.Annie Hallinan is a long-time writer who only recently made the jump to the excitement (and the worries) of having her work published. Writing stories for children has long been her passion, second only to rescuing and caring for abused animals.  It is natural that pets, critters and even flowers often are the focus of her stories. 

Annie writes wherever she has a pen and paper. She's even happier when there is a dog close by.

Ms. Hallinan grew up in Scotland and her stories have an "old world" tone young readers enjoy.  She's traveled widely and lived not only in the U.K. and the  U.S., but also in Greece and Indonesia.

"I find stories in every kitten and puppy, every squirrel in the garden, every stuffed toy; they're like blueberries on the bush, waiting to be picked," she said. "I write to entertain, to make people smile and maybe to help them see the world a little differently."

Today Annie lives in North Carolina with her husband, two dogs and an elderly cat. She enjoys gardening and golf when not sitting at her Mac, creating her next tale.
 

Critters

"It's hard to write when a plum-duff needs a cuddle," Annie notes. "Sometimes the stories simply need to sit on the shelf for a while; they can wait while a puppy cannot."

Gardens

On bright, sunny days Annie often can be found in her garden, which extends for almost three acres over an old industrial nursery. Her home features two greenhouses and a large lawn across which the dogs and cats browse.

Sports

Annie is very enthusiastic about her golf game, and travels extensively to play different venues. "It's the most honest game in the world," she writes. "It's just you, the club and the ball — all the blame and all the glory lies with you alone."