Mary Pautsch

Hello from Mary Pautsch on the swampy shores of Tuscobia Lake in northwest Wisconsin. I live among the bears, eagles, chipmunks and flower-eating deer. I am a retired teacher of English and a reading specialist. I have had the pleasure of teaching every grade over my 36-year career. I began writing Cabin Candy while modeling the writing process for a fourth-grade class. Over the years, I added to the story while working full time and raising my son and daughter with my husband, Roger. It has been a pleasure to have had my son-in-law, Mike Gehrke, illustrate the cover while my daughter, Jessica Pautsch, illustrated the chapter headings.

Writing has always been my passion. I've written several poems for family members and friends and have kept many journals. Currently, I am a columnist for my local newspaper, The Chronotype. I am originally from Jefferson, a small town in southern Wisconsin. As a child, travelling "up north" was always exciting. I loved the lakes and woods as well as having fun with cousins I saw only once or twice a year. Now having lived over 30 years in the Northwoods, it has become a childhood dream come true. Although Webb Lake is less than an hour from my home, I still get excited to this day as I drive over all of the hills that still make me want to cheer with delight.