Winter Maclen

Writing has been my passion since the first day I figured out how to put words to paper. I tell people that I began my writing career in 1988 at a community newspaper.  But the truth is that I worked on newspapers in high school and college, and somehow managed to make my way through grammar school making up the books I used for book reports. I was so successful at story telling that not only didn't I get caught; folks used to ask if they could borrow the books. eventually covering a diverse array of topics I have worked with children, seniors, domestic violence and sexual assault survivors, the homeless, and late stage substance abuse recovery populations. My husband says it satisfies the social worker in me.

Keeping me sane (though some would argue) have been my animals. Since I was six, there's been a parade of creatures through my life including dogs,  cats, parrots and at one time, a lizard.  I was never the mom that say "No, it's too much trouble."  My only rule is I don't feed any living thing to any other living thing. I'll never own a lion.

I also worked for a couple of years in the education department at Brookfield Zoo outside Chicago and part time for years at an exotic parrots pet shop.

My latest crew include one dog who, having completed two rounds of obedience training and Canine Good Citizenship, is now in trials to be a therapy dog.

With an incredibly supportive husband, (on most days) wonderful children and the world's most glorious granddaughter, I wanted to get back to my roots - writing.

So here I am.