Sharon Ilg was born and raised in southern New Hampshire.  She lives there still with her husband, Dan and dog, Harry.  Sharon has been an artist her entire life.  She is the aunt of the author's husband and is near and dear to the main characters of the story, Jaxson and Zachary, who know her simply as, "Auntie Rara."  When she isn't painting, Sharon can be found riding her motorcycle, hiking with her daughter, or in her garden.