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Biography
Gretchen Kauffman grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, and received BA and MA degrees in English from the University of Iowa. She taught Advanced Placement English at Lincoln High School in Des Moines and also chaired the English department until her career was interrupted by a runaway cement mixer. During a year off to recuperate from ankle reconstruction surgery, she began working as a freelance editor and writer for the Iowan and Welcome Home magazines, Meredith Corporation, and other publishers across the country. After her recovery, she returned to the Des Moines schools as Librarian/Media Specialist in a middle school. She retired in June 2002 to pursue her freelance career full-time.
Kauffman has presented programs at national, regional, state, and local conferences and has served on countless school committees. She enjoys traveling, reading, cooking, and gardening. Walking is her favorite exercise.
In writing this story, Kauffman was able to explore an issue that frustrates many adults: How to be passionate about your work without letting it define you as a person.