About the 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 2-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.
Finding Perfect is my debut middle grade novel. I'm represented by Tricia Lawrence of Erin Murphy Literary Agency