About Linda

I was born and raised in central Ohio along with my two sisters and brother. I graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Early and Middle Childhood Education. I have been published in national magazines and e-zines, and have written nonfiction children's materials for non-profit organzations and teacher's guides for award winning books. My first book, The Pig and Miss Prudence, came out in 2008 from Star Bright Books. My next book, Beco's Big Year will be out in 2010. Picture books, middle grade novels, and middle grade nonfiction are all genres I work in. Check out my pets below!

Other miscellaneous facts about me:

Meet my housemates! These two cuddle-bugs, Frankie and Chloe, came to me from a great organization called Black and Orange Cat Foundation. Looking for a great cat for your home? Contact them!

My newest (and last!) baby, Cubby, is below. Like any baby, he plays wildly, then zonks out for a long nap.

Favorite candy: dark chocolate.

Interests: In addition to writing, I love flowers, fossils, nature, animals, and BLIMPS!

Hobbies: I enjoy crafting, sewing and knitting, but most of all, I love writing. (Okay, that’s work, not a hobby.)

Birthday: April 1st—no foolin'!

A place I would like to travel to: The Andaman Sea, in Thailand. This is the setting of my novel, The Andaman Pearl, and I feel quite sure there is not a more beautiful place on the earth. I would also like to see Africa, Ireland, Scotland and Rome.

Favorite Animal: How could I pick just one? Well, if I had to, I might say the rabbit. I had a pet bunny named “Cloudy” once, and he was very sweet! Wait a minute--then why do I have three cats now, and zero bunnies? Hmmmm.....

Most embarrassing moment: Catching a duck between my knees during a training session at a wildlife rehabilitation center. I couldn’t get a good grip on it , so I had to stand there as it squawked and quacked, until the instructor came over and rescued us both!

First job: My first job was working in a donut shop. I was allowed to eat all the donuts I wanted, because my boss knew that soon I wouldn’t want any more. And it was true! After the first couple weeks in donut heaven, I didn’t want any more. But to this day, I can’t eat a cold donut. They are so much better hot out of the fryer. (Or from the microwave, as the case may be!)

Most fun experience ever: Riding in the Goodyear Blimp!