Stef Ann Holm
Stef Ann Holm was born in Southern California near Hollywood. With the fantasy worlds of Disneyland and Universal Studios at her doorstep, her imagination was stimulated at an early age. She attended Chatsworth High where Kevin Spacey, Mare Winningham and Val Kilmer entertained on the school's stage. As a semester elective, Stef Ann enrolled in drama and played a Fandango hostess in the chorus of Sweet Charity. It was the beginning and the end of her acting and singing career. She got a "C" in Drama and an "A" in Creative Writing.
She sold her first romance in 1987. While waiting for a load of laundry to complete at the laundromat, Stef Ann made up the name for her heroine, Camry, when she saw a Toyota Camry parked outside in the lot. Who knew that model would end up being so popular, making her in-depth research seem so shallow. Stef Ann has had twenty-three novels and one novella published. Her editor calls her contemporary romances, "Slices of life stories about real people."
Stef Ann lives in Boise, Idaho with her husband, extended family and beloved Beagle.
Major Literary Accomplishments
Two time RITA finalist
USA Today Bestselling author
Waldenbooks Bestselling author
Washington Post Bestselling author
Recipient of the Reviewer's International Organization Award of Excellence for Best Contemporary Romance
National Reader's Choice Finalist in the Historical category
Romantic Times Book Reviews nominee for Career Achievement
Winner of the Romantic Times Book Reviews Storyteller of the Year award
Three time winner of the Emerald City Keeper Award
Amazon.com # 3 Top Pick for Best Romance of the Year in 2002
Fast Facts
Name:
Yes, Stef Ann is my real name. My dad named me after his sister, Stephanie. As a little girl, I wished there was a personalized name plate for my tricycle, but no.
Height:
5'8" but shrinking as I age.
Weight:
My driver's license says 135. I'm sticking to that story.
Birthday:
August 18. The big 5-0 in 2008. I'm not worried. Age is only a state of mind.
Place of Birth:
SoCal and proud of it. What a great place to grow up back in the '60s and '70s. I didn't move to Boise, Idaho until I was thirty-three years old. It took me about five years to adjust, but now I can't imagine living any place else.
Where I've lived:
I've only lived in three places. Los Angeles, Boise, and for a short two years, the Seattle, Washington area (1999-2000). I thought since rain is conducive to writing, I'd write several books a year. Wrong. The rain, mist and overcast got to me. I couldn't take it. I'm a sunshine and heat girl. I really struggle in the cold, gray Boise winters.
Where I'd like to visit:
Ask my husband and he'll say I'll go anywhere. It's true. I like to travel. We went to Italy and stayed at the coastal town called Ravello on the Amalfi Coast. It was incredible.
Pets:
Two dogs. Molly is a Beagle who has been my joy for thirteen years. Cocoa is a Yorkshire Terrier puppy with a goofy personality. She makes me laugh. I will always have a dog. I think they keep us smiling even on a bad day.
Music I like:
Most of the time I listen to our local Christian station in the car. Or I buy artists like Josh Grobin, Russell Watson, Andrea Bocelli. I also into listen to music that hardly anyone's ever heard of . . . Sufjan Stevens, Ben Folds, Dada, Ben Harper.
Books:
I cannot say enough good things about THE TEA ROSE by Jennifer Donnelly. Not since the mid-'80s has a book kept me riveted and coming back for more during the day, sneaking in moments to read another page here or there. At night, I read and ignore the television. I'm going to get THE WINTER ROSE by the same author. Her writing is so textured and lovely. Just wonderful.
TV:
I rarely watch it. The only shows I've kept up with and seen every episode to are on HBO. The Sopranos, Rome, and Sex and the City. All are on DVD and well worth the investment.
Movies: All time favorite is The Shawshank Redemption. Others I can watch multiple times: Murphy's Romance, The Long, Long Trailer, Titanic, Christmas Vacation, Some Like It Hot, Canary Row, Bandits, The Birdcage, The Big Lebowski and Fargo.
Stuff I like to do:
I love to cook and come up with new flavors and recipes. I'm not much of a baker anymore. My husband can bake me under the table with his rolls, biscuits and breads. And he makes a killer sugar cookie that I can't replicate even if I follow his recipe exactly. I like trying new wines. I actually like cleaning and organizing. Riding our ATVs on our property--around the barn and the pond and into the pasture. I enjoy riding my bike, walking my dogs and being with my family.