"We do not write because we want to; we write because we have to." Somerset Maugham Amanda Torrey began writing as a young child, courtesy of the writing gene she received from her talented mother. She spent hours forcing her sisters and her massive collection of dolls to listen to her homespun tales, and coerced the neighborhood kids into acting in her plays (with her in the starring role, of course!) When she was in seventh grade, her first short story was published by Bantam Doubleday/Dell publications, in a collection of stories that placed in a "Young Author's of America"� contest. After the book came out, Amanda was thrilled to garner her very first fan letters. That accomplishment led to a few assignments for the local newspaper, then a placement in an essay contest and a poetry contest. In high school, Amanda wrote a play for a group of fifth grade students, and numerous short stories for English classes. Amanda tried to escape the writing bug- it's hard work, after all!- but the characters and stories refused to pack their bags and leave her imagination. She gets most of her ideas at the most random times; while carpooling the children, trying to sleep, cleaning the house. (She avoids the latter so that she doesn't become too overwhelmed with ideas!) The characters in her head speak loudly to her, and get highly annoyed when too much time elapses between her writing sessions. Amanda is currently working on a project that excites her, about a powerful, shape-shifting hero, and a spirited (reluctant) heroine who need to join forces to honor the fertility goddess's dictate, ensuring that the fertility bestowed upon their respective families is not revoked. Amanda enjoys learning more about these characters every day, and looks forward to providing them with a happily-ever-after. If they can ever stop bickering, that is... Amanda resides in a small town in Massachusetts with her husband and three wonderful children, who make every larger than life hero and heroine look like wimps in comparison. Please come back and visit often- Amanda and her faithful web planner will be adding some great stuff to the site! Enjoy! Amanda Torrey Eternal love... with an enchanted twist.