I'm a native New Yorker, born and raised in Manhattan. My father was an attorney in sole practice. He specialized in minority stock holder's suits. He tried to keep his name out of the paper because sometimes he appeared for the corporation. He appeared twice before the Supreme Court. Abe Fortas was a law school classmate -- I remember being introduced to Fortas once.

My father was very particular about English grammar and never let a mistake go unremarked. Whenever he corrected my sister or me he would repeat the whole rule and its explanation. At the time I found it extremely annoying; now, I'm very grateful.

My mother was an artist, specialized in portraits. She never sold much, preferring to give her work away. She was great fun in art museums as she knew so much.

I play the flute and the piccolo and have for many years. I used to belong to a band but quit a year or two ago as the late-night practices were tough for me, especially in winter.

I'v completed the Institute of Children's Literature basic course.

My book, "The Angry Little Boy," will be published by 4RV Publishing, LLC, in early 2012.

Margaret Fieland: Poetry and Prose
Web page and blog of poet and writer Margaret Fieland