Mavis Duke Hinton

With a degree in English and Secondary Education, MAVIS DUKE HINTON has published five novels in THE DACHSHUND ESCAPADES series. DACHSHUNDS, LAUGHS, & RANTS is her first nonfiction book.

She taught all levels of English and related subjects in her 23-year career. Over the years, other pursuits have included publications editor and copy writer, office administrator, and police officer.

Married since 1970, she and her husband Clark have two married daughters and three grandchildren. Sarge in her books is based upon their doxie "granddawg," Shadow. Although her books are fiction, Sarge's tales are based on real-life family and friends. With a special affinity for dogs--dachshunds in particular--her books are from the dog's point of view.

Her hobbies include traveling, reading, writing, cooking, spending time with family and friends, and stimulating conversation.

Raised in a military family, she lived in France and Germany in her childhood, beginning her schooling in a French parochial school and becoming fluent in French in the process. On camping trips across Europe, the family enjoyed Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain. She has also traveled across the USA and Canada, and has lived in eight US states, with Alaska being her favorite of all.

She has published articles in several magazines and newspapers and has guested on radio to discuss her books.

Her Christian faith influences all aspects of her life, including writing. She has taught in Bible groups ranging from young children to adults, and has been a speaker in Christian women's groups as well.

As an educator, Ms. Hinton presented workshops at education conferences on her methods, touting her motto: "Learning English should be fun."

She now devotes much of her time to marketing her books, enjoying her family and hobbies, and church activities.