About

Terry in her own words

I’ve lived in many parts of the United States, including Texas, New York, Washington and California. Growing up, I always loved nature and animals, whether I was making mud pies, playing with my cat, picking wild berries or being caressed by the branches of a dogwood tree as I read or watched birds.

My love for books started early in life. I still remember my first bookstore trip, where I chose my very own book to buy and keep, The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss (which I still have). I read all kinds of books and wrote poetry in elementary school, and even made my own “library” in my room.

I live in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains in the beautiful town of Mammoth Lakes, California with my husband and two crazy cats. Additionally, my son, one of my greatest joys in life, is now grown, married and teaches middle school students, along with his wife who teaches 4th graders.

I have a B.A. degree in Early Childhood Education and an international A.M.I. teaching diploma. I was a pre-primary Montessori teacher for twenty-two years before deciding to follow my dream of writing for children (what I call, “the best mid-life crisis ever!”). I’ve been writing since 1999, with my work appearing in magazines and the children’s book market. I have an MFA in Writing for Children &Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, including the Picture Book Concentration certification. I also teach online children’s writing courses for the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program.

Gazing at the night sky With twenty-five published books, I’ve experienced the joys of being a writer in many ways. I love meeting children and adults through book signings, readings and workshops. I’m a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and served on the SCBWI Central-Coastal California regional board for many years.