Hi, I'm CJ.   I grew up in a small Ohio town, the oldest of six children.   I live and write in the beautiful state of Florida with my significant other, Robert Cosmar, who is also an author.  I have three married daughters, and nine grandchildren.  

Besides writing poetry of all kinds, I love writing fiction and nonfiction, memoirs, my three blogs and essays about life. When writing, I draw on my life experiences.  I have been a flight attendant, 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 War widow (Army Combat 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 now published, as is a book of poems for preschoolers, a collection of short stories, and a book of poetry for grownups.

Classroom Presentation, Conesville, Ohio.AVI

My Books:


Barking Spiders and Other Such Stuff (2000)

Barking Spiders 2 (2011)

Me Too! Preschool Poetry (2011)

Bits and Pieces (Short Stories) (2011)

NEW! Anatomy of a Poet (adult poetry) (2013)




Blogs:



CJ's Writer Thoughts:

http://cjswriterthoughts.blogspot.com

Knowing Whispers:

http://knowingwhispers.blogspot.com

Memoirs From Nam:

http://memoirsfromnam.blogspot.com 

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, any other personal appearances, or fees, references and my schedule, please visit my website or call me for more information (352-299-5634):

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 my thoughts and ideas on. 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