Barbara Jean Hicks is an accomplished author, educator, and speaker. She began her professional writing career by penning novellas and romance fiction. Hicks has a talent for engaging and inspiring audiences, and she offers visiting author programs and workshops for aspiring writers of all ages. She has taught at various levels, including preschool, middle school, and community college. In addition to her work in education, Hicks has also worked as a program facilitator, parent educator, and has written marketing copy and edited manuscripts for trade publishers.
Hicks is perhaps best known for her award-winning children's books, such as "Jitterbug Jam: A Monster Tale" and "The Secret Life of Walter Kitty." She has a unique approach to writing, claiming that everything she knows about writing, she learned from her favorite cat, Miguel. She believes that a writer, like a cat, should be curious and always on the lookout for new ideas. Hicks enjoys the process of writing and discovering where her stories will take her. She describes her writing mantra as "Look, leap and learn!"
In addition to her work as an author, Hicks is also a dedicated educator and presenter. She has a passion for sharing her love of writing with students and offers publishing programs for student work in conjunction with her school visits. Hicks has a warm and engaging presence, and she is able to connect with audiences of all ages. She currently resides in Oxnard, California but considers Northwest Washington her home.