Smith, Sharon R.: - Sharon R. Smith was born and raised in North Carolina where she still resides with her husband, Tom, and their cat, Ruffles. She was an avid writer when younger and won scholastic awards for poetry, short stories, and essays and always wanted to write a novel but wasn't inspired to do so until Bandit entered her life. Sharon is a vegetarian, is passionate about animals, and supports several welfare and rescue organizations. She is retired and enjoys nature, the beach, taking long hikes, riding bikes, and spending time with friends and family.