I've harbored dreams of writing books since 3rd grade when a short story of mine won a contest. The story was a noir detective yarn, complete with a gravelly P.I. and his dog, Bud. I got the writing bug from that experience, and haven't shaken it since.
Once in college, I continued writing, though nothing as fun as that first story. Much of what I put to paper was not ready for the light of day, could have been classified as "experimental," at best. I received my BA in English from the University of Iowa, and later returned to school to earn my license to teach elementary education.
I cut my teeth as a 3rd grade teacher, and it was within those classroom walls that I rediscovered what I loved about writing and reading so much to begin with. I made the decision to write for children, and that journey has brought me here. I still dabble in other genres, for other age groups, and work as a freelance writer and editor for content all and sundry (corporate web content, client correspondence, collateral, etc.). I now teach in my district's Gifted Elementary Education program, and never cease to be inspired by the young readers with whom I spend my days. I appreciate your visiting this site, and your interest in me and my work. I'd be pleased to earn you as one of my readers.
I also welcome questions of all kinds, from young and old alike. The processes that make up the writing life fascinate me, and I love to talk about them. Just e-mail me.
-Jacob Cummer
