Stacy Ann Nyikos's Biography

Writing an author bio is perhaps the single hardest writing task for me. I’ve long pondered – in lotus pose – why this might be the case. After my knees threatened to come apart at the seam, I relinquished said pose and I decided my troubles with describing myself originate in the fact that, really, after almost 39 years of living with this person, I’m still not sure who she is. Stacy Nyikos is a work in progress. However, I can tell you a few things that I do know. I spent most of my twenties traveling and getting a PhD. I decided that whatever job I nestled into would have to be one that keeps me traveling. Surprisingly, that turned out to be writing children’s literature. I really do love my job, which is not something I could say for many of the other colorful careers I’ve had during my lifetime, such as the time-honored waitress position. I did enjoy all of my teaching posts, mostly because I love interacting with students. I think sometimes I’m the one doing most of the learning. People, regardless of age, once they take on the role of student, have so much to teach. Now I spend my days with my imaginary friends, which is really ironic because I refused to – or couldn’t quite muster up - any as a child. I love the adventures that writing takes me on each day, aside from the ones where I’ envisioning myself banging my head or my computer against the wall when a stubborn scene simply will not comply and allow itself to be written. When I’m really lucky, I get to take off for new parts of the United States on school visits. School visits are the perk to writing. Children are such a refreshing part of my job. I enjoy their questions, their ideas, especially their imaginations and silliness. My ivory tower of writing spirals upwards into the cumulus nimbus over Tulsa, Oklahoma where I live with my husband, two daughters, and most favorite and most loyal running partner ever, my dog Mulligan. Oh, and if you'd like to check out my website an all the cool things I've created to do with my books, as well as a Reader's Guide for my debut middle grade novel, please go to www.stacyanyikos.com. I even blog there on occasion.