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BIOI was born in London, but in 1955 my family moved to the Isle of Wight. Later, Linda and I helped our mum run a B & B by waiting tables and washing dishes, and we slept in bunk beds downstairs. My second novel, ARROWHEAD'S LOST HOARD, is based on these memories.
I started teaching in 1971 and came to the U.S. after meeting Mark, my Texan husband, in Iran. My year at an American school over there inspired me to write SECRET OF THE SEVENTH GATE. We lived in Florida, Connecticut, England, Texas, and settled in The Colony, near Dallas. Our daughter, Rachel (29) is an interior designer. I taught 2nd & 3rd grades at Rosemeade Christian School for 5 years, then took two years off for creative pursuits, followed by a year of subbing. When Mark made a career change in 2005, I got a job teaching art in Lewisville, TX. We're planning to retire to Chautauqua, Kansas, in June 2010. The British club that my friend Stella and I started just celebrated its 25th anniversary! We meet monthly for a natter and a cuppa. "True Brit" has been featured in The Colony Leader, The Dallas Morning News, and other local papers. I also belong to various groups of writers, artists, and Christians. Hobbies include swimming, piano, reading, crafts, & theater. VISITING AUTHOR WORKSHOP TOPICS
British Games/Holidays/Dialects Iran, Past and Present Rocky Road to Fame (game about publishing pitfalls) Magic Carpet Ride (guessing game) How to Hatch a Plot (with plastic eggs) Let's Go Fishing (how writers get ideas) Weave a Story Web Create a Cool Character Treasure in My House (origami exercise) Step into the Painting (art-inspired story) Books as Bridges: Connecting Cultures Twists and Turns (writing on a Mobius strip) Where Do Poems Hide? (from Naomi Nye) Eek, a Snake! (deepest fears) Rant, Rave, Run for Office (opinions) Make & Illustrate a Mini Book FROM 2ND GRADERS AT COLLEGE STREET ELEMENTARY, LEWIVSILLE, TX:
Thank you for teaching us about Christmas in England. I enjoyed it. I learned what you do on Boxing Day. (Zachary) Thank you for reading that book to us. I learned that kids in England call Santa Father Christmas. (Isabella) It was very fun to listen to you. I learned where they go ice skating. Thank you Mrs Spire. (Brandon) FROM CORSICANA, TX, AFTER OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CHALLENGE: I had a fun time at Creative Writing because I like that paper that we got to do. It was fun when you read mine and all the other ones you read. (Amber) Your station was one of my favorites. It really learned a lot of creative writing. (Nate) Thank you Mrs. Spire. I enjoyed making a story map and character. (Kayla) I had a great time writing. It was fun. I hope to write my book soon. I can't wait to read your book. I'm sure it will be fun. (David) Dear Mrs. Spire, Thank you for signing my shirt. I had a great time. I like to make up stories. There is not a thing better than a story. (Breana) FROM DALLAS, TEXAS AFTER FABULOUS FRIDAY: Thank you for coming and talking to us about Iran. I learned a lot of fun things. All of the artifacts were really cool. (Alex) Thanks for talking about Iran and your book...I didn't like the spices. Yuck! (Daniel) I thoroughly enjoyed learning about your writing and teaching career in Iran, England and the U.S. I think being a writer sounds like a great job! (Maddie) I liked the thinking and creativity games. I write lots of stories. And more writers I meet the more I want to be a writer. (Caitlin) The part of the presentation I liked the most was your speech about Iran and how they read and write from left to right. (Colby) I enjoyed your accent. It was very pretty. I was thinking of entering the poetry contest. Hopefully I will get a prize. (Corina) |
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