Kristi Collier Books

I was born in New Castle, Indiana, and, except for a brief two-year stint in Gainesville, Florida, spent all of my growing up years in Columbus and then Richmond, Indiana. I went to college at Indiana University in Bloomington, graduating with a B.A. in journalism and psychology and then with a M.S. in counseling. Spending these formative years in Indiana nurtured a love of basketball, which ultimately led me to write a book about the subject -- THROWING STONES.

In fifth grade I began writing and performing puppet shows, primarily as a way to get out of going to Bible class at my Baptist elementary school. That was when I decided that I wanted to be a writer. I read prodigiously as a child and wrote my first book in the summer between my fifth and sixth grade years. It was called A HORSE NAMED MAGIC, about a palomino that won the Kentucky Derby. When I learned that palominos do not race on the thoroughbred circuit, I was crushed, realizing that I could not submit Magic for publication. While I always loved to read and write, I certainly wasn’t a child prodigy. I needed a great deal of practice and wrote nine never-to-be-published novels (including Magic) and many, many freelance magazine articles before starting work on my first book -- JERICHO WALLS.

For the last twelve years I have worked as a licensed mental health counselor, first in a church and then with the Department of Child Services. This work with Child Protection prompted the novel that I am working on now -- DEUCES WILD.

I also work part time as an instructor with The Institute of Children's Literature. What an honor! Working as a teacher of writing has been the best learning experience. And so many of my students are so talented. I'm looking forward to seeing their stories and books in print.

Our family is currently in transition, moving from Bloomington, IN to Louisville, KY. I'm sure that this move and this new venue will prompt many more novel and story ideas.