My name is Janet Smart and I live in West Virginia.
I love doing lots of things, including sewing, photography and crafts. A few years ago I added writing to my list of things I like to do. I write children's stories and about Appalachia.
I started writing because I wanted to learn how to write down my memories of picking berries with Grandma as a child. I have written many versions of that picture book, but I have yet to get it right.
In order to help my dream come true, I joined a local writing group, The Appalachian Wordsmiths, and have since written many picture book manuscripts and two middle grade stories.
I also write short stories and have one titled "The Old Santa Hat" in Christmas Traditions, an anthology which was published in September 2009. It is a story about my mom's old Santa hat which she wore on Christmas.
Since October 2009, I have been a columnist for the regional magazine called Two-Lane Livin'. Each month I write their column titled Fun Facts for Kids.
I belong to West Virginia Writers and enjoy attending their writing conferences each year in June.
I enjoy blogging and hope I bring a little bit of my life in West Virginia to you each time you visit.
