Ann Tarpley Francesco developed an interest in writing before the age of ten. She started out writing rhyming poetry for family members, given as birthday presents, anniversary gifts, and for other special occasions. Her poetry always rhymed, but entered a new phase that incorporated what she was learning in school or something she personally experienced as she grew as an adolescent. It reflected the Romantic era of literature with more emphasis on emotion, nature, and her inner world. She continued to write poetry for special occasions into her adulthood, and sometimes wrote lyrics to familiar tunes that were sung to the recipient of the song as a tribute. Ann attended Radford University in Radford, Virginia where she earned her teaching certification for early childhood and middle education. Ann also earned a B.A. in business administration at Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, Virginia. Two lesson plans she developed were included in teacher resource books entitled, "Sweet Numbers" (Learn Every Day About Numbers, Gryphon House Books) and "Yummy Colors" (Learn Every Day About Colors, Gryphon House Books). Her writing continued to serve her well as a college admissions counselor at Lynchburg College and as a fifth- grade elementary school teacher in Stafford County, Virginia. Ann's love of education continued in a different capacity after moving to North Carolina, where she worked as a classroom presenter for King's College in Charlotte, NC, and later owned and operated a tutoring franchise. After having her children, Matthew and Courtney, Ann pursued many creative endeavors tying together her love of writing and cooking, including being a personal chef. She continued writing for the enjoyment of it. Her son, Matthew's love of trains from the time he was a toddler continued to inspire her writing, first in poetic responses she would include in his first grade parent/student writing assignments and then as a short story. The Gingerbread Train - Santa's Secret Gift emerged when Ann was inspired to write a children's book as a gift to her children. Both Matthew and Courtney were the inspiration behind the two lead characters in the book as well. In her spare time, she enjoys playing tennis, yoga, working out at the gym, traveling, cooking, and creating unique sugar scrubs and body butters. She is an impassioned advocate of healthy living and an active lifestyle.
