Shirley Martin:  

After going to College of the Desert for a year, I moved to Big Bear. I worked very hard to develop my artistic talent and became an accomplished charcoal artist. However, I found the whole "starving artist" thing to pretty much be true, so I also work at the Teddy Bear Resturant in the heart of Big Bear Village. I raised two children as a single mom. A daughter Noelle, and a son Rein. Both are grown now and I have four grandsons. I published my debut novel BLOODLINE GYPSY, in July of 2013. I dedicated it to Ms. Malet, our creative writing, parliamentary procedure and speech teacher. You guys remember her? She was a tough old bird. I thrived under her demand for excellence. I missed her gravely in college, as my college writing teacher cared mostly about attendance and made little demands for quality. I was also fond of football coach and science teacher, Mr. Jones. In eighth grade he made me do pushups i...Expand for more