Kimberly Allen CarterA native of Southern California, Kimberly Allen Carter was born in the early fifties and raised in what then was considered the small beach town of Balboa. The Balboa Peninsula provided both bay and ocean playgrounds where sand dunes became forts, jeties a haven for hidden treasures, and waterways the stage for unlimited imagination. Docks, buoys, seawalls and coves allowed for unending exploration, while rowboats and bikes offered freedom of movement from one end of the neighborhood to another. Carter pursued a career as a US Merchant Mariner and for 13 years worked aboard ocean-going vessels, traveling to exotic ports-o-call across the globe. The heightened awareness Carter experienced during her travels abroad ignited her desire to learn more about cultures other than her own. Subsequently, Carter attended University of Hawai'i, culminating with a master's degree in Intercultural Communication. Upon graduating she accepted a professorship at Hawai'i Pacific University, where she taught a wide range of both writing and communication courses over the next 12 years. At the same time, Carter upheld a vocation as a writer. Her published works appear in such publications as Journal for General Semantics, Professional Mariner magazine, and Hawai'i's Waimea Gazette. Moreover, Carter's increasing knack for creating original ditties, poetry, short stories and songs gave rise to what many consider a very unique voice, indeed. Today Carter focuses on writing for young children, filling pages with whimsical content, lyrical verses, and full-page color illustrations designed to elevate a youngster's reading experience. Her stories resound of playful fairy-tales of yesteryear, through which she hopes to spark imagination, encourage positive regard and individuality, and instill into young minds a sense of wonder and excitement. Carter lives with her husband, two Labradors and a Dutch rabbit. She splits her time between Los Cabos, Mexico and their home in Lake Arrowhead, California - Inkwell Lodge - where she hosts writers wishing to develop or advance their own writing skills. Read More Read Less