About the Author

Jaclyn Lurker is the chronicler of the mysterious events which transpired in Cryer's Valley, NY. Jaclyn herself is a resident of New York, where she was born on August 5, 1978 in Staten Island. She graduated from St. John's University summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and afterwards obtained a Master's degree in psychology from Hunter College. She then continued her educational pursuits and became certified in paralegal studies. She now works for the Federal government and is continuing her writing endeavors.

Though she has written other works, Cryer's Valley is Jaclyn's first published novel. Her favorite author and greatest influence is mystery writer Agatha Christie. While attending grade school, Jaclyn became a Christie fan after reading one of the author's most famous novels: And Then There Were None. Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Edgar Allan Poe and William Shakespeare are also among her favorite authors.

A myth that fascinates and contributes to the themes of her written work is that of the ancient mythological phoenix. When sensing that its death was imminent, (every 500 to 1461 years) the phoenix would consume itself in flames and rise from the ashes as a new bird. Thus, the phoenix became a symbol of resurrection and immortality. It is also a symbol for the arts and was an early Christian symbol for Christ's resurrection. Of the phoenix, Jaclyn says: "It can be a reminder that we all can rise from the ashes of the past and become new, better individuals."

CryersValley@yahoo.com