Sharon Skinner holds a GPC, a BA in English, an MA in Creative Writing and is a Certified Book Coach and freelance editor, whose goal is to help writers weave their words into stories that shine. She mainly writes fantasy, science fiction and paranormal for audiences of all ages. Skinner is an active member of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and serves as the Regional Advisor for SCBWI AZ.
Skinner is an experienced and sought after workshop facilitator and presenter, who has been engaged to teach and present at the Arizona State University Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing, the San Diego State University Writers Conference, Tucson Festival of Books, and numerous Pop Culture Conventions throughout the US. Skinner has served as the Arizona State Library Writer in Residence for Scottsdale Library (2017), Mesa Library (2018) and Tempe Library (2019).

Skinner is a proud US Navy veteran, and one of the first women who served aboard a US Navy vessel, the USS Jason (AR-8). In October 1980, Skinner was among the crew of approximately 800 men and 45 women when the Jason and her crew deployed for a six-month WestPac cruise in support of troops for the Iran hostage crisis. After a month-long stop in Yokosuka, Japan, and a short stop in Subic Bay, Philippines, the Jason entered the Indian Ocean where the ship was tailed by a Russian submarine.

After leaving the military, Skinner repaired laboratory and hospital equipment, then worked as a warehouse production manager, telephone sales representative, professional trainer, visual information systems coordinator, and consultant. During those years, she completed her secondary education. After which, she went on to graduate school, earning a Master’s Degree in creative writing from Prescott College.

Her writing skills and passion for service led her to the world of grants development where she was nominated and elected to two terms on the Grant Professional Association’s National Board of Directors, serving as Secretary for two years, Vice President for a year, and then President. She was also the acting CEO of the organization in 2014. She continues to teach and present on grant-related topics ranging from proposal development to grants management. One of her most popular grant development workshops, The Narrative Thread in Your Grant Proposal: How to Tell a Compelling Story Without Making Things Up, combines her knowledge of grant development and fiction with a dash of humor. She currently serves as the Grants Coordinator for the City of Mesa, Arizona.

Skinner grew up in a small town in northern California where she spent her time reading books, making up plays and choreographing her own musicals (when she wasn’t busy climbing trees and playing baseball.) She’s been writing stories since the fourth grade, filling page after page with fantastical creatures, aliens, monsters and, of course, heroes.

She writes speculative fiction across all age categories from PB to adult. Her Young Adult and Middle-Grade novels tend to explore complex relationships, particularly those between mothers and daughters.
Still a voracious and eclectic reader, Skinner also loves drawing, arts and crafts, sewing, and costume-making (especially steampunk). Her guiltiest pleasure is online gaming, and her biggest weakness is home-made, double-dark chocolate fudge. She lives in Arizona with her husband and three annoying but lovable cats. More information can be found at www.sharonskinner.com or contact her direct at sharon@sharonskinner.com.