While sorting and packing for our move to New Hampshire, I came across the very first book that I ever wrote. Published by Mrs. Roeder's fourth grade class, My Life Story is a great work of historical fiction. Thirty-seven years later, the book's cover, made of red construction paper, is still rather bright. The pages were "printed" using a No. 2 pencil, every word painstakingly copied by hand onto lined paper. One thing I noticed, my handwriting hasn't improved since then.

Getting the words down is only the beginning.

From there you have to revise, rewrite, and rework the story until it can stand alone. Collaborating with other writers through a class, workshop, or retreat empowers you and allows you to take your writing to the next level. Writers have been depicted as solitary, tortured souls and to a certain degree that can be true. But it doesn't have to be. Join us and see how to free yourself - to write for life.

I grew up in the small, historic town of Suffern, New York. My neighbor Tanta Lou Errico, a member of the local historical society, ignited in me a love of history. My college studies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute sparked my love for technology.

I've traveled all around the world - from Africa to Iceland, Canada to Costa Rica - because I wanted to see who and what was out there. What I found were places so fascinating and different from my own life's experiences. I've lived in a lot of different states too, finally landing in beautiful New London, New Hampshire. I share an eclectic Cape-style house with my husband David, two children, Ethan and Kendra, and two cats named Mimi and Mulan.

Joyce's Credentials:
- Historical fiction writer - middle grade and young adult
- Contract technical writer
- B.S. Communication, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- M.F.A. in Creative Writing, Lesley University
- Member The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
- Member NH Writer's Project