Lori Ries

Older childhood years gave me adventures living in Virginia, Hawaii, and Montana. My stepfather was in the army so we moved around a bit. With new places to go, and new people to meet, I learned to love journaling. I wrote often; daily entries, poetry, and stories.

I did not know how to turn dreams into reality, so college life remained a dream. However, I found my writing life through opportunity. First, I married someone wonderful. David encouraged me to take a couple of college classes between children. I learned just how much I really did love writing, and it became a need. Later, I was given an opportunity to attend the Institute of Children’s Literature. Last, I was given an opportunity, from Highlights Foundation, to attend the Chautauqua Writer’s Workshop in New York. Here, I wrote my first book, “Super Sam,” which was published by Charlesbridge Publishing. By the end of that week, I was reborn, a writer, and I knew my life could never be the same. I love being a writer.

Today I live in Oregon with my wonderful husband, three beautiful children, a dog, a cat, two parakeets, Looey the fish, and a well traveled teddy bear named, "Purple Bear." They give me plenty to write about! My youngest daughter even writes her stories along side of me! On "Take your Kid to Work Day," we have a blast!