STEM, Jacqueline 1931-

PERSONAL: Born April 23, 1931, in Bartow, FL; daughter of James N. and Edna C. Hooker; married Taylor F. Stem (in U.S. Air Force), December 21, 1953; children: Rebecca Stem Williams, Cynthia Stem Selph, John. Ethnicity: "Caucasian." Education: At-tended Erskine College and Institute of Children's Literature. Politics: Republican. Religion: Methodist.

ADDRESSES: Home—2104 Foxcroft, Denton, TX 76209. E-mail—jestem@verizon.net.

CAREER: Writer and homemaker.

MEMBER: Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, Circle of Children's Authors (founding member), Denton Writers League, Mystery Writers of America.

WRITINGS:

JUVENILE FICTION

The Haunted Tunnel, Eakin Publications (Austin, TX), 1994.

The Cellar in the Woods, Eakin Publications (Austin, TX), 1996.

The Secret of Little Creek Farm, Eakin Publications (Austin, TX), 1999.

The Borrowed Grave, Eakin Publications (Austin, TX), 2001.

Dangerous Games, Eakin Publications (Austin, TX), 2002.

The Ghosts of Goliad, Eakin Publications (Austin, TX), 2003.

Mystery of the Whispering Walls, Eakin Publications (Austin, TX), 2004.

Contributor of short stories to magazines, including Humpty Dumpty and Junior Trails.

WORK IN PROGRESS: A new series of children's books, the "Dragonfly" series, featuring twins Michael and Molly Russell, with the first volume set in Key West, Florida.

SIDELIGHTS: Jacqueline Stem once told CA: "When I was growing up, I read everything I could get my hands on. My favorite books were mysteries and adventure stories, and I always thought it would be wonderful if I could write some of those that other children would enjoy. I can't describe the thrill when it finally happened.

"My husband retired in 1981, our children were grown and out of the house, and I needed something new to do. I decided it was time to try writing those books. The first sales of short stories to children's magazines were like saying 'sic 'em' to a dog, and I was hooked.

"I visit schools in period costume to give presentations on a book or on the writing process. I choose settings with a lot of history to them. While my characters solve the fictional mystery, readers learn the history and legends of the area where the story takes place.

"My writing time is from five to seven a.m. Morning is my best thinking time and I can be sure of getting something done every day. I start out with an idea and let it simmer until there's enough to work with. Sometimes myhusband and I find a place we'd like to visit and then go see what interesting bit of history is there to hook a reader into a mystery story.

"One of the surprising things I've discovered as a writer is that I am astonished when I see my books displayed. I can hardly believe I actually wrote all those. I am often asked which is my favorite. I tell people that is like asking a mother which is her favorite child. Most times, the book I'm currently working on is getting the most attention and I guess it may be the favorite at that moment."

BIOGRAPHICAL AND CRITICAL SOURCES:

PERIODICALS

Horn Book Guide, spring, 2000, review of The Secret of Little Creek Farm, p. 89; fall, 2001, review of The Borrowed Grave, p. 316; spring, 2003, review of Dangerous Games, p. 88.

School Library Journal, January, 1998, Elaine E. Knight, review of The Cellar in the Woods, p. 116.