Read a biography about Barb Bentler Ullman, an artist and writer who lives in Duvall, Washington, author of the mid-grade children's novels, The Fairies of Nutfolk Wood and Whistle Bright Magic, a Nutfolk Tale.

Barb Bentler Ullman

About ME!

Barb Bentler Ullman Portrait

I've lived in Washington State since I was born, and in Western Washington most of my life. I think it's the best place to live; not too hot, not too cold, and certainly not too dry.

Barb's house on a Duvall, Washington Map

I was always the kid who liked art. I drew and doodled and painted all my life. I liked to write, too, but I knew I could never record the staggering number of words that a book would require.

Barb Bentler Ullman when she was little

When I was young I lived on Tiger Mountain up in the woods outside of Issaquah. In those days we were far from everything, but I had four brothers and one big sister to be my friends and enemies. And that's always how it was. The thing about growing up in a big family is that even when they annoy you, there is always a friend to be had, and you know exactly where you belong.

We moved to Seattle and learned to be city kids. My dad worked at Boeing as an aircraft electrician and Mom got a job as a secretary for the fire department. My family survived difficult economic times, and I grew up. As a young woman, it was hard to leave my annoying family because they made me feel so secure, but after I'd saved a little money and got some loans and grants, I went away to college.

A bunch of years went by...

In my 40s I forgot that I couldn't write the number of words that a book would require. I figured I could write a page or two in the morning, and most likely I could write a page the next day. And I was pretty sure I could write something the day after that.

So now I write books – but only one page at a time.

Background art for this page is "Moon over Adeline" by B.B. Ullman.

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