Bio:

My creative career began in the early 1970’s when I began making scenes in birds’ nests as a dried floral arrangement. I also began writing in a journal. Making “nature scenes” and journaling define who I am. They are the tools I used then, and they are the creative tools I use to write picture books today.

I was employed at Stanford University 1994-2005 as an office assistant, and it was during that time I began writing poetry. I had the pleasure of taking a class from Eavan Boland and also taking a Continuing Studies class in poetry writing. I became interested in miniatures and soon realized that anything in real-life could be created in miniature. I enjoyed making many miniatures scenes, and currently, my artwork is aimed at making nature scenes in empty cigar boxes.

I left my position at Stanford University so I could focus on my writing. To help make ends meet, I took a part-time position as a leasing agent assistant 2005-2010. During that time I started making scenes in my garden using miniatures and toys from childhood and writing about them. The first scene I made was by a miniature creek in my garden, which compelled me to write IF A PIG CAN FLY, SO CAN I.

That scene was spontaneously created from my heart, as are all my scenes, which allows me to write about a life experience in a way that I believe children can relate to on an emotional level. I want my writing to illuminate honesty and depth, so to give children a sense that they can accomplish and learn good things by overcoming fears.

I officially launched my writing career in 2010 when I was laid off from my leasing assistant position. I consulted with Emma Dryden over the course of about a year, which really helped. I joined SCBWI, joined a writer’s group, attended my first conference and worked on several manuscripts. I had the pleasure of having Terri Valentine from Writer’s Digest critique my first manuscript, IF A PIG CAN FLY, SO CAN I.

I recently accepted a part-time receptionist position at a law firm in San Mateo as I earnestly maintain and carry on my writing career.



Writer
Associate
Member since 2011
Region: California: San Francisco/South

Contact Information

Email:  gwenolsen@gmail.com
Current Location:   Millbrae
Website:  http://www.facebook.com/GwenLorraineOlsen

Published In Children's Market: No