Living To Die

About the Author

My lifelong love of writing began in third grade when the teacher spotlighted my composition in front of the class. As a reflective teenager, I sat at my corner desk and wrote poetry. I majored in English literature at Mt. Holyoke College, where I received my B.A. While raising my family, I earned a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from Wesleyan University in creative writing. I went on to teach writing and poetry at Central Connecticut State University.

My essays and narrative nonfiction have appeared in The New York Times, The Hartford Courant, Northeast Magazine, Connecticut Magazine, Seasons Magazine, and Latitudes. I was honored by the Connecticut Society of Professional Journalists for outstanding feature writing. LIVING TO DIE is my debut nonfiction book.

I can't draw a stick figure, but I'm an amateur street photographer. I suppose capturing the world through a lens is a lot like describing reality, as I see it, with words. I love to tell other people's stories (not my own, yet!), because people, every one of us, are fascinating. I raised my three children in Connecticut and now live with my husband in Florida. I love welcoming friends around the table, walking, swimming, working out, and escaping to the beach. But most of all, cherishing my two grandchildren, my hearts. When I first met Brenda, I knew I had to tell her gripping story. I invite you to join me on Brenda Sawicki's incredible journey.