Stoner, Kerri: - Born and raised in Metairie, LA, the suburbs of New Orleans, I consider myself fortunate to have been shaped by such a unique place. My debut novel Convent gives a taste of the place I call home with a flavor that is uniquely New Orleans. I've always had a creative streak and have managed to find blank canvases everywhere in life. Whether I'm designing and sewing clothes, planting a garden, dressing a window, or concocting something in the kitchen, I find joy in all of it-except baking. I'm terrible at following instructions. After going through my own spiritual journey, it's no surprise that I found writing to be a therapeutic way to express myself. And so, Convent was born.Layering letters on a blank page is a new medium for me, but I like to think I've always been a storyteller. I believe everyone has a story to share, and it's our individual life journey to discover the best way to tell it. Through the work we do and the careers we choose, the art we create and the music we make, or the children we raise-our souls leave their lasting impression on the world. I hope you enjoy the small dent I've made.