I can hardly remember what it was like to not be able to read. But I do remember my grandmother reading the Sunday comics to me and wishing I could decipher the funny squiggles on the page. Fast forward to first grade and finally being able to read stories on my own. Thus began a lifelong love of books and stories.

I can still remember the thrill of going to the library and taking out an armful of books.  As a child, I loved the fictional biographies where I learned about famous women like Molly Pitcher, Louisa May Alcott, Clara Barton. With women largely absent from history books at that time, those books were a special delight. When I started to write historical fiction stories for children, I determined that my heroines would be smart, strong girls

Over the years, I've published numerous children's stories in magazines such as Highlights for Children, Jack and Jill, Children's Digest, The Church Herald, and a variety of anthologies. And true to my vow, most featured strong girls. Building on my love of historical fiction and the Revolutionary War period, I partnered with fellow writer, Marcella Fisher Anderson to write YOUNG PATRIOTS: INSPIRING STORIES OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. It is a collection of short stories featuring young people's adventures during the Revolution. It was a joy to write.

My next two books were a joy to write, too, as I took a break from history and wrote two contemporary novels for preteens—PAIRS ON ICE and its sequel, PAIRS AT NATIONALS. They were inspired by my years as a skating mom when my daughter competed. Both books revolve around Jamie Bartlett, who switches from skating singles to pairs--and when she meets her new partner, Matt O'Connor, the sparks start to fly!

It was fun creating characters who can skate the way I've always wished I could. Skating is also a great backdrop to showcase preteen problems such as getting along with difficult teammates, adjusting to a new blended family, and dealing with bullying.

My latest book, WHAT CHARLOTTE FOUND AT SENECA FALLS: A STORY OF THE FIRST WOMAN'S RIGHTS CONVENTION, is a picture book.  It tells the story of the convention through the eyes of Charlotte Woodward. She was a young woman frustrated by the limits on her life because she was a woman, and going to this convention changed her life.  We remember her because she was the only person signing the Declaration of Sentiments at the convention who lived to see women receive the right to vote. It didn't happen until 72 years later, with the passing of the 19th Amendment in 1920. I enjoyed working with an illustrator to bring this story alive for young readers ages 7-11

I also write short stories, several of which have received awards, featuring women today as they navigate the joys and challenges of their lives. When I have a few more written, I'd like to publish them in an anthology.

Get in touch at lizwrites28@gmail.com