Place of Residence:  Boise, Idaho

Background and Personal History: Armed with a degree in Journalism from the University of Maryland and a love of writing, Dede began professional life as a journalist on Capitol Hill. She held reporting and editorial positions at U.S. News & World Report and Business Publishers, Inc., for more than a decade and has published hundreds of feature stores, restaurant reviews, essays and one novel.

Current Projects:  Finishing a novel, Back of the House, about the rich and wonderful characters who work in professional kitchens.

Other Fun Facts:  I have been canning for many decades – in addition to providing wonderful, wholesome pickles and jams, I believe the process itself is soothing and offers a sense of connection to the earth.

Read more about Dede Ryan’s background.