Picture Book and Middle Grade Nonfiction Writer
About Me >>
I write children’s picture book and middle grade nonfiction in fire science and related topics. My books help kids understand how and why fires start, how fires behave and why they behave that way, and how to use that knowledge to make themselves, their families and friends, and their communities safer. If you are a kid (or have one!) who is always asking WHY, I embrace your questions! I believe kids want to understand the natural phenomena of the world they live in and that, if they are ready to ask the question, they are ready to hear the answer…or why there isn’t an answer.
By vocation, I am an award-winning writer, researcher, interactive designer, director, and producer with over twenty years of experience creating interactive and linear productions in fire investigation, firefighter health and safety, and roadway incident response safety that reaches over 550,000 people. Training and education I have written has been viewed over 3 million times.
Photo: Digital Shore Productions
Styling: Megan Perry
Nonfiction Children’s Books
The Write Stuff
fire science • fire investigation • fire safety • fire prevention • fire dynamics • fire chemistry
fire origin & cause • ignitable liquid detection canines • wildfires • scene safety • case studies
evidence collection • firefighter health & safety • energy technologies • interviewing • interactivity
Picture Books
Answering the science “whys” to de-mystify the natural world and phenomena without losing the awe and wonder.
Middle Grade
Expanding horizons, digging deeper, and making connections through scientific inquiry embedded in engaging stories.
Special Formats
Infographics, worksheets, diagrams, schematics, animations — my brain loves integrating words and visuals into something totally new to convey complex concepts through easy-to-understand analogies, interconnections, and relationships.
Fun Facts About Me
I Love //
BAKING
Sweet Stuff
I am an avid home baker. Cookies are probably my favorite thing to bake (that’s one year of Christmas cookies below), but I also love making simple spiced or citrus cakes, fancy cupcakes, pastries, and bread. Here’s a link to my favorite cookie recipe of all time.
ON THE JOB
Fire
My professional work unites my love of science, mysteries (fire cases are fascinating), interactive writing, and teaching. I’ve collaborated with the top experts in the world to write hundreds of programs. Along the way, I’ve blown the hood off a pickup truck with a military detonator, trailed behind an ignitable liquid detection canine, filmed tests at the ATF Fire Research Laboratory, processed evidence, and burned a house down.
CRAFTS
Crochet and Knitting
I’ve made huge blankets and tiny amigurumi, sweaters and hats, socks and wraps — you name it, I’ve stitched it. I even have a few patterns out there. My crochet secret code name? HookedUpCrochet.
INTERNATIONAL SPORTS
Soccer
I played in high school (well before the 99ers!) and every time our women’s national team wins, the little girl inside me goes wild because they are living a girl’s dream that didn’t exist when I was young. That’s me with the great Christie Rampone!
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Volunteering
I’m a former elementary school PTO president, current band mom, pickup driver for a local food bank, and alumni interviewer for my alma mater. I love working with other parents, teachers, and school administrators to create memorable events and unique opportunities for our kids — including designing a playground, running dozens of family bonding events, and chaperoning the greatest high school band in the world.
MY ALMA MATER DEAR
Forever Duke
I am a very proud Duke alum. I recently was interviewed on my experience as a “Cameron Crazie” and a line monitor in the early days of Krzyzewskiville for The Chronicle‘s feature on the origin & history of the greatest fanbase in college sports. I’ve served as an alumni interviewer for Duke Admissions for over 20 years.
Tell me your story
Contact Me
Contact My Agent
For my literary works, I am represented by Anjanette Barr of Dunham Literary.