I grew up in Tallahassee, FL spending a lot of time playing elaborate games of Barbies, paper dolls, dollhouse, or Wilderness Family with my two younger sisters. Before bed every night our mom or dad read out loud to us from all kinds of books, and once I got good enough to read and write stories all on my own, I have pretty much not stopped. (You can ask anyone who went to Lincoln High School, St. Andrews Presbyterian College, or the Creative Writing MA Program at Florida State University with me and they will all agree.)

 

Even most of my jobs have had to do with reading or writing. I've managed an independent children's bookstore, worked at Barnes & Noble and Scholastic Inc., have done a lot of freelance writing, and have taught writing classes to both children and grownups. Pretty much, if it has to do with reading, writing, and talking about reading and writing, that's a job I'll enjoy doing! (Though I did also really enjoy working as a bakery counter girl at The Mill Bakery & Eatery years and years ago.)

 

When I am not reading or writing, I like to do a lot of crafty things (especially with paper and photography) and cook or bake, preferably for friends. I am also currently Program Director of the Decatur Book Festival, and occasionally teach creative writing classes to young people at Little Shop of Stories. I also really like Fluevog shoes, Blythe dolls, watching movies, playing board games, and making up Mad Libs with my sisters. (Since we are too big for Wilderness Family, I guess.)

Terra Elan McVoy

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