Kay M. Perrin was born and raised in Colorado, a place that not only shaped her values but also laid the foundation for The Spinster I Once Knew. Drawing on a rich family legacy, Kay’s inspiration for the novel came after she discovered her Great Aunt Clara’s personal diary—an heirloom filled with stories, secrets, and first-hand reflections that had never before been shared. As the only family member to have read the diary, she felt a deep responsibility to bring Clara’s story to life.

Kay began her professional journey as a nurse, serving in clinical and community health settings for 17 years. She later earned a Master’s and PhD in Public Health from the University of South Florida, where she also served as a faculty member and Associate Dean. During her 26-year academic career, she authored five public health textbooks and developed Florida’s first undergraduate public health degree.

Her passion for global health and education led her to teach in Venezuela, collect research data in the Dominican Republic, study natural medicine in China, and serve as a Fulbright Scholar in India. Now retired, Kay writes a health blog, serves on her community’s Health Committee, and is exploring stand-up comedy.

A proud mother of two sons and grandmother to five grandchildren, Kay resides in Florida with her two cockapoo puppies. Through this debut novel, she masterfully blends personal history, historical accuracy, and a love for storytelling—inviting readers into the compelling, often untold world of women who lived boldly in the shadows of expectation.