Dee Ann Smith     Born: November 11     San Rafael, CA I am a native Californian who moved to Texas with my family in my teens. Houston has been my home ever since. After a career as a legal and technical writer, I retired and now write fiction, my true passion. I specialize suspense/thrillers for young adults. My life after retirement is exciting and filled with adventures. After raising three children as a single career mom, I live the dreams of my youth today. Before I began writing full-time, I acted in community theater, TV commercials and short films. I co-founded and managed a TV and film acting school for children and teens. I am a court-appointed advocate for Child Advocates, Inc., which expand governmental social and legal services for abused and neglected children in Harris County. My fiction often focuses on abused children and teens. Personally speaking.... The loves of my life are my three children, my grandchildren, and one very spoiled Calico cat. I love to talk about writing, art, music and traveling, but don't claim to be an expert in any of them. Oh yes...I'm a storyteller, and if you ask me about my travel adventures, make yourself comfortable, because I'll tell you a story about one of them.