VS Grenier ABOUT THE WRITER: VS Grenier is the editor of Stories for Children Magazine and SFC Newsletter for Writers. She also freelances as a children’s and Teen’s author, in addition to running her own critique service. Grenier learned how to hone her writing skills at the Institute of Children’s Literature. She’s also a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), Author's Coalition, and Musing Our Children. Her works include short stories, articles, and crafts for children along with newsletter articles for writers. VS Grenier started Stories for Children Magazine, a free E-zine for children 3 to 12 years old, because she wanted to share the wonderful World of Ink with children all over the world. She also started the SFC Newsletter for Writers as an effective tool to keep writers on top of the writing game with timely articles, Market news, current contest, up coming writing workshops, and so much more.
Grenier found herself journaling stories about her two children when she became a stay-at-home-mom. Stories popped into her head, inspired by the everyday antics of her children experiencing their childhood. That’s when she came across The Institute of Children’s Literature (ICL). Through the ICL, VS Grenier learned how to hone her writing skills. She also joined writing groups to network with others who had the same passion—writing for children.
“Having others read what you have written and giving feedback not only makes you a better writer, but you start to understand how a well written story’s voice captures the reader, drawing them into your world of ink,” states VS Grenier.
A California girl at heart, she currently lives in Utah with her husband, their two children, and the family’s two big fat cats, Mr. Q and Speed Bump. VS Grenier’s hobbies include: writing for children, reading, gardening, interior design, scrapbooking, camping, biking, and singing. She’s a big Harry Potter fan and has admitted to reading each book in the series five times. She also loves “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit”. She continues to write books, articles, and short stories for children and teens and finds that it keeps her young. She still dresses up for Halloween and still believes in Santa Claus.
 VS Grenier voted one of the Top Ten Magazine Editors in the Preditors & Editors Reader Poll 2007. From the Editor and Author: 
This is my daughter. As you can see she keeps me on my toes. But I also get lots of story ideas from her, too! This is my son.  He's a lot older than his sister, but they still have their fights like all siblings do. He's my number one critic.
Why do I say that? Because he only likes about 10 percent of my stories. It takes a lot to please this reader.
I grew up flying with my father in his Cesena tail-dragger. He was an airline pilot and owned the Cesena when I was younger. He’d let me take over the controls and fly the plane. One time I flipped the plane upside down. That is where I got the idea for my first published short story, Flying Upside Down. My father is now retired now and living the good life in Utah. He still flies his private plane; taking his grandchildren on a wild ride in the skies.
My parents divorced when I was 10 years old. My mother worked full-time in the banking industry and raised me as a single mother. With divorced parents, I found myself being moved from place to place. I attended five different elementary schools, was able to stay the full three years at my middle school, went to three different high schools, and graduating from Apple Valley High School in Southern California.
At 18, I didn’t have a clue about what career I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Then one day, The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising came to my High school. I liked what they had to offer and now a high school graduate, I attended FIDM, majoring in Merchandise Marketing. I graduated in 1997 with my AA degree and worked my way up from part-time sales in various stores to a buyer in the world of Junior and Ladies’ fashion. I’ve worked for the following companies: Petite Sophisticates, Causal Conner, Motherhood Maternity, Frederick’s of Hollywood, Hot Topic/Torrid, L’ Occitane, and Brighton Collectibles.
I gave up buying to be a stay at home mommy. I wanted to spend what time was left of my son’s childhood and not miss out on my daughter’s. I found myself journaling stories about their childhood. From there, stories just seemed to pop into my head. Journaling made me realize I wanted to write for children and I had something special to say to them. I found an ad for an on-line writing course and that’s how I came across The Institute of Children’s Literature. Through the ICL, I learned how to hone my writing skills. I also joined writing groups to network with others who had the same passion—writing for children. Through networking, joining critique groups, and meeting with other writers, I become more confident in my work.
With all the life experiences I’ve had, it’s my hope to collect all I’ve learned and share with kids . . . what it’s like being the new kid, having divorced parents, a mom or dad dating and getting remarried, a new brother or sister, grandparents passing on, or just plain fiction to escape a rainy day.
As children discover my stories, articles, and Stories for Children Magazine, I feel good knowing the world is a better place for today’s children through the magic of the wonderful World of Ink.
VS Grenier's Other Sites:  VS Grenier's Blog VS Grenier on My Space Writing for Children & Teens VS Grenier on AuthorsDen VS Grenier's Jacketflap Profile Stories for Children Magazine 
VS Grenier with her supportive and loving husband.
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