Patty Dann

Patty Dann is the author of Sweet & Crazy; Mermaids, which was turned into a film starring Cher, Winona Ryder, and Christina Ricci; and The Baby Boat, an account of her own experiences adopting a child from Lithuania. Her articles have appeared in the New York Times, O magazine, Redbook, More magazine, and the Chicago Tribune. She has an MFA in writing from Columbia University and a BA from the University of Oregon. She currently lives in New York City.

"If all books could be this wonderful! From the first page, I fell in love with Patty Dann’s warm, witty, sound advice and the glimpses into her own life. Refreshingly modest and gently profound, The Butterfly Hours is a treasure—and the perfect present for all who feel they have memories to share. Brava, Patty Dann. I so loved this book." —Elinor Lipman, author of The View from Penthouse B and I Can’t Complain

"Patty Dann has collected twenty-five years of teaching experience in this generous book of advice to writers. She delivers a series of prompts that open up tiny worlds of memory and feeling. If God is in the details, God is here." —Betsy Lerner, author of The Forest for the Trees and The Bridge Ladies

"Seamlessly blending writing wisdom with memoir, The Butterfly Hours promises to spark not only your writing but also your heart. This book is a testament to why writing continues to be one of humankind’s most essential superpowers." —Laraine Herring, author of Writing Begins with the Breath and On Being Stuck