I've loved two things all my life: words and nature.

Whether catching tadpoles as a little girl or taking my own kids on a 6-day, 44-mile AT section hike, I've always been fascinated by the natural world. Its beauty is everywhere, from a tiny sprout in a sidewalk crack to a clear night sky, and the amazing diversity of plants and animals means there's always more to learn.

Reading, writing, books, and all kinds of wordplay have also always been an inexhaustible source of enjoyment for me. There's beauty in them, too, and endless ways to keep learning. My professional life has always involved reading and writing, and I'm now a full-time freelance writer, editor, book reviewer, and communications specialist.

I live in Brooklyn, NY, with my husband—a serial entrepreneur and all-around colorful character—and our younger son, a college student. Our older son lives and works in the Washington, DC area.