Barking Spiders and Other Such Stuff, ISBN #1563152215 (originally published by SterlingHouse, August 2000).  Books available by clicking the links below my Bio in the "Books" Section.  Review copies available, no charge.

Hi, I'm CJ.   I grew up in a small Ohio town, the oldest of six children.   Recently I moved, and now I live and write in the beautiful state of Pennsylvania.  I have three married daughters, seven  grandsons, and two granddaughters.  

Besides writing poetry of all styles, I love writing fiction and nonfiction short stories, and essays. When writing, I draw on my life experiences.  I was once a flight attendant, the owner of a small business, an executive secretary, a senior records clerk for the detective division of a police department, and I've written radio advertising and sold insurance.  I am also a Vietnam widow (Army Medic, Douglas S. Kempf, KIA 1969).

Since its release in August of 2000, I have been promoting my first children's book, Barking Spiders and Other Such Stuff, through school visits, poetry workshops, Young Author Conferences, Literacy Evenings, as well as other personal appearances.  The sequel to Barking Spiders is finished (I'm trying to find a publisher for it) and I'm working on a tenth children's book.

I'm proud to say, my work has been published by CTB/McGraw-Hill, Writers Digest Books, Little, Brown and Company, Oxford University Press, Dane Publishing House, Inc., National Wildlife Federation, St. Anthony Messenger Press, FLASH! POINT Journal, Bluegrass Publishing, TeachingPoint, Inc., Steel Point Quarterly, True Poet Magazine.
 

Would you like me to come to your school?
For poetry workshops, school visits (I have programs for preschool/kindergarten, elementary, middle school and high school), book fairs, Young Author Conferences, other personal appearances, fees and references, please visit my author website:

CJ's Website for Children:  Barking Spiders Poetry for Children:
http://www.barkingspiderspoetry.com

A Personal Note:  Until April of 1998, I mainly wrote for my own therapy and enjoyment, like most poets and writers, tucking away notes on little scraps of paper, napkins, menus -- anything I could find to write on with thoughts and ideas that popped into my mind, 'just in case' ...   I love looking at everyday things and finding the humor and beauty there. My favorite poetry is and always will be, poetry for children ... from their point of view.
 

"May you always see the world through the eyes of a child." 

~ Love and Hugs, CJ

         Member Of:

• Poetry Society of New Hampshire
• The Authors Guild
• The Academy of American Poets
• National Federation of State Poetry Societies
• New Hampshire Writers Project
• Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators