Olivia Chesney Profile

In the 1950's, "story" was another word for lie. The willow switch on the window sill was a reminder of the consequences of repeating the adventures of my friends, Diadem, Pope and Early, visible only to me. When I was able,writing their stories was the safest outlet. Journalism and journaling were outlets in high school and college, but it wasn't until later that I turned pro...kind of. I wrote broadcasting and advertising copy. Between babies, I kept more journals, made up stuff and wrote it down and read. In Florida I returned to school and took courses in world lit and creative writing. My first published work was a short story in a Methodist teen magazine. Afterward came "Ludie's Song," a novel about racism in the South in the fifties. It was successful: one of the ten best juveniles in the country for 1990 and more awards. At present I am revising (again!)a novella and have two other (one adult and one young adult) novels in progress. I hope this is what you meant by Bio. If you want personal information, let me know. dirlie