Alison Summers was born in Perth, and moved to Canberra with her family when she was ten. She graduated from the ANU with a degree in English Literature, and followed this with an MA (English) then a PhD (Drama) at the University of Toronto. During the six years she lived in Toronto, she began directing theatre, as well as embarking on a freelance journalism career. On her return to Australia she continued to work as a journalist, and also started a full-time career in theatre. She has been the literary manager of the Nimrod Theatre, a full-time script assessor for the Australian Film Commission, as well as a freelance script editor and the artistic director for Toe Truck Theatre.In December 1989, she moved with her family to New York City and continued to work in theatre, including writing and directing the play, Punch Me in the Stomach, to critical acclaim. Soon after she became New Director of the year at the New York Theatre Workshop, and was lucky enough to spend ten years directing over 40 other productions in New York City. Over 25 years, Alison has also worked as an editor for authors including Peter Carey, Kristin Williamson, Ruby Wax and Kathy Lette.After a divorce, Alison pulled back from full-time work to be a stay-at-home mum for her two wonderful boys in Brooklyn. She started to write this book in 2007.