Christy Potter

Christy Potter is a writer whose work has appeared in newspapers and magazines across the country. She has been honing her literary skills since the age of six, when she wrote and illustrated, in Crayola's finest colors, her first book, "The Pig Who Hated Mud." It's still a bestseller among her grandmothers.

Christy recently stepped down from a 23-year career in journalism, during which she covered local and state governments, and interviewed thousands of people, from mayors and business owners to actor Tony Randall and chef Bobby Deen. Her work received awards from the Kansas Press Association, Kansas Press Women, and the New Jersey Press Association.

A native of Kansas, Christy moved to the East Coast 18 years ago to further her journalism career. She is now a full-time author, travel writer and speaker. Some of her favorite articles came from her trips to Mexico and the United Kingdom, where she said her inspiration came from the locals as much as the historic scenery. Her most recent book, "The World Was My Oyster But I Didn't Know How to Cook" was released earlier this year.

She lives in New Jersey with her husband, glass artist Guy Kass, two cats and a closet full of neuroses. In her free time, she is a runner, sculptor, environmentalist, thrift store queen, and beer enthusiast. After a long day, she is particularly enthusiastic about beer. Her blog, www.ChristytheWriter.com, has a loyal following, as does her podcast, "Going Gray," which chronicles the life of a writer still striving to fulfill her dreams as middle age approaches.