Look and Listen

Biography

Born and raised in Newton, Massachusetts, Cynthia Polansky is the award-winning author of two novels and (under the name Cynthia P. Gallagher)four nonfiction dog-breed books. She has served on the board of the Maryland Writers Association, and is a member of the Women's National Book Association and the Dog Writers Association of America. Committed to the cause of literacy and education,Cynthia enthusiastically serves as an adjunct line editor for TFH Publications, and a Writing Center tutor at the United States Naval Academy. BIGGEST WEAKNESS: Puppies! I am happiest when a litter is crawling all over me. BIGGEST STRENGTH: Compassion. FAVORITE TV SHOW: "I Love Lucy." UNFULFILLED DREAMS: Naval officer, professional ballet dancer CURRENT GOAL: To earn name recognition that I can lend to the cause of animal welfare.

Inspiration

An intense curiosity about life's obscurities is the driving force behind my writing. Unexplored, sometimes unpalatable, often eccentric ideas ignite reader interest in a way that most mainstream novels cannot. PERSONAL HERO: Author Jim Gray of Memphis, Tennessee, who uttered four life-changing words to me in his adult-education writing course: "Of course you can!" FAVORITE ASPECT OF BEING A WRITER: I always get the last word!