Joan Schmeichel and her husband Neill live in Kewadin, Michigan, where they moved permanently upon retirement. Before retirement Joan was a development officer at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Joan has written numerous stories over the years, mainly for her own pleasure. The Depression years left a deep impression on me, Joan acknowledges. Although "Kisses for Laura" takes place several years before my time, she adds, the circumstances were much the same. In addition to "Kisses for Laura", Joan has been published by D.C. Heath & Company in "My Best Bear Hug", a children's reader.