|
Terri writes picture books and middle-grade novels. She wants every child to see themselves in stories, especially children who wear hearing aids as she and her children do. Her debut picture book, Mara Hears in Style(Beaming Books, 2024), is illustrated by Lucy Rogers and features a main character who wears purple hearing aids. She always loved school and still enjoys taking classes and learning new things. In fifth grade, Mrs. Morgan read her story to the class, giving her confidence that she had a talent for writing. Many writers say that a teacher encouraged them in similar ways and influenced them to become writers. Teachers also say a particular teacher inspired them to go into education. She was inspired to do both. Terri's love of learning and working with children led her to become an elementary education teacher. She taught for twenty-five years. The best reward for her is hearing from former students about where they are now on their life journeys. Her mantra to her students was to "dare greatly" in life, referring to the famous Theodore Roosevelt speech, The Man in the Arena. It speaks to trying new things and risking failure. Having this growth mindset influenced her to pursue her writing dreams, 'daring greatly' like she urged her students to do. Her favorite activities include spending time with family and friends, baking, rooting for Chicago sports teams, rockhounding on the shores of the Great Lakes, hiking in national parks, walking trails with her dog, and reading stacks of books from the library. Latest BookMara Hears In Style (Beaming Books, 2024)  |
