After working as a children's librarian for several years, Francess Lantz decided that she too wanted to contribute to the wealth of literature for young people that made its way to her library's shelves. Beginning her writing efforts in the early 1980s, Lantz has developed a reputation as a respected author of fiction for both preteen and young adult readers. Among her most highly praised works are the novels Fade Far Away, Someone to Love, and Dear Celeste, My Life Is a Mess. Lantz has also contributed to the "Sweet Valley Twins," "Hardy Boys," "Varsity Coach," and "Adventures of Mary-Kate and Ashley" series under a variety of pseudonyms.

Born in 1952 in Trenton, New Jersey, Lantz displayed a passion for writing at a young age. "I loved to write stories and illustrate them," she once stated. "My father was an architect, and we spent long hours drawing together, including...