M.A. (MaryAnn) Smith is a freelance writer who has been published in The Hartford Courant and The LiveWire, a college weekly, where she won awards for investigative journalism and feature writing. As part of her former marketing communications business she wrote newsletters, advertising copy, program brochures, and proposals. As a breast cancer survivor herself, she frequently contributes guidance and advice to cancer patients, their caregivers, and their families on the “What Next?” cancer survivor website. She also is a member of the Northern Connecticut Writers Workshop.

When she is not writing, M.A. enjoys hiking, skiing, cycling, organic gardening, jewelry making, fiber arts, and playing piano. She resides in Connecticut with her family which includes her husband, two sons, a daughter-in-law, two grandchildren, and two dogs.