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ABOUT TAMRA 
(probably WAY more than you'd ever want to know!)
Growing up in Charlton, Massachusetts, I was the oldest of five children in the Lavallee family. Four girls and one boy. Don't you feel sorry for my brother either . . . he deserved everything my sisters and I dished out! But don't tell him I said so . . . he's bigger than me now!
Both my parents are from large families too. My mother grew up as one of thirteen children and my father's one of five. This gives me lots and lots of aunts, uncles and cousins. Our family get-togethers are incredibly fun with lots of hugs, kisses and laughter.
Looking back, it seems like I was always writing, but never really thought about being an author. I kept diaries and wrote poems. I'd walk to the Charlton Library once a week for books. I recently found a book I'd written in grammer school, complete with illustrations and a book jacket. The story is pretty good, but the illustrations . . . . well, lets just say I should stick with writing.
I'd read every chance I got. In the branches of a maple tree, in the car or under my covers with a flashlight . . . it didn't matter where I was. I always had a book in my hand. I grew up with the Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew and Laura Ingalls Wilder. I also remember enjoying The Witch From Blackbird Pond and Are You There God? It's Me Margaret. I still have many of these books today.
I attended Charlton schools through 6th grade, and graduated from Shepherd Hill High School in 1981. (You'll have to work the math to figure how old I am!) I received an Associates Degree in Travel and Tourism from Becker Junior College in Leicester.
Now, my husband David and I live in beautiful Poland Spring, Maine where we own and operate Poland Spring Campground. We have two children, Alexandra who is 17 and 9 year old Benjamin.
Living in and operating a campground is fun too. We're able to meet lots of interesting people. I can go to work in my t-shirt and shorts, with a coffee in one hand and the kids in the other. Well, they don't actually go to work with me anymore, they'd much rather be hanging out with their friends. But they certainly know where to find me when it's snack time!
If you'd like to learn more about our campground, visit our web site at www.polandspringcamp.com . The work
days are long when the campground is open, 8am to 10pm is the norm during
our busiest time. But the season is very short.
We all love to read and books are found in every room of the house. We take lots of family day trips. David and I insist on setting aside every Monday in July and August to take the kids and escape the campground for some quality family time. Spending time with my children and husband is very important to me.
We have three pets. One incredibly happy, affectionate yellow lab named Cookie. And two cats named Bo and Ginger.
Besides reading and writing, I like digging in the dirt and I have several flower gardens here in the campground. Taking care of them relaxes me during the busy summer months. Every time I mention going to the greenhouse though, my husband groans.
If you made it this far . . .then thank you for listening! Believe it or not, there's even more information about me on Bloomsbury's web site. Click here to read more about me as well as Bloomsbury's other authors and illustrators Be sure to look at both their USA and UK author lists.
And you can click on the Frequently Asked Writing Questions page to learn more about my writing.Remember . . .a laugh a day, keeps the Grumpies away!!