Welcome back to the Colorado is for Writers interview series! Every other Tuesday, I talk to different Colorado-based authors about their work and their connections to this beautiful state. Today, I am thrilled to welcome my friend, writing-date buddy, and fellow ex-East-Coaster Maryanne Fantalis!

First things first: Colorado native or transplant? Transplant. Once we had children, my husband and I really wanted a change of lifestyle from the east coast. The minute we got off the plane and saw mountains from the airport, I knew this was the right place for us. Unfortunately, FedEx won’t ship kids, so we did have to go back and sell the house and move our stuff. We’ve never looked back (although we do miss the bagels and the pizza…)

Tell us a bit about your book(s), published and/or in progress! Right now, I’m querying a book called Finding Kate, which is a historical fiction based on William Shakespeare’s play The Taming of the Shrew. I also write young adult fiction. To support this habit, I do freelance writing and teach creative writing to middle school and high school students.

What’s the view like from your favorite writing space? Although I have a room in our walk-out basement that’s supposed to be my office, it’s also the work-out room, a part-time guest room, and the general dumping space for stuff no one knows where else to put. I love the color of the room, and the stuff on the walls and the desk all have meaning to me, but I can’t work in a messy, multi-purpose space like that, so I do most of my work in the dining room upstairs. It doesn’t have my personal stuff, but it does have a great view from the windows. This is a recent sunset, with the foothills of the Rocky Mountains off the west (right) and Pike’s Peak a solitary lump in the center of the photo (100 miles away).

What’s the best thing about being a writer in Colorado? The other writers! I have met such great writers since moving here, people with great talent, skill and drive. Most of them have recently become published which gives me hope. I am humbled and honored to be included in their supportive, lively community.

Thank you so much, Maryanne–I’m honored to be part of this writing community, too. And I also miss the bagels and pizza from the east coast (though Moe’s out here isn’t too bad!). Good luck querying Finding Kate!

Fellow transplants (to Colorado, or elsewhere): What do you miss most about your hometown? Feel free to share in the comments!