Hi, I’m Sandy Barton!
Children’s author. Retired teacher. Proud grandma and Buffalo Bills fanatic. Welcome to my world of stories, memories, and moments that have shaped the books I write today.
Living in Western New York
Living in Western New York all my life has given me a true sense of home. I can’t imagine living anywhere else. Everything I want, need, and enjoy is right here! (Except our kids, but they visit a lot!)
You know what’s weird? When I was much younger and in school, I hated to read and I hated to write, so I did as little of both as possible. I was more the “go outside, play with friends, get dirty, play baseball, and come home for dinner” kind of kid. For me, reading aloud made me EXTREMELY nervous, and my writing was a disaster. It was all about having no confidence and making mistakes. The more mistakes I made, the more my confidence vanished. I wish I knew then what I know now … mistakes are the best way to learn and get better at something. In fact, my favorite part of writing is grabbing a little part of the text and fixing it up. Go figure!
Discovering My Passion for Teaching & Writing
Let me tell you about being a teacher. I loved it. I spent 30 years teaching in Williamsville, NY and adored the elementary students who became my family … year after year. When retirement time rolled around, I wondered what in the world I was if I wasn’t a teacher – I had worn that label for so many years!
I’m not sure if it was the new-found freedom, or the travel itch, or just seeing the world with new eyes that led me in the direction of writing, but once I started, I couldn’t stop! Just when I think I’ve written my last book, up pops another idea or another real-life event and I get antsy. Before I know it, a brand new book has been born!
Life’s Inspirations
An added bonus to this writing itch has been the many, many new people, young, old (and everything in-between) I have met. It’s a big world out there with lots of beautiful people, and I’m grateful that I’ve had an opportunity to get to know so many of them.
Home Life & Family
Here at home, my husband, Dave, and I love biking, kayaking, gardening, traveling, cheering for the Buffalo Bills, and getting the beds ready when our family comes home! We have five “kids”, three sons-in-law, one daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren that are scattered all over the country. It’s oh, so wonderful when they come home for a visit. And oh, so fun when we go to visit them. Life is good.
So, hang around for a while, read some articles, check out some books, listen to some recordings, and feel free to get in touch with questions or comments. I promise to answer asap.
And may I add, I hope you have a special something that makes you as happy as writing makes me!
