Nancy Werking Poling

Author of

Paradise Affirmed: stories of virtue and scandal at Happy Corner Church

While Earth Still Speaks

Before It Was Legal: a black-white marriage (1945-1987)

Had Eve Come First and Jonah Been a Woman

Out of the Pumpkin Shell

I'm a late bloomer. As a child I didn’t create stories nor did I dream of someday becoming an author. Yet I’ve long had other qualities associated with writers: I seldom follow directions and I’ve always been a daydreamer. Ask me a question, and my response is likely to be a long narrative that goes practically back to “In the beginning…”

Though born in Indiana, I grew up in Florida. My husband and I lived in the Chicago area for more than twenty years. So I’m either a Midwesterner who’s been influenced by my southern upbringing or a Southerner influenced by midwestern ways. Now I live in North Carolina, which further confuses my identity conundrum.

Friends think of me as having a positive outlook, but I can quickly create a list of negatives--things I DON”T do. I don’t cook. I don’t have a pet, nor do I want one. I don’t serve on committees. I haven’t adjusted well to technology (not even to the telephone).

I DO like sunshine and feel nostalgic for the days when we assumed it was safe to bake on a beach towel. I like time to myself, especially if a compelling book is inviting me. I travel every chance I get. I’ve had the opportunity to visit Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America.

Finally, I treasure time spent with my husband, Jim, our children, and grandchildren.