Susan Aylworth started her first book when she was nine. "It was called Buff, The Proud Stallion. I wrote eight whole pages." For her fifth grade career day, she stated her ambition to become "a rich and famous author." Decades later, she is pleased to have achieved the 'author' part of that goal. A former university professor, she enjoys researching backgrounds and careers for her novels. "It's one way to live many lives all at once." The property of a protective mutt dog and servant to two spoiled cats, she lives in northern California with her husband of 43 years and their small menagerie. She loves hanging out with her seven children, their perfect-for-them spouses and 21 grandchildren, soon to be 23. When she can't be with her blood family, she hangs with her fictional characters, the children of her mind. She has eleven books available and a 12th scheduled for publication in June 2014. "I love travel, great music, and good raspberry jam," she says. "I especially love hearing from readers." Reach her at susan.aylworth.author@gmail.com, post on her wall at: www.facebook.com/Susan.Aylworth.Author or follow her @SusanAylworth. "If you enjoy my books, please tell everyone you know: friends, relatives, neighbors, the person who delivers your mail, people you meet in line in the grocery store, everyone!" She welcomes ideas for new books and characters.