About Lola
For as long as I can remember, I have loved books. My mother took me to the Tecumseh Branch Library every week where I would check-out a tall stack of stories. And when the bookmobile stopped near our home, the librarian on board would always show me a few titles she had hand-selected for me. My parents valued reading and gave me a new book for birthdays and holidays. I still have those first books – the ones I read again and again, studying the art, memorizing the poems, and learning about the world. Today I read whenever and wherever I can – on our porch, in my office, curled up on the sofa, and always on airplanes. Now I not only read for pleasure, but I also read like a writer. I notice how other authors build suspense, introduce a character, or paint pictures with just the right words. Reading is fuel for my writing. I can’t imagine one without the other.
Fast Facts . . .
I was born and grew up in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, but lived most of my life just outside Garrett, Indiana before moving here to the mountains of north Georgia.
I became the neighborhood babysitter and would sometimes care for the children of 2-3 families while the adults took a weekend break. We would put on plays, go on hikes, read books, and create with clay, paints, and empty boxes.
I have been married to the love-of-my life – Ted – for the past 50 years. And we have two grown sons who, thankfully, work hard to help others.
My two favorite books when I was a girl were Black Beauty and Heidi. I also read Kidnapped and Swiss Family Robinson again and again.
Ted and I have one pet now. Her name is Maya and she is a yellow lab. Her favorite food is ripe blueberries right off the bush.
As a girl, I liked to ride my bike (still do), swim at the nearby pool, play miniature golf, go on picnics, look for fossils, play card games, visit the library, and read, read, read.
I began writing books for children more than thirty years ago because I saw how important a good book was to each of my students. Learning to write was not easy for me, but I wanted to publish a book so much that I never gave up.
I have always gardened and still do. I grow peppers, tomatoes, herbs, blueberries, horseradish and so many flowers that the bees and butterflies visit all summer and fall.
As you can see from the photo at the top of this page, north Georgia is absolutely beautiful. My husband and I hike up and down the trails, enjoy the wildlife, and are always amazed by the sunsets.
Ted and I on our 45th wedding anniversary
Horseradish growing in my garden
Maya