Erika Martin is a writer/poet who was born in the Rhineland, Germany and has lived on two continents and three countries, Germany, Canada, and the USA. Today she lives in Dearborn Heights, Michigan. Her love for writing and poetry dates back to the romantic castles and fortresses nestled in the vineyard-covered slopes of the River Rhine, the cradle of her muse. She has a master of arts degree in liberal studies from University of Michigan-Dearborn, and a bachelor of interdisciplinary studies from Wayne State University. She is a member of Springfed Arts-Metro Detroit Writers, and has served as the poetry editor of The Macomb Writers Club. A mother of five and grandmother of five, she substitute teaches in Garden City, Michigan, writes, researches, and attends local literary and poetry events. In her free time she reads voraciously, loves to hike, camp, and dance. Her greatest pleasure is spending time with family and friends. Some of her most faithful companions are the books that line her office, many of which often find their way into her bed.