Jan DiRuzzo has had a lasting passion for literature, particularly fantasy, and has taught writing and literature at both the secondary and college levels.  She loved reading and telling stories first to her younger sister, then her daughter, and now her young nephew, Collyn.  Jan has always lived near the sea with her family and her favorite horse, Caleb, formerly in Newport, Rhode Island, and currently in the low country of South Carolina.  While kayaking with the dolphins along Shem Creek, she became inspired by the diversity of life both on and off shore and has woven these themes together to share with other young readers.