About
The first story I remember writing was when I was about eight or nine years old. It was about a little girl and her dog, Max. The story was about their adventures together. Then I grew up and headed off to California State University, Chico, where I studied Health Science and Business. During my senior year I took a semester of Japanese and traveled to Japan with two sorority sisters and about $300 dollars in my pocket. I stayed for three years and taught ESL to college students at LADO University, a branch of Georgetown University. I was also a writer for a Japanese/English magazine.
After coming back to the states, I met up with an old friend from high school, whom I ended up marrying. We were great friends back in school, and I am happy to report, still are after 14 years together. Our daughter, Kate, was born a few years ago and she has inspired me to write stories with her in mind. She loves to hear about different adventures she has with her friend “Peony”. My husband and I have to be pretty creative in coming up with new adventures each night. That is how Penelope the Purple Pirate came about. My husband was talking about “Red Beard” and his adventures with Kate. That night I wrote Penelope the Purple Pirate. A big thanks to the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and my writer’s group for helping me along the way!
Now with some awesome illustrations by my friend, Paul Johnson, it is ready for all to enjoy. Check out the Activity Page for some fun illustrations to color and games to play. Please let me know how your sons and/or daughters are enjoying reading about Penelope.
Cheers!
Melissa Northway
