I am a published author who hails from Kalamazoo, MI, USA.  My published works are available for purchase online under my pseudonym Joanna Maharis.  I have been writing fiction, poetry and plays since the time I was in the first grade.  As for my education, I have a BA in creative writing from Western Michigan University.  Throughout the course of the past 6 1/2 years, I have written for numerous writing websites.  For many years prior to that, I have competed in numerous literary competitions for which I have received awards and honors for my poetry and prose.  

Inspiration for my works comes from a wide variety of sources ranging from the media, my own life experiences, people that I know, or from my daily observations of people, places, things, and events.  I also acquire much inspiration from the music I listen to that happens to strike a mood or emotion in me.  
 
As for my favorite authors, I favor classic literature, although I do enjoy works written by some current authors, as well.  Shakespeare is my favorite writer of all time.  My favorite Shakespearean play of all time is "MacBeth".  As for my favorite book or story of all time, I really love Homer's "The Odyssey".