Joy Ann Ribar grew up in a small Wisconsin community where Winter is the longest season of the year, the Friday Fish Fry is a religion and Up North is a collection of wonderful memories instead of a destination. Besides holding a Journalism degree from UW-Madison and Masters in Education from UW-Oshkosh, Joy has logged time as a waitress, chicken factory processor, Christmas tree shearer, high school secretary, newspaper reporter, paralegal and high school and college educator. Every summer, she reads and scores national AP English Literature essays for FUN! Joy shares her home with her genius husband and number one fan, John, and a backyard loaded with wildlife and flowers. She further shares her life and love with three talented daughters, five amazing step-children and 18 glorious grandchildren!.