Reading was an escape from the violent and impoverished world that Elaine grew up in, and it fueled her fascination for life. Newspapers, comic books, encyclopedias, fairy tales - every subject came alive on the printed page. Reading helped her find humor and beauty in life and compassion for the characters in it. Elaine has a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, psychology, religious studies and mythology from SIU-C, has worked at a private bank in Zurich, acted in LA, and sold real estate in downtown Manhattan. She now lives on an organic farm in Southern Illinois, is part of a Sufi community and runs the Longbranch Café & Bakery in Carbondale. Elaine is currently working on two books - a memoir and a cookbook, and has completed a historical novel.
