About Susan DeWolfe
About
Born in Beaumont, Texas, I grew up in a small town near the Texas-Oklahoma border. Dad owned a dry-cleaning plant, and mother had a jewelry store. The oldest of four children, I rode my bicycle to the library every day, and wrote stories as soon as I could hold a pencil. My mother used to tell me that if I was involved in reading or writing a story, she could call forever, and I would never hear. It was evidently pretty frustrating, because she still remembers it, although now she enjoys my stories. Dad taught me the persistence of working until the job was done. Try to finish a book without that skill! My sister and brothers thought I was a little obsessed, but they loved me anyway. A second-grade teacher (I skipped first grade) taught me that stories and drawings I did myself were much better than those I tried to imitate from the books I loved. Thank you, Mrs. Burton!
In college I studied theater – a different kind of storytelling. I worked as a social worker, a community development specialist, and a mediator for court cases. I married and had children. I paid Mrs. Burton back for her confidence in me by teaching school and while there, I tried to pass along the kindness and encouragement she shared. All along the way, I wrote – poems, and love letters, handbooks and articles, curriculum and training courses, speeches and short stories. Finally, one of the stories wouldn’t let me stop writing it until it was an entire book. The character (Irene Randall) showed up and insisted that I tell her story. Characters do that sometimes. Now I get to write as often as I like.
Mission
Research indicates that humans are hard-wired to learn by story and I am certainly no exception. I have worked in two professions – casework and teaching. I have been in love, been a parent and grandparent. I have known better friends than I ever deserved. I have lost people I loved. Who doesn’t have stories from those experiences?
Some of the most memorable stories of my life have been joyful as fireworks – even if there were some falling sparks to dodge. Some have been as terrifying as hurricanes, ice storms and pandemics. Those too are memorable because they reminded me of the value of small treasures, like water, blankets and candles. (And let me not forget toilet paper!)
Blessed with a mother who got me a library card as soon as I could read (and I don’t remember when I couldn’t) I have lived a life full of stories – those I read, those I experienced, those that came and whispered to me in the night. Come and share!
Susan DeWolfe
Writer
A retired teacher of Senior English and Advanced Placement Literature, I have written district curriculum and lessons to prepare students for Advanced Placement examinations. I won a Teacher of the Year Award in 2021. Prior to teaching, I served as a Supervisor in Children’s Protective Services, Mediated Court Cases in twenty-seven counties, started eight not-for-profit corporations, including the grant proposals to fund them, and taught volunteer Program Management for three different Texas Governors. I am also a published free-lance writer of essays, poetry and one short story. My dog Major will listen to me read things aloud while I am revising. He’s very patient.