Elizabeth Doherty was born and raised on her family's farm in west central Minnesota, second in a family of seven children. She has fond memories of growing up in Tara township and attending District 20, the one-room country school, her inspiration for this book.

Elizabeth graduated from high school in Benson, Minnesota. She attended the University of Minnesota, eventually earning a master's degree in social work. She began her career as a county social worker, but mid-career transitioned to a mental health therapist focused on helping people with issues of grief and loss. She loved her co-workers and had many favorite memories of tall tales shared during lunch time.

Currently, Elizabeth lives in Fridley, Minnesota with Joyce and their cat Schuster. She enjoys playing cards with her grandchildren Lucy and Zoe, her niece Kelly, and her four sisters. She loves smart talk and laughter with friends, walking in her park by the Mississippi River accompanied by her favorite blue heron.

Elizabeth always thought she would write someday, but never imagined it would be at 75 and about her childhood years.