When I was still in grade school, my dad introduced me to the stories of Mark Twain. Now, as a high school English teacher, I'm on a mission to connect modern readers to classic literature. My blog KeepingClassics.com encourages teachers not to give up on reading classics in the classroom. I recently published the young adult, modern reimagining of the Great Gatsby, Just Daisy: A Gatsby Retelling. Conversations with my students inspired the writing of this novel. Every year, the same question comes up regarding Daisy Buchanan. If she had been from a different era with different role models and societal expectations, would she have still made the same decisions? Just Daisy attempts to answer that question. It can also be enjoyed as its own story even without in-depth knowledge of the original Gatsby.
Years ago, my original entrance into the writing arena started with writing lighthearted romance. I hope to get back to those someday because they are so much fun to write. For now, however, I'm focusing on my next YA classic retelling. It's an Outer Banks meets Tom Sawyer adventure set in the 1980s with two female descendants of the original treasure hunters.
When I'm not writing or teaching, I like visiting small-town museums and trying to beat my husband at board games. My four adult children are spread throughout the US, living the most interesting lives. My grandson likes to Facetime with me to watch SpongeBob movies together. As often as possible, I visit my parents to share a bottle of wine and laugh over our favorite Twain stories.
My goal in joining the group is to connect with other Kansas authors. One can never have too many writer friends! I'm looking forward to meeting you.
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