Shirley J FoorShirley Foor began as a freelance writer when she was a young stay-at-home mom. When her husband broke his back, she became the breadwinner for her family of six. Shirley was hired as a features writer at The Daily Dispatch, in Illinois, a local newsaper. As her skills improved, she advanced to a beat reporter, to bureau chief, and to assistant editor of the regional department. She was declared unqualified and denied a promotion to regional editor but received a timely invitation to interview for the city editor's position at The Bradenton Herald in Florida. She moved her family to Florida to become the first female city editor and then the first female managing editor at The Herald. After 20 years in journalism, Shirley retired. She continues to write and to regularly publish creative-nonfiction stories for an email list of family and friends. In addition to writing, Shirley also is a photographer, beginning as a photojournalist to improve her strength as a journalist. She also has published three creative-nonfiction books of common daily experiences that touch us all. It's Okay to be Gay is her first major nonfiction work and is based upon her years of journalistic practices. Read More Read Less