After reading Black Beauty for the 1, 497th time, Courtney McCaskill was inspired to write her own stories. Reviews of her early work were mixed, with her fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Compton, saying, "Please stop writing all of your essays from the point of view of a horse." But Courtney didn't give up, and today, her books have received prestigious awards including the Maggie and the HOLT Medallion. She lives in Austin, Texas with the hero of her own story, who holds the distinction of being the world's most sarcastic pediatrician. Her son informs her that she gives THE BEST hugs, "because you're so squishy, Mommy." In 2022, Regency Fiction Writers honored her with its Lady of the Realm award in appreciation of her volunteer work, both on its Board of Directors and as the longtime Coordinator of the Regency Academe. When she's not busy almost burning her house down while attempting to make a traditional Christmas pudding, she enjoys rock climbing, playing the piano, learning everything there is to know about Kodiak bears, and of course, curling up with a great book. Visit her online at www. courtneymccaskill. com.
