Terry McLaughlin

Terry McLaughlin never wanted to be a writer; she wanted to be a teacher. So when her children were both in school, she went back to college for a teaching credential. While she was working to achieve her goal, one of her professors threw her a curveball: he told her she should write a book.

She doesn't remember exactly what she told that professor, but "I know part of the answer contained the words 'root canal.' I'd never written anything I didn't have to - homework assignments, thank-you notes, that sort of thing. Writing wasn't something to do for fun, because it wasn't fun for me. It was a tool, nothing more."

For over ten years, Terry taught subjects ranging from anthropology and architectural design to music appreciation and world history, at every grade level from kindergarten through college and convalescence. Though she loved teaching, Terry was intrigued by her professor's suggestion. And she had recently discovered a new type of book: the romance novel. Soon she was hooked on happily-ever-after, and she knew she'd found the kind of stories she wanted to write.

Terry lives with her husband in a rural area surrounded by the redwoods on California's northern coast. Their children, a son and a daughter, are grown. "I'm looking forward to the 'Nana' stage of my life," says Terry. She'd love to have more pets than the standard ranch dog, but says, "This is a rough neighborhood. Our pets sometimes get eaten by the wild animals on the block."

When she's not reading and writing love stories, Terry loves to travel. She has escorted students to England, France, Italy, Mexico and Japan. Several years ago, she and her husband celebrated their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary with a trip to England, Ireland and France. Now she travels to writing conferences and workshops to meet with fellow readers and writers. "It's the perfect excuse to get on a plane," says Terry. "And it's always a treat to meet new people. Romance lovers are so much fun!"

Terry would love to hear from her fellow romance lovers through her website as shown above, via email at terry@terrymclaughlin.com or through snail mail at PO Box 5838 Eureka, CA 95502, USA.