Deanna King

Although I was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, I didn't grow up there. My dad's Air Force service took him from Texas to Nebraska, where he met my mom. Like many military families, we moved often, living in several places—including Japan, though I was too young to remember it. Having spent most of my life in Texas, I proudly consider myself a Texas gal.

Being the "new kid" so often taught me to be outgoing. I love meeting people and making new friends wherever I go. My love of reading began with the classics—Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, Black Beauty, Heidi, Charlotte's Web, and Alice in Wonderland. Those stories sparked my imagination and inspired a lifelong passion for books. I later devoured Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Harlequin romances, and today I enjoy reading almost every genre.

Long before computers and the internet, I wrote stories longhand and on an old-fashioned typewriter. My handwriting was so bad that even I struggled to read it! Eventually, I completed a manuscript and mailed it to Harlequin, hoping someone might give it a chance.

Months later, I received an unexpected phone call from New York. Although Harlequin didn't offer me a contract, the editor encouraged me to keep writing, saying I had an "earthy writing style" and that I had "something." Those words stayed with me.

Years later, life gave me the opportunity to pursue my dream. I published my first children's book, followed by crime novels featuring Jack West. Today my published works include children's books, crime fiction, and young adult fantasy adventures blending time travel, magic, and Native American history.

My lifelong dream has come full circle, and nothing brings me greater joy than creating stories that entertain, inspire, and keep readers turning the page.