Me and Frieda Kahlo, Mexico City, 2011
I grew up on a dairy farm in south-central Kansas. I was the last of four children, so I’ve always had to endure being called the baby of the family. It wasn’t so terrible, though; I got to be the student when my sister and cousin wanted to play school. They taught me how to read before I went to kindergarten. I’ve been a bookworm ever since!
I didn't always want to be a writer. I held authors in such awe that I never dreamed I could join their ranks. I thought I might be a veterinarian or a doctor instead.
When I got older I became interested in basic scientific research. I had a fantastic microbiology teacher at the University of Kansas who encouraged me to get an advanced degree in immunology--the study of the immune system. I began my studies at the University of Chicago, but it wasn't long before I discovered that I just wasn't cut out to be a research scientist. I wanted to learn a little about a lot of things, but scientists are supposed to learn a lot about a few things. So I escaped with a Master's degree in Immunology and began writing about science and medicine instead--and I love it.
I live in Champaign, Illinois. My husband, Tony Liss, is a physicist at the University of Illinois. He was one of the people who discovered the top quark! We have twin daughters and a son. I'm so proud of all of them!
In 2006 I earned a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program in Creative Writing, with an emphasis on Writing for Young People, from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. My thesis formed the basis for the young adult historical novel I’m working on now. I am also an adjunct professor of English at Richland Community College in Decatur, Illinois, and write a YA book recommendation column for our local newspaper, The News-Gazette. You can find my reviews online at my blog, "I've got blisters on my fingers!"
I am a Central Illinois network representative for the Illinois chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and a member of the National Association of Science Writers and The Authors Guild.
I didn't always want to be a writer. I held authors in such awe that I never dreamed I could join their ranks. I thought I might be a veterinarian or a doctor instead.
When I got older I became interested in basic scientific research. I had a fantastic microbiology teacher at the University of Kansas who encouraged me to get an advanced degree in immunology--the study of the immune system. I began my studies at the University of Chicago, but it wasn't long before I discovered that I just wasn't cut out to be a research scientist. I wanted to learn a little about a lot of things, but scientists are supposed to learn a lot about a few things. So I escaped with a Master's degree in Immunology and began writing about science and medicine instead--and I love it.
I live in Champaign, Illinois. My husband, Tony Liss, is a physicist at the University of Illinois. He was one of the people who discovered the top quark! We have twin daughters and a son. I'm so proud of all of them!
In 2006 I earned a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program in Creative Writing, with an emphasis on Writing for Young People, from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. My thesis formed the basis for the young adult historical novel I’m working on now. I am also an adjunct professor of English at Richland Community College in Decatur, Illinois, and write a YA book recommendation column for our local newspaper, The News-Gazette. You can find my reviews online at my blog, "I've got blisters on my fingers!"
I am a Central Illinois network representative for the Illinois chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and a member of the National Association of Science Writers and The Authors Guild.
