John Connors earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in forestry and wildlife biology from North Carolina State University. He did research on an upland game bird, the American Woodcock. His 34-year career was that of an Interpretive Naturalist working in camps, parks and museums providing programs for students and families . His focus on working with Middle Grade students has helped inform this novel. He is now retired.
For over a decade he was the Master of Ceremonies for the City of Raleigh’s Groundhog Day event, hoisting Sir Walter Wally as he whispered the prospects of spring to the city’s mayor in front of hundreds of local families. He also taught classes as an Adjunct in the Parks. Recreation and Tourism Management curriculum at NC State for 25 years.
John has numerous publications in scientific journals and popular magazines including among others: Observing Flat Birds, Science Activities; If Only Critters Could Talk, National Interpreter’s Workshop; Butterflies in Your Backyard, North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension; Desperately Seeking Salamanders, Wildlife in North Carolina.
The Great Big Buzz-off story was born while taking writing classes with Susie Wilde, Children’s Book Reviewer for Raleigh News and Observer.
The voices in this story come from his youth growing up on Long Island with neighborhood kids and nature. John Bemis, author of several children’s books, provided editorial guidance on this novel. In his words, “You are a wonderful writer…the way you understand how these young characters think and feel is extraordinary.”
John is an active member of the Triangle Circle Writer’s group and the SCWBI.
He is married with three adult children, a handful of grandchildren and lives in Raleigh, North Carolina.
