Sue McClafferty:  

I married a month after graduation, and started a family immediately. I had my kids young, and grew up with them. Always loved to read, and while struggling with depression and anxiety, I fell into the habit big-time. In 1985, when my kids were 13 and 10, I decided I wanted to write. It took 4 full drafts, but I sold my first book to Avon Books in New york City in the spring of 1990, and I am totally self-taught. Aside from learning the ropes of writing and the publishing industry, I learned that talent can't be taught, faked, or bought. It's a gift, and if you have it, use it. I stayed with Avon for 4 books, then sold 9 more to Kensington Publishing Corportation (Zebra Books). Meanwhile, my kids had grown up and married, and the grandchildren were arriving. We have 6, including a set of twins. Writing, like music, and acting, requires a lot of fo...Expand for more