Maryellen Strautmanis, a native of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, has come full circle?returning to the tranquil shores of the Bras d'Or Lakes after three decades immersed in the energy of New York City. She finds inspiration in the ebb and flow of water, a powerful and recurring theme in her Reverse Ripples series. Though Cape Breton is home, the spirit of New York City and the vibrant beauty of Vieques, Puerto Rico, continue to shape her storytelling.

A passionate writer and lifelong reader, M.E. is currently expanding her literary repertoire with a children's book while continuing her work in fiction. When she's not crafting stories, she's exploring the rugged beauty of Cape Breton Island, tending to her garden, and giving back to her community through volunteer work. She also channels her creativity into sea glass and driftwood art, transforming nature's remnants into meaningful, one-of-a-kind pieces.