Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra is an award winning, full-time novelist, although she's also been a professional dancer, singer, journalist, and literature teacher. From Cuban roots, she has lived in many countries, including France, where she set her first award-winning novel, The Coin.  She holds a Masters in English literature, specializing in 12th century French romances and is currently an active member in NC Writers Association, Sisters in Crime National, and Triangle Sisters in Crime local chapter. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and her dog, Amber.