Writing Author Bios

Things must be moving along in the publishing journey because I've been asked to provide my author bio for the book.

You know, when I was writing my first book and I got a little writer-blocked, I'd stop and play around with the "fun stuff" of writing - like jotting down my author bio and fiddling with photos for the cover... like doodling on your notebook your name with the kid you have a crush on in middle school.

Now that I actually have to do this, it's not turning out to be as easy or as fun as I'd imagined.

I thought I'd peruse my bookshelves for some ideas, but you know what? Not so helpful.

Let's just knock out the middle grade and YA books to begin with. Those authors (you know who you are) are just too darn creative and cute and fun. "He likes gallivanting on the high seas with his adventurous family..." Can you imagine that on my book? "She loves poking herself daily with sharp needles and monthly visits to the hospital..."

Literary fiction authors don't help much either. "She has written fourteen books, three of which have won high prestigious awards and six of which have gone on to top the bestselling list..." Can you imagine that on my book? "She wrote a poem in high school someone published, and hopes more than three people will read this book..."

Some bios try to show how the author is related to the book: "She has lived in Nantucket for twelve years, where all of her books are set." Translated to my book? "She lived in Texas long enough to develop a tolerance to country music but not long enough to talk like Babs."

I'm thinking of just going the route of John Grisham. He has one line: "John lives in Mississippi and Virginia with his family."

Yeah. I think I can do that.