I never thought I'd be writing children's picture books - and yet, here I am! I love the creative process, and my characters and ideas come to me when I am in my "zen" moments - as I am running on trails and country roads when I am least expecting them to make an appearance. There is something about the solitude of a beautiful long run that allows my mind to clear and the characters to simply present themselves. A recreational runner who had completed a large number of road races over the years, I turned to marathoning when our youngest child left home for college - and I've never looked back.I have always loved children - babysitting at a young age, teaching and then serving as a school administrator, raising four of my own children, and now volunteering as a CASA with children in the foster care system. Children are children - and despite the approach they may take to life, what they are all craving is love, acceptance and structure. I like to think that I've been able to provide that to the many children who I have had the honor and pleasure to meet in my life.I've been asked about my pseudonym - after all, my name is "real life" is Mary Boyle! "Mariah Clark Skewes" is in honor of my late mother who was an inspiration, showing courage and strength in all areas of her life despite struggling with chronic mental illness - schizophrenia. Mum also inspired my desire to work with people outside the norm, to offer kindness and understanding. "Mariah Clark Skewes" has historical family significance and is the name Mum chose for me when enrolling me in kindergarten.Professionally, I hold my Bachelors' Degree in Psychology, my Masters' Degree in Special Education and multiple teaching and administrative credentials. I am now mostly retired from my former professional life, other than coaching new administrators early in their careers, which I enjoy. My husband and I live on acreage in the country in the Sierra Nevada foothills, and I am finding that the amazing gift of time is allowing me to explore new things: writing and publishing of books, world travel, raising honeybees, and competing in world marathons among them! I hope you'll enjoy my writings.Read more about this authorRead less about this author