Joan Avery graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in political science. She intended to go into the Foreign Service. When government cutbacks prevented that, she began a successful fifteen-year career as an award-winning producer for a national advertising firm. She "retired" from her career to devote more time to her growing family. She began her writing career when her youngest son started school.Joan lives in Michigan. She has a daughter, and two sons. Her husband is an attorney. She also is blessed with two older stepsons and five grandchildren.She has always enjoyed traveling and finds it even more enjoyable now that she can use her experiences for her books.