About the Author​

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Hello and thank you for visiting Emmy's site!

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     I have so very much enjoyed writing and illustrating Emmeline Grant and the Monstrous Beesh. It took a while to finish (9 years!). Emmeline never let me rest from my responsibility to tell her story.

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When I was a child in Ohio, my family lived near a large woods. There was a wonderful stream down the hill from our house. How I loved to play there: to explore the rocks and guppies in the creek and climb the trees near the water’s edge. Flowers and leaves have always caught my eye, as do insects and birds with their unusual shapes and fancy coloring.

 

I lived in Florida for many years and enjoyed the seashells and wildlife along the Gulf Coast. I’ve also called Northern Michigan my home, living near the Great Lake by the same name. I loved to paint and also walk along the water’s edge marveling at the beautiful rocks there. Now, my husband and I live in Ohio again, near Lake Erie, with a smart and funny English Bulldog (Abby) and a cuddly dachshund (Maggie).*

 

My formal art education was from Kent State University with a degree in Fine Art (BFA). It all began with a great art teacher I had in high school: Catherine Lotze. I still remember the thrill I felt when purchasing a new set of watercolors from Mrs. Lotze's classroom cupboard. 

 

Most of my work life has been in publishing as an editor, designer, and illustrator. I also spend a lot of time painting.

 

Throughout my life, I've felt a sense of wonder in every season as I go outdoors and observe the beauty of nature. When I first met Emmy on the pages of my notebook, like you have met her here, it seemed she was already endowed with a love of exploring the natural world.

 

It's a special feeling to write a story and hope that someone might enjoy reading it. I hope you'll enjoy reading Emmeline Grant and the Monstrous Beesh.

 

Janice Phelps Williams

October 2020

 

*Maggie and Abby have a Facebook page, here.

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