|
Jeanette Lynn Ross began life in Minot, North
Dakota, with two stories, or at least two names. Her mother, ever the
pragmatist, completed a birth certificate with the name seen above.
Her father, in a flush of pride, added flourishes as he filled out
birth announcements for his first child, Jeannette Lynne.
Since that time, Dr. Ross has been a collector of words and stories, a
journalist, novelist, critic, storyteller and amateur musician. With
her husband, Tom, she sings in the Opera Idaho chorus; she plays piano
and accordion when nobody is listening, and is an enthusiastic
occasional producer of television for local public access. She has
degrees in folklore and education (Ed.D. as a learning specialist)
from the University of Idaho. University of Idaho Press published her
first book, A
Guide to Tutoring. North Atlantic Press published her novella,
K Ranch. Her collection of stories and storytelling
guidance, Telling Our Tales, was published by Skinner House
Books of Boston. Tales is being considered for a new edition.
Back to Top
Ross was project director and editor for a major Guild project, "Boise By
Heart: Memories of the 1950's." This project, funded by a City of
Boise grant through the Lasting Legacy Committee, involved interviews
with
nearly forty long-time residents of the Boise area. These interviews
became the material for live performances, four half hour video
programs, a booklet of complete narratives, and two activity guides
for parents and
teachers. The narratives booklet has been submitted to a publisher for
possible expansion and publication in book form.
Ross has three adult children who also love stories. Her long distance
telephone bill is a wonder to behold. She lives in a small house with
an unruly collection of books and crafts materials surrounding her
understanding husband, Tom von Alten.
|
