Mary Hart Perry lives in Maryland with her two cats and her husband--who graciously shares litter box duties. Miranda, a calico born to be a writer's muse, sits at the author's left typing hand, periodically nudging it toward a next word. Smoky-gray Tempest purrs when being read to and helps with revisions. When not writing, Mary speaks across the U.S., teaching the exciting craft of writing fiction, and in support of teen and adult literacy.As Kathryn Johnson, she also teaches fiction writing at The Writer's Center in Washington, DC. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, Mystery Writers of America, The Historical Novel Society, Sisters in Crime, and Novelists Inc. Her appearances and inspiring lectures for universities, the Library of Congress, and other organizations across the U.S. have drawn enthusiastic audiences.