Look and Listen

Biography

Eva Augustin Rumpf has been writing since she was old enough to hold a crayon. Her poems written in high school were published in a statewide anthology. She published her first freelance article 35 years ago. Since then she has published hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles, and several of her essays and articles have been syndicated nationally. She has worked as an English teacher, newspaper reporter, publications editor, public relations executive, and university journalism instructor. She is co-author of a self-help book for women; author of the satiric novel Prot U; and author of Reclamation, her memoir of her childhood in New Orleans. Eva was born and raised in New Orleans and left the city at age 18 to attend Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, Ill, where she majored in English. She later earned a Master of Arts degree in journalism at Marquette University in Milwaukee. She currently lives in Milwaukee with her husband, Bill, with whom she enjoys walking, birding and traveling. They have four adult children and five grandchildren. Eva continues to write, edit and teach writing workshops.

Inspiration

I have always loved to read and to write. As a young child, I made up dramas and adventures to act out with my friends. When I won an essay contest in elementary school, I realized I had a skill that others valued. I visited our neighborhood library often and brought home armloads of books to read. I particularly enjoyed the orange biographies of the childhoods of famous people, which inspired me and motivated me to work hard and follow my dreams. My father and uncle frequently reminded me that several of our ancestors were accomplished writers and encouraged me to follow them. I was a good student in high school and college and found much support from my teachers. As a published author today, I value the feedback I receive from readers and am touched when something I've written speaks to them personally.