Suspense, Romance, and More by Pat McCain

About Fran Orenstein: I wrote my first poem at age eight, earned my first rejection slip at 12, and now I am finally a published author.

Visit me on www.franorenstein.weebly.com and www.franorenstein.blogspot.com

Current Credits include: 'Tween books for kids ages 9-14 - The Wizard of Balalac and The Gargoyles of Blackthorne, a fantasy adventure series about two boys from New York City who find a disappearing bookstore, a very weird bookseller and a mysterious book that transports them into the story. Follow their adventures in these two books as they battle an evil wizard, a bewitched dragon, vicious gargoyles, goth princesses and a wicked sorceress in order to complete their quests and return home.

Still in the 'tween age group - check out this mystery series featuring a very strange boy who suddenly appears in town just when our heros need help. Who or what is Huby, the boy who has a bit of magic about him, knows things he cannot possibly know and can disappear in a sunspot. To follow Huby's exploits and the boys he helps, read The Mystery Under Third Base and The Mystery of the Green Goblin (coming in August).

Published by Sleepytown Press  www.sleepytownpress.com  and available at all on-line bookstores or on order from bookstores, everywhere.

Coming in October 2010 from Whiskey Creek Press, www.whiskeycreekpress.com -  The Spice Merchant's Daughter a teen to adult historical romance novel set in Europe between 1685 and 1702. Meet the Dubois family, French Huguenots driven from France by persecution during the reign of King Louis IV. They settle in Konigsberg, Prussia and build a successful spice business. The eldest son marries and his daughter, Katy becomes the main character in the novel that takes her from her family at age 13 to live in a noble household and subsequently travel with them back to the country where it all started, France. There she meets her true love, but they are separated by circumstances she cannot control. Join Katy as she meets the hated King Louis IV at Versailles, fends off the advances of the lecherous son of the family she is bound to and the climax that sends her and her love fleeing for their lives.

Previously published but now out of print:

Destiny a short story in From The Shadows

The Fat Girls From Outer Space

Five, Six, Pickup sticks a book of poetry for young children

Poetry Publications: Award-winning poetry for adults in The Love and Romance Anthology and Tales of the Supernatural, available on all on-line bookstores and at www.deborahsimpson.org.

Who Am I?  I grew up in New York's Brooklyn and the Bronx with a childhood filled with culture and outstanding educational opportunities. I raised three fine children and am the proud Granny of 3 marvelous, brilliant, talented grandchildren. Another is due in Dec and his Granny can't wait to meet him.

I've held many jobs in my lifetime: teacher; magazine editor/writer; rehabilitation counselor; manager of NJ women's and children's programs including child care, violence prevention, gender equity, and disabilites; and an officer with NJ AmeriCorps. I have presented workshops and papers at national and international conferences, written and managed grants, created, edited, and wrote numerous newsletters for government and community organizations, and wrote speeches and promotional material for NJ state government.

I have a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, a master's degree in Counseling Psychology, and a doctorate degree in Child and Youth Studies.

Now, happily retired from the stresses of the workplace, I write...novels, short stories, and poetry.