A. B. Beltran, Author
"Every man's life is a fairy tale
written by God's fingers." Hans Christian Anderson
I was born and raised in a village on the banks of Great Sacandaga Lake in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, much like the fictional Sommerville, NY featured in both my novels. The year before I entered Kindergarten, my knowledge of the world was greatly expanded when my mother transformed our attic into a children’s library. I spent many wonderful hours in that little room and sometimes carried favorite books to the hidden branches of the backyard maple tree where no one could interrupt the wonderful journeys into my imagination. Those early, influential years lovingly shaped the direction my life would take, and I still escape as often as possible to the safe, welcoming Adirondack village I love.
Professional Background
After earning undergraduate and graduate degrees in education, with minors in history and English, my career followed a traditional path until personal computers burst on the scene in the early 1980s. For me, the integration of computers into schooling presented an interesting challenge, and I eagerly joined the trailblazers specializing in technology to support learning. I transitioned from the classroom to the lab as a computer coordinator and recorded a curriculum series–“Have you walked your turtle today?”–for educational TV. We used the computer (the turtle) to promote critical thinking skills and it became a popular introduction to computer use in the elementary grades. It also raised adult curiosity when students recognized me–usually in the grocery store–and called out, “That’s my turtle teacher.”
This fresh focus on technology uncovered new challenges. I joined the New York State Education Department’s Innovation Team where I managed multi-million dollar partnerships with major technology companies–IBM, Apple Computer Inc., and Microsoft–for implementing their products directly into schools. I created two online magazines for educators: Technology Applications Magazine and Tech2000online. By this time, I was ready to leave public education for the private sector. I joined The Sage Colleges as an Assistant Professor, and the Director of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning; later moving to Education21 as the Director of the Virtual Learning & Training Center.
Throughout my career I’ve produced magazine and technical articles, white papers, grants, and marketing materials, but I didn’t have time to give fiction a try until retirement. Joining Jerry Jenkins‘ writing guild continues to be a great source of writing support for me. That’s why I immediately signed up when Jerry offered his first in-depth writing course, Novel Blueprint, in 2017. What an amazing experience! After a rigorous year of hands-on learning, Jerry arranged for all participants to meet in Nashville to celebrate our “graduation” together. Living Banner is the result of working with Jerry, and I’m very grateful for his guidance!
Countries in My Novels
My husband and I love traveling and that is the reason I incorporate our favorite spots in my novels. Living on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai for nine years broadened my experiences and visiting the countries of my ancestors affected me deeply, but nothing can top the thrill of visiting Russia during the writing of Living Banner. Strolling around the grounds of the Peterhof Palace and climbing the fabulous staircase in The Winter Palace– familiar places for my lead character (Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich Romanov)–were life-changing experiences for me. I also incorporated Salzburg in Living Banner as a nod to Grand Duke Michael’s (and my) love for creating music.