More About Me
I grew up in Tallahassee, FL spending a lot of time playing elaborate games of Barbies, paper dolls, dollhouse, or Wilderness Family with my two younger sisters. Before bed every night our mom or dad read out loud to us, and once I got good enough to read and write stories all on my own, I have pretty much not stopped. (You can ask anyone who went to Lincoln High School, St. Andrews University, or the Creative Writing MA Program at Florida State University with me and they will all agree.)
Even most of my jobs have had to do with reading or writing. I've managed an independent children's bookstore, worked at Barnes & Noble and Scholastic Inc., been the Program Director for the AJC Decatur Book Festival (the largest independent book festival in the country), and have taught writing classes to both children and grownups. Pretty much, if it has to do with reading, writing, and talking about reading and writing, that's a job I'll enjoy doing! (Though I did also really liked working as a bakery counter girl at The Mill Bakery & Eatery in high school.)
When I am not reading or writing, I like to do a lot of crafty things (especially with paper and photography) and cook or bake, preferably for friends. On top of being an author, I am currently Editor & Chief of Staff at Rootstock. I also really like Fluevog shoes, Blythe dolls, watching movies, playing board games, and making up Mad Libs with my sisters. (Since we are too big for Wilderness Family, I guess.)
My Short Bio
Terra Elan McVoy is the author of eight novels for young people, including This is All Your Fault, Cassie Parker, from HarperCollins, and the Edgar Award finalist Criminal, from Simon and Schuster. Most of her jobs have focused on reading and writing, including being a bookseller at Little Shop of Stories, program director for the AJC Decatur Book Festival, and answering fan mail for Captain Underpants while an editorial assistant at Scholastic. Her master’s degree is from Florida State University in Creative Writing, and she has taught both adults and young people in a variety of courses, including the Yale Writers Workshop, Smith College Young Women’s Writing Workshop, and The Atlanta Young Writers Institute, among others. You can learn more about Terra and her books at http://terraelan.com
Fun Facts
- My favorite shoe designer is John Fluevog. I am known for my collection of over 13 pairs.
- My favorite cookies to bake are Margie Lapanja's cowboy cookies, recipe found in Romancing the Stove.
- I have met several of my literary heroes in person: Judy Blume, Pat Conroy, Jonathan Franzen, George Saunders, and Laurie Halse Anderson. Alice Munro is still on my bucket list!
- My favorite college football team is the Florida State Seminoles, favorite NFL football team is the Pittsburgh Steelers, and favorite soccer team is Atlanta United.