About Betsy

Dealing with writer's blockAs a children’s author, I love words and the wonders of childhood. I adore animals, marvel at the beauty in elders, and I take great joy in reading, writing, birding, and photography. Though my favorite moments are those spend laughing with and loving my family.

While my schedule allows at least two hours of writing each morning, sometimes I’ll look up at the clock and see that five hours have passed and that I am still in my pajamas.  And oh, how wonderful that feels.

Giving Meow a free rideWHAT I LIKE TO WRITE:

I write realistic fiction for all ages of children. Picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and young adult. While I love writing humor, I am also drawn to exploring stories that address meatier topics. I write what speaks to my heart, always digging deeper to give my very best to the world.

WHEN NOT WRITING:

When not writing or exploring the natural world with my camera, I am either working at the Toy Soldier in Mystic, CT; hosting tea parties for my grandkids and our dear friend, Norman the gorilla; doing interpretive dance with my grandson; taking hikes with my rescue dog, Buddy; or watching birds. I admit I do not know my way around a kitchen, and I’m not the best at building with Legos or making Transformers transform. But I’m trying!

AWARDS:

My writing has been honored 9 times in New Voices in Children’s Literature: Tassy Walden Awards in all three categories for writers. Picture books, middle grade novels, and YA novels.  I have been a finalist, a two-time honorable-mention, and in 2011 I won the middle grade category.

In 2011 I was a Barbara Karlin Grant finalist in addition to winning the NE SCBWI Ruth Landers Glass Scholarship.

My debut picture book LUCY’S LOVEY was an Austin local best-seller.

Betsy with her sisters

Betsy wearing her hat for inspiration