100 word biography:

Maine author Lea Wait writes the Agatha-finalist Shadows Antique Print Mystery series starring antique print dealer Maggie Summer. In Shadows of a Down East Summer, (2011,) Maggie discovers the diary kept by a young woman who posed for artist Winslow Homer on the coast of Maine in 1890 which reveals family secrets that changed the lives of two families for generations, and resulted in a murder today. Wait also writes historical novels for ages 8-14 set in 19th century Maine that are on reading lists throughout the country and on student choice award lists in 13 states. See www.leawait.com

90 word biography:

Maine author Lea Wait writes acclaimed historical novels for children set in 19th century Maine. Stopping to Home, Seaward Born, Wintering Well, and Finest Kind, are on recommended reading lists throughout the country and have been named to student choice award lists in 13 states. Wait also writes the Agatha-finalist Shadows Antique Print Mystery series, including, Shadows at the Fair, Shadows on the Coast of Maine, Shadows on the Ivy, Shadows at the Spring Show, and Shadows of a Down East Summer. For more information see www.leawait.com

Additional 80 words:

Lea Wait is a fourth generation antique dealer who has been dealing in antique prints since 1977. She grew up in New Jersey and Maine, majored in drama and English at Chatham College in Pittsburgh, and earned her MA and doctorate without dissertation in American Civilization at New York University. While raising the four Asian daughters she adopted as a single parent, Wait worked in public relations and strategic planning for AT&T. She is now married to artist Bob Thomas. (www.bobthomasfineart.com)

Awards:

2002 – Agatha finalist for Best First Mystery, Shadows at the Fair
2008 - Cornerstone Award for Achievement in Literature, Chatham University

Memberships:

The Authors Guild
Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance
Mystery Writers of America
Sisters in Crime
Historical Novel Society
Novelists, Inc.
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators
Maine Antique Dealers Association
American Historical Print Collectors Society, Inc.