Jacquelyn Mitchard
Jacquelyn Mitchard is the author of 23 books for adults, young adults and children. Her first well-known novel, The Deep End of the Ocean, was called “one of the most influential books of the past 25 years" by USA Today and chosen as the first novel in the book club made famous by the TV host Oprah Winfrey.
Her novels are set in contemporary times and deal with ethically-demanding issues, from biomedical science to crime. The editor-in-chief of a Young Adult only imprint, Merit Press, she is a professor in the MFA program in Creative Writing at Vermont College of Fine Arts.
She lives with her husband and their nine children on Cape Cod.
"Jacquelyn Mitchard captivates the audience. She is that rare speaker who not only entertains but informs her audience, who can make them laugh one moment and have them pondering life's mysteries the next. She connects with her audience in a very real and personal way, and her literary credentials and sophistication are evident with every word."
-- William Bernhardt, Executive Director of the Rose State Short Course on Writing
"Listening to Jacquelyn Mitchard speak is to watch a master at work. Funny, astute, and wise, Jacquelyn appeals to all ages as she brings her decades of public speaking, writing, and presentation skills to the stage. The audience leaves wanting to be her best friend and feeling satisfied that they've witnessed true star power."
-- Ann W. Garvin, PhD,
"I have heard Jacquelyn Mitchard speak on numerous occasions, from the opening remarks to a group of fellow writers to formal addresses to well-heeled guests. No matter the venue, she never fails to present an amusing, witty, informative and very well executed talk that leaves everyone who hears her wishing they could invite her to dinner for more of the same."
-- Thomas H. Cook, Edgar-award-winning author of ‘The Chatham School Affair’
"Jacquelyn Mitchard is the rare speaker and teacher who, all at once, critiques, encourages, and inspires. Her readings and presentations are truly generous, actively opening up an audience and inviting an enveloping and intimate trust and communion between speaker and listeners. Jackie connects with her audiences in astonishing and life-altering ways. Certainly Jacquelyn Mitchard is a gifted writer and novelist. But perhaps more to the point she is an extraordinary person in her abilities to reach out to others in affirmation of the potential for art and stories to change our lives."
-- Mara Adamitz Scrupe, author of the Stevens Poetry Prize manuscript Beast, and Professor of Interdisciplinary Art, The Uni
"Jackie Mitchard is a joy to listen to: energetic, inspiring, and funny as hell. It's always a treat for me when I get to share the dais with her, because I know I am going to have a spectacular time."
-- Chris Bohjalian, author of ‘Midwives'
"I have had the pleasure of listening to Jacquelyn Mitchard speak on several occasions, and find her to be as charismatic in speech as she is in her books. She's funny, interesting, intelligent, and mesmerizing."
-- Elizabeth Berg, author of ‘Talk Before Sleep’
"We were extremely lucky to have Jacquelyn Mitchard as our headliner at the Seaside Writers Conference this year - she charmed a difficult room of children, parents, and adults, with her wit, candor, and generally superlative speaking skills. She is a consummate professional and we would have her back anytime."
-- Matt Bondurant, co-director, the Seaside Writers Conference, author of ‘The Wettest County in the World’ and ‘The Ni
For more about Jacquelyn and her works, go to http://www.jacquelynmitchard.com/
Reviews of Two if By Sea
A gripping new family drama... Mitchard deftly weaves together domestic drama with taut suspense as she builds to a heart-stopping climax... Mitchard explores new territory in this unusual and suspenseful tale.
-- Booklist,
Mitchard's latest novel explores the fascinating question of those who have extraordinary gifts, what responsibiltiy comes with those gifts, and where the line of morality falls between those poles. A thoughtful, sweeping read.
-- Jodi Picoult, NYT bestselling author of Leaving Time
