Debra Payne has always lived in small towns. She was born in Bolivar, New York, but she has lived in Kalkaska County, Michigan most of her life. She was once a reporter and editor of the weekly newspaper, and she spent most of her work life at the local school district. Since retirement, she has worked part-time at the public library. She finds joy and inspiration in nature, reading, writing, painting, birding, and spending time with loved ones. The Burden of Sparrows is her first novel.