Barbara Norton

Barbara Norton was born and raised in California. She is part of the baby boomer generation. Her parents came from Massachusetts after World War II so she has family on both coasts. She grew up in an artistic household. Her father was a business owner and musician who loved to "conduct" during dinner while classical music filled the air. Barbara, her brother, and sister all learned to play musical instruments. Her mother was a teacher, artist, and poet. "Everyone knew to leave mom alone when...See more

Barbara Norton was born and raised in California. She is part of the baby boomer generation. Her parents came from Massachusetts after World War II so she has family on both coasts. She grew up in an artistic household. Her father was a business owner and musician who loved to "conduct" during dinner while classical music filled the air. Barbara, her brother, and sister all learned to play musical instruments. Her mother was a teacher, artist, and poet. "Everyone knew to leave mom alone when she was reading or painting. That was her time." The family loved the ocean and Barbara remembers scrambling down cliffs to gather seashells for her mother to share with her students. Barbara went off to college in the 1960's and started teaching elementary school in the 70's. After losing her job due to budget cuts, she became a mortgage underwriter in the 80's and learned about the banking and business world. She happily went back to teaching when her daughter went to school. She currently teaches part time and owns a seashell and ocean museum that visits schools. She lives in Northern California with her husband, daughter, dog, and two cats. "All of our pets are rescue animals. We're so happy they chose us. They are a constant amusement and source of love and affection." She started writing "The American Coma" during the 2008 election campaign. This is her first published book. She admits that there are two unfinished manuscripts in a box. One is a story based on her parents during the depression and World War II. The other is a children's story of the friendship between a dog and a kitten. Will she publish these books, too? Barbara replies, "I enjoy the writing process and would like to revisit those old manuscripts, if I can find the time! Right now, I'm enjoying my family, including my remarkable 98 year old mother! My husband and I are preparing for retirement, our daughter has one more year at home before going off to college, and the weeds grow faster than I can pull them. Our lives are busy. I think of the future and hope for a life of opportunity and fulfillment for all our children." See less