Born and raised near the border between Illinois and Wisconsin, Christine spent her early years haunting the local library--reading every novel and short story she could find and listening to the librarian's weekly Storyhour. At the age of thirteen she wrote her first novel--a story centered around a young man who was training to become a master storyteller.

Ever since her earliest days, she enjoyed storytelling and this interest grew when, at college, she joined the National Storytelling Network.  She earned her Ph.D. from Northern Illinois University where her studies focused on storytelling and tracing the development of American Oral literature.  

Along with the enjoyment of stories came an enjoyment of writing.  Christine has written short stories for several magazines, including "Sarah's Story," a Winner in the 1997 Troubadours' Short Story Contest.

Ray Hicks and the Jack Tales: A Study of Appalachian History, Culture, and Philosophy earned Christine both an Editor's Choice Award and a Reader's Choice Award.

 Christine also enjoys encouraging others to develop an interest in literature, storytelling, and writing.  In 2005, the students and administration at Upper Iowa University presented her with the Excellence in Teaching Award.

 "Christine's stories are addictive", said one reader at a recent book signing. "I can't wait to read the next one."