Before becoming the creator of Mildred Budge, Daphne Simpkins wrote for various publications, notably The Chicago Tribune. She has written over 200 essays and short stories, which have been published in the U.S. and Canada. Previous books include Miss Budge In Love (a collection of short stories), Cloverdale, The Long Good Night (a memoir about her family's experience of caregiving and Alzheimer's), and a biography for children: Nat King Cole: An Unforgettable Life of Music. Ms. Simpkins is also an active member of the speakers' bureau for The Alabama Humanities Foundation and teaches English