Reading has always been a part of my life, thanks to my mother, who taught me to read before I started kindergarten. From a love of books grew a love of writing, and I penned my first stories in elementary school, continuing into upper grades and college pursuing creative writing and journalism, with a little sidetracking into the information...more »

Reading has always been a part of my life, thanks to my mother, who taught me to read before I started kindergarten. From a love of books grew a love of writing, and I penned my first stories in elementary school, continuing into upper grades and college pursuing creative writing and journalism, with a little sidetracking into the information systems field for 13 years.

A decade ago, the spark hit. I started writing in earnest, writing for the local newspaper, writing on my website, attending critique groups and writers conferences and hanging out with published authors. Lo and behold, I became one. I'm now working on my 21st book under contract, all nonfiction, and not giving near enough attention to a young adult novel I have in progress. My books are primarily about Florida, mostly travel guides, although I've written quite a few books for young readers on science and history. I'm well-known as Florida's hiking expert, with eight books on that particular subject, and am on the faculty of the Society of American Travel Writers Institute for Guidebook Writing and Photography. Please visit me and my books at www.sandrafriend.com « less