Whittaker, Marie: - Marie Whittaker is an award-winning essayist and cross-genre author of fantasy, thrillers, and children's books. She is the creator of The Adventures of Lola Hopscotch, which is a children's book series concentrating on getting sensitive childhood issues out in the open between children and adults. Many of her award-winning short stories appear in numerous anthologies and publications. A Colorado native, Marie resides in Manitou Springs with her two dogs, two cats, and two bunnies, where she writes and enjoys renovating her historic Victorian home. She spends time hiking, gardening, and indulging in her guilty pleasure of shopping for handbags. A lover of animals, Marie is an advocate against animal abuse and assists with lost pets in her community.