My husband, children, and I moved to Georgia in 1991. Still, I wake up every day knowing I’m a Westerner. Apparently, I lack the grace and manners required to be considered a typical Southern woman.

As a child, I lived in California until my parents decided to move to Knoxville, Tennessee halfway through my high school years. Those years taught me that snarky humor is my best defense in the face of both confusion and anger. It’s easier to be deemed crazy than to explain a different perspective to anyone stuck in their own mud. As a way to help others deal with the uneven power dynamics between children and adults, I became a teacher.

My first degree was completed at THE University of Tennessee. I went on to earn a Master’s degree in Reading at Old Dominion University in Virginia and two more diplomas at St. John’s University in New York. I was known as Dr. Bellon for years until I left academia to care for my mother who suffered from Dementia and Parkinson’s. During that time, I started writing by using humor to present the darker side of shared human ordeals. I hope my skewed view of life will bring a smile to the audience and help lighten their load.

Beyond that, I plan to spend time working at my new favorite title . . . Grandma.

Writing Connections and Websites

• The Roswell Critique Group (Roswell, Georgia – not New Mexico)
• A Novel Idea – Authors Showcase
• The Atlanta Writers Club

Contact Information

• Email: grandrusset@gmail.com
• Twitter: @grandrusset