I am also working on a YA novel that is a mystery, but this one will not retire unsolved or in my filing cabinet!
~Christine~