Look and Listen

Biography

Lynda Exley, an Arizona Press Women member since 1997, is currently the editor for the SanTan Sun News and was formerly editor of Arizona Parenting, Houston Parent and Ahwatukee Monthly magazines. Her awards for writing and editing number more than 50. She is the recipient of Arizona Newspaper Association's "Best Entry Outstanding Writing" award, a three-time National Federal of Press Women annual Communications Contest winner for writing and editing, and garnered more than a dozen first-place certificates in the Arizona Press Women's yearly Communications Contest – just to name a few. Here areas of expertise include food writing, fitness articles, public relations, parental advice columns, mental health, self-help, history, entertainment, inspirational and more. In the past few years, Exley's writing has taken her a different direction. She is the co-author of three books: Arizona Way Out West & Wacky, Arizona Color me Wacky!, and Arizona Way Out West & Witty: Library Edition, designated 2012 ONEBOOKAZ for kids. She has visited with thousands of students of all ages to speak about Arizona history and writing. She also speaks to adults on writing, publishing and book marketing; and to teachers about using humor in the classroom. When she's not writing or visiting schools, Exley is hiking, biking, traveling, and of course, reading!

Inspiration

My inspiration for writing began when I was just 10 years old and I began a hand-written and drawn newspaper that I delivered to neighbors I knew in the area. I love being the first to know something and then to share it. It's very important to me that what I write be of value to my readers -- whether they are simply getting enjoyment from the words on the page, or being inspired to truly change the direction of their lives. I especially love exciting children about writing, reading and learning -- which means that what I write for them is FUN, with a side of education!!!