Melanie J LaPlaca

Melanie J. LaPlaca is an author, educator and former journalist. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Douglass College, Rutgers University and earned a master's degree in journalism from Boston University. She began her career reporting and producing human-interest features on student-athletes before turning her focus to writing. She now finds creative inspiration in her most important role as a wife and mom of three beautiful children (and one amazing chocolate Labrador retriever).

"A Very Merry, Muddy Christmas" was inspired by the countless hours Melanie spent playing in the backyard mud with her young son and his toy tractor.