AUTHOR

Elly Swartz

A bit about me… I grew up in Yardley, a small town in Pennsylvania. At the time, there were many cornfields and cows. Boredom was a popular sport. I lived in a red, brick house on Queens Drive with my mom, dad, two older brothers who picked on me regularly as a kid (less so as a grown-up) and dogs (first Missy and later Sam). My childhood was a happy one with many laughs, family dinners and crooked birthday cakes. I love writing for children, but I didn’t take a direct path to that career. I weaved and bobbed through many unique opportunities on my way to becoming a writer. I studied psychology at Boston University and got my JD at Georgetown University Law Center. I was a ride operator at Sesame Place, spent time working in a furniture store, was a messenger, law library assistant, legal author, litigator, legal research and writing professor and college essay adviser. Not long after my writing began, I got the first sign that, indeed, this was the right path for me. I opened a piece of Bazooka Joe gum and wrapped around my sugary, pink delight was a fortune that read, “You have the ability to become outstanding in literature.” Now I am a dedicated Bazooka gum fan and have read many fortunes over the years, but never had I nor have I since received a fortune such as that. I keep my fortune tacked next to my desk in my office. In my office is also my writing companion, my 3-year-old dog beagle named Lucy, who sleeps at my feet dreaming about when I will take a break from the computer and take her for a walk. In addition to Lucy, my family includes my awesome husband and two amazing sons. Over the years, a pygmy hedgehog, gerbils, a hamster, fish and a few other dogs were part of the family crew. Some other fun tidbits about me. I love a good book, crossword puzzles, the color green, the seasons (fall in particular), and a great pair of boots. I love writing for kids, Twizzlers and anything with my family. My debut novel, FINDING PERFECT (FSG 2016) is about a twelve-year-old girl named Molly, friendship, family, OCD, and a slam poetry competition that will determine everything. In my second book, SMART COOKIE (Scholastic, 2018), you meet the spunky and big-hearted Frankie. Frankie’s all about family with a dash of mischief and mystery! And then in 2019, say hello to Maggie in GIVE AND TAKE (FSG). If you want to connect with me or learn what I'm working on or where I'll be, you can find me at www.ellyswartz.com or on Twitter @ellyswartz or on Instagram @ellyswartzbooks. I’m represented by Tricia Lawrence of Erin Murphy Literary Agency

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