Laurie Halse (rhymes with "waltz") was born on October 23, 1961 in Potsdam, New York, to Methodist minister Frank A., Jr. and manager Joyce Holcomb Halse. The author says that she decided to become a writer in second grade. Her teacher taught the class how to write haiku. She enjoyed it a lot and hopes that every second grader will learn to write poetry. Halse soon started reading library books for hours. The magic of the elementary school library came alive in life. Heidi, one of Halse's favorite books, sparked her interest in foreign cultures.

Halse's creative thoughts began as a child.

For instance, Halse recalls trudging through the snow on her way to school. She imagined that she had changed into an enormous polar bear.

Writing also started as a little girl for Halse. She enjoyed watching her father write poetry and read the comics...