M. A. Appleby grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in anthropology and psychology at the University of Winnipeg in 1980. After moving to Detroit in 1983, she completed a Master of Arts degree in clinical psychology, and has spent 27 years working in that field. M. A. and her family currently reside in the old Wolseley neighbourhood in the heart of Winnipeg. Winnie the Bearis her first book.