Tanya Grove

In fourth grade, I wanted to become a novelist. In tenth grade, I wanted to be a journalist. Then I got a BA in English and became an elementary school teacher for 24 years. Now I'm a writer. And an editor.

I'm the president and newsletter editor of the Berkeley branch of the California Writers Club and I'm also a member of SCBWI, the Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators.

I've written a middle grade novel that an agent loved but couldn't sell. And I've written a chapter book, songs, many poems, and over 200 blog posts.

I volunteer as a writer coach to 8th graders at my local middle school.

I like to read, watch movies, play all kinds of games, sing, drink gimlets, and go the gym.

Okay, I'd rather drink a gimlet than go to the gym, but I go to the gym almost every day, and I drink gimlets no more than once a week.

I play the guitar but I haven't played in a long time. I should get back to that...

I'm an atheist, but my moral code is solid, thank you very much.

The Giant Dipper at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is the best rollercoaster in the world.

People should not talk in movie theaters. Ever.

My husband is my soul mate. My daughter is an amazing young woman.

I'm originally from Oklahoma but escaped when I was 17 and have lived in California ever since.