Lockehart, L. a.: - L.A. Lockehart is a retired executive and medical assistant with an associate's degree in business administration from the University of Palm Beach. She is thrilled to finally be able to share her debut novel The Garden Tender's Cats with the world.

As someone who lived in southern Florida for over twenty years, one of her biggest inspirations has been Ernest Hemingway. Visiting his home in Key West filled her with the conviction, "If he can do it-so can I." For this specific story, her step-mother's work as an anthropologist, teacher, poet and writer and aspiring archaeologist also served as a key inspiration, especially the artifact collection and various international 'digs' she accompanied her parents on. However, her largest inspiration has been her own life story. She has written her protagonist Miriam Wheatley with the courage and conviction that she has needed to develop herself as an independent woman.

When she's not writing novels, Lockehart spends her time penning poetry, making oil paintings, composing music, spending time with her family, keeping up with world news, and making new friends.

She currently lives on her own in a small town in southwestern Ontario, and if you want to get in touch, you can reach her at lalockehart@gmail.com.