Kentucky-born Kody Keplinger's earliest memory is sitting at an old typewriter, pressing random keys as she told her mother the story she thought she was writing. Once she actually learned to spell, the writing never stopped. She wrote her first published novel, THE DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) at the age of 17, during her senior year of high school. Since then she has written two more books for teens (SHUT OUT, A MIDSUMMER'S NIGHTMARE) and one book for middle grade readers (THE SWIFT BOYS & ME). She currently lives in New York City with her dog and a giant children's book collection. When she isn't writing, Kody is probably teaching a writing workshop or watching TV. You can learn more at kodykeplinger.com.