Standing with my mom, Patricia Jennings Berry Murray, who inspires me to keep learning and writing.
I was born in Hamilton, Ohio and lived in Oxford, Ohio (near Cincinnati) through sixth grade. Both my grandparents lived on farms across the state-line near Richmond, Indiana. I’ve always enjoyed outdoor activities and have many fond memories such as climbing on hay bales, gathering eggs and apples, and wading in the creek. My family moved to Trumansburg, New York (near Ithaca), where I graduated from high school.
After a family vacation to the outer-banks of North Carolina, I decided I’d like to attend college in the south. While at East Carolina University, I pledged the Delta Zeta Sorority. My junior year, I studied abroad at ECU’s International Campus at Mehlem on the Rhine River near Bonn, Germany. With a major in history and a minor in geography, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to study and travel in Europe. I graduated with a B.A. in history and began my graduate work at ECU. Upon receiving a fellowship from Virginia Tech., I completed a M.A. in history. Some years later, to make myself more employable, I completed a M.Ed. in learning disabilities from NC State U. After teaching history and special education, grades 3 through community college, for 35 years, I retired and finally had time to devote to writing.
My husband and I live in central, rural North Carolina. We love quiet country living, discounting the sounds of nature and farming equipment, while having access to the amenities of nearby cities. Also, we enjoy spending time with our daughter, son-in-law, and adorable grandson.
My most important values include family, kindness, compassion, honesty, responsibility, nature, and creativity. I am an optimist and find joy, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, in life. I’m grateful for a supportive network of my family, friends, and writers.
My hobbies and interests are reading, writing, hiking, knitting, Pilates, Durham Bulls’ baseball, college athletics, and music. Unfortunately, I did not keep up with my violin and piano playing. Now I aspire to learn how to play the mountain lap dulcimer.
Teaching and family life limited my time for writing. My writing began as letters and short poems, particularly Haiku. It wasn’t until I retired and took a writing/journaling class at our local senior center that my writing journey began. With the encouragement of my instructor, Maxine Chauvaux, I began submitting my writing for publication.
Professional Writing Memberships
- North Carolina Writers’ Network
- Taste Life Twice Writers’ Group
- North Carolina Poetry Society
- Women Fiction Writers’ Association
Suzanne's Words 