Brenda “BK” Bradshaw is the author of “Crystal Brave: Earthquake at the Taum Sauk,” and Senior Editor, Youth Division, of Goldminds Publishing.  A former elementary and middle school teacher, special reading teacher, and assistant professor of elementary education, now a mother of three, Brenda Bradshaw has always been immersed in children's literature. In recent years, her daughters have given her the inspiration to create a female character, Crystal Brave.

Brenda grew up surrounded by Iowa corn and alfalfa fields, but traveled on family vacations into the Missouri Ozark Mountains. Later, she moved to Kansas City to attend college where she met her husband, and moved to Southern Missouri near his family. She began researching Missouri history so she could teach her students, and developed and interest in the Mark Twain Forest, Washington State Park, Johnson's Shut-ins, and the Mississippian Indians. Brenda's interests in Native American history, anthropology, archeology, science, and all things horses also inspire her writing. She grew up riding and enjoying horses, but her oldest daughter's love of horses kept her "in the barn."

Writing has become a very satisfying voice for Brenda, combining her enjoyment in working with children, especially with reading, and her need to always have a captivating project on her desk.

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