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BIOGRAPHY
I was born in Trenton, New Jersey on October 21, 1969 and have lived in the Trenton-metro area ever since. I am the eldest of three children, having a brother, Anthony and a sister, Paula. My father, Rennie, is a meat cutter and my mother, Lorraine is a house wife and the co-author of several of my books. They are also the unwitting subjects of many of the books I write! I grew up in a row home in a very tight-knit "Little Italy" type of neighborhood and was fortunate enough to be a part of one of those crazy families! At the age of 8 I started writing and was frustrated that children's work only found a home in a binder or on the refrigerator. I went to Immaculate Conception School through 8th grade and then Monsignor McCorristin High School until 12th grade. It still surprises me that I have become friends with many of my former teachers, especially the nuns!
I was always very determined and even though our family did not have a lot of money, I never thought that there was anything I couldn't do. I started working at 13 years old and at the age of 16, became a waitress. After high school, I was accepted to many colleges but could not afford most. I chose to attend Trenton State College, now known as The College of New Jersey. I worked 65 hours a week for five years to pay for my education, my car insurance, and other expenses. Thankfully, with all of my working, I didn't need too much money for entertainment!
In 1992, I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education and Sociology and was hired as a second grade teacher in Trenton, New Jersey. Later, that year, at 23 years old, I bought my own house. Of course, having such a great family and a mother who is a wonderful cook, I bought the house next door. During this time, I wrote and I wrote and I wrote. I also got rejection after rejection, after rejection. I probably quit writing at least 20 times.
In 1997, I was finally offered a contract. My first book, The Culprit Was a Fly was released and shortly after I was sent to Frankfurt, Germany for the International Book Fair. This was the year I was also married to my husband, Todd, a Trenton Firefighter. Two months later, they released Miracle on Theodore's Street, which Todd co-authored with me. The experience was thrilling but there was a downside. I had two ideas that were very important to me. The first was a Guest Young Author & Illustrator, ages 6-9, to be published in each of my books. The second was to have each of my books benefit a different children's charity. Unfortunately, publishers interested in my work were not interested in my "crazy ideas".
In 1999, after giving birth to our first child, Jessica, Todd and I decided to start our own publishing company. As first-time parents with a 3 month old baby and having just found out we were pregnant again, we founded Franklin Mason Press. Exactly one year later, Patrick was born. Now, as publishers, we can ensure that each title benefits a different children's charity and we have a Guest Young Author and Illustrator in every book. So far, 27 children are now considered published authors and illustrators. We also have the pleasure of working with the March of Dimes, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, The Four Foundation, Children of the World Adoptions, and The Sunshine Foundation.
Of all of my books, my sentimental favorite is Everybody Moos at Cows because it is based upon my childhood and the Sundays we spent driving around the country (kicking and screaming in the back of the old Volare) and mooing at cows. I suspected this was slightly loopy, but my father insisted that Everybody Moos at Cows. Later, in life I learned that it's not quite everybody! I feel that this book has a great lesson for parents: Don't give into the moaning and groaning and whining of your children. Don't try to be their friends, be their parent. If my parents would have given in, I shudder to think of what I would have missed!
In 2002, Todd and I broke ground on our dream house and began construction (no, there is never a dull moment!). We moved 10 miles from the city of Trenton, to the farmlands of Columbus, New Jersey and have adjusted quite nicely! I'd like to say that this move will force me to learn how to cook, but I am confident that most of my recipes will be printed on the outside of a box!
In 2006, our third child, Timothy Todd was born and he is a character and sure to show up in the power point presentations! In 2007, my husband was promoted to Captain in the Trenton Fire Department and we are all very proud of him.
In 2009, I won my first two awards... the Benjamin Franklin Award for Best Children's Picture Book for A Glove of Their Own and Runner-up for There's A Kid Under My Bed.
As my career continues to grow, I am excited about my upcoming chapter books and historical fiction books set in the great Garden State.
I'd love to say that I have hobbies, but my house, my husband, my children, traveling all over the country visiting schools and my writing leave very little time for anything else... especially cooking.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LISA FUNARI WILLEVER