Biography of Irene Brand

Irene Brand was eleven-years-old when she started writing her first novel in a spiral notebook, using a pencil, and leaning against a hickory nut tree on the family farm in West Virginia. That attempt was followed by many rejected manuscripts before her dreams to be a published author became a reality when her first books were published in 1984. Prior to that, her writings had appeared in several anthologies, and she’d written devotional materials, and had published in secular and Christian magazines.

In her thirties, Irene started college, graduating with an AB Degree in Social Studies (Secondary Education) and a Master’s Degree in History. For twenty-three years Irene combined her writing and teaching careers, until she retired from teaching in 1989 to become a full-time author. She has published both historical and contemporary novels. Many of her book ideas originated while she was teaching U. S. History to ninth graders, and during her travels with her husband, Rod, to 50 states (Hawaii excluded) and to 35 foreign countries. 

She’s listed in Contemporary Authors, volume 124. Awards received in connection with her teaching and writing are Mason County Teacher of the Year, 1973-74; West Virginia’s DAR History Teacher of the Year, 1984; Award of Excellence, Blue Ridge Christian Writers’ Conference, 1986, for Where Morning Dawns; Annual Koala Award for a novel, The Hills Are Calling, Christian Writers Fellowship, 1991; Annual JUG (Just Uncommonly Good Writing) Award, WV Writers, Inc., 1997; Celebrate Women Award presented by General Federation of Women’s Clubs, WV, for outstanding achievement in the category of ARTS, 2001.

Irene’s first priority is serving God in her community through the mission of the local Baptist church, where she’s involved as a Bible school teacher, the church treasurer, and music director. Although she has many future goals for writing, she bases her priorities on Matthew 6:33. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness."

If you want to receive her semi-annual newsletter, and notices of upcoming publications by E-mail, please contact Irene at P. O. Box 2770, Southside, West Virginia 25187 or ibrand@zoomnet.net.

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