A lot of great authors share the same assertive background: "I just knew the moment I read the first sentence of The Great Gatsby, at age 6, that I was destined to become a writer." Or "Ever since my English teacher encouraged me to write my first fiction essay in kindergarten, I just knew I had what it takes to be a great author."Well, I was way too busy jumping rope when I was 6, and, frankly, I wasn't exactly my English teacher's favorite student: I was always distracted--my chaotic mind was always somewhere else. I was not very good at sitting still, and I would rather look at people around me and make stories about them in my head than learn the comprehensive rules of adverbs and adjectives.I've always known that I'm right-brain dominant (you kinda know when you can sit down and play "Fur Elise" by ear, but can't read the instruction manual for a Leapfrog baby computer). And I always knew I would end up somewhere in the creative department--writing, composing, performing etc. I think I had my first novel laid out at seven, my first song written by eight, and performed my first concert at nine. In my teens, I really wanted to be an actress or a singer, and I did do a lot of performing, but I never really, really dared. I never took the big step. I think I was so afraid of not succeeding that I would rather not try at all. Sad, but true. It takes guts to follow your dreams.Instead, I applied for college, the safe choice, the breadwinning choice. Surprisingly, it was a really good fit for me. Still not too happy about adverbs, adjectives, and stupid rules, I ended up with a Masters in Art and Communication from Roskilde University (in Denmark. Oh, yeah, did I mention I'm from Denmark--the little Lilliputian country south of Sweden?). The next 5-6 years, I joined the creative world of advertising--working with words, communication, imagination, feelings, and people. I loved my job, I loved the people, the atmosphere, the creative vibe. But, still, I wanted to be even more creative, as in writing--writing "my own words." So when my husband suggested we move to the US where he had been offered a job, and where I would be able to write full-time (give or take: We had a very active nine-month-old baby boy by then), I said yes. Yes to a new adventure; yes to not working. Yes to writing. My first novel, Miss Apple Pants, took me YEARS to finish! Into chapter 3, I got pregnant with twins. Trying to write a novel with one hand, and change diapers and make baby food with the other (and play soccer with one leg) can take you off course. But when Alfred went to school, and the twins turned 3, my novel finally took off and here--2 years later--I look at the front cover and CRY! I finally dared--not afraid whether I would fail or succeed, suck or be a great writer. Now, when people ask what I do, I tell them I'm a mom and a writer. I don't make any apologies for myself anymore--I look them straight in the eye and say: "Yes, I'm a writer!" It took me a long way to get here--physically: about 7000 miles; mentally: light years!I live in Seattle with my husband Jeppe, and my 3 kids: Alfred and the twincesses Emma and Olivia. When I'm not "Mom," I spend all my free time writing, re-writing, researching, reading, observing people, and making stories and characters in my head (and speak with them a little, too). My favorite spot is my local Starbucks, where my imagination runs wild--or works as a sponge soaking up whatever I encounter. The world is by far the greatest inspiration!Please visit me on www.charlotterothbooks.com if you want to read more about my book(s) or leave a comment--oh yeah, and see that infamous cover that makes me cry. Welcome to my world of writing. I hope you enjoy it.