I have been writing poetry and other literary work from an early age. At the beginning I was painting as well, and at one time I was member of the art group '69'. Unfortunately, I had to neglect my love for painting due to family commitments.In Secondary School, I was an active member and students' representative in charge of the school library, where I was actively involved with the maintenance and lending of books to other students. My written work was published in schools' newspapers, magazines, etc, and I was invited to read my poems at various official events and festivals.Around 1970, my poems have been published in magazines for the young - in Tina, in Prvomajac, and in the collection of poems - Poesis. As a young mother, I told stories (which I made up) to my son, not because other stories were not good, but because of his curiosity and constant desire for something different. It was from him that I gained the incentive to write my first book.In my former workplace (Metalia Commerce) I organized festivals for children, and at the time when my country was at war, I arranged an exhibition of children's drawings from our estate in Velika Gorica.Apart from children's stories and novels for adults, I write also poetry.Since February 2004, I have been a member of the Society of Writers for Children and Youth.Since March 2005, I have been a member of the Artists' Society "Spark", Velika Gorica. For a certain period I was "Spark"'s magazine editor.Since Jun 2009, I have been a member of the World Poets Society (W.P.S.)Alongside books and stories for kids, I write as well crime novels.2011. My short story, "Night Howl" won the "International Appreciation Prize" in a writing competition organized by "El Museo De La Palabra", Spain.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonja_Smolec