Who she is: Award-winning author of mystery books and stories including nine books featuring savvy cancer-surviving sleuth Hanna Ives
What she does: Sixty-something Talley spent much of her adult life working as a librarian for the federal government, raising two daughters, and caring for Barry Talley, her college sweetheart, who recently retired after serving for 36 years as the Director of Musical Activities at the U.S. Naval Academy. In 1999, her life changed when she landed a book contract with Dell Publishing.
The New York publisher commissioned her to write a three-book series about the capers of Hannah Ives, a smart, sassy, breast cancer-surviving sleuth. The first book, “Sing it to her Bones,” won Talley awards and accolades. The second, “Unbreathed Memories,” came out in 2000, winning more awards and more accolades. Part three, “Occasion of Revenge,” was published in August 2001. She published the eighth Hannah Ives book in 2010.
Why she does it: For decades, Talley had been kicking around an idea for a novel. Based on a real murder in 1970 in her husband’s hometown in western Kentucky, the plot centered on the death of a high school student who had gotten pregnant by a farmer. He didn’t want the baby and didn’t want anyone to find out that he was having an affair with a minor, so he sent the girl to see a friend who tried to give her an abortion. He botched the procedure and the girl bled to death. “I simply love the mysterious aspect of murder,” she admits.
Who she is: Author, Escape from Corporate America
What she does: Reformed corporate ladder-climber who offers advice to wannabe escapees.
Why she does it: “If your corporate career is leaving you stressed out, burned out, or just plain bummed out, you’re not alone,” Skillings explains. “You don’t have to choose between paying the bills and enjoying a fulfilling career.”
Who she is: Vice president of Bognet Construction, Inc.
What she does: Jennifer is responsible for many strategic and operational aspects of the company including client relations, business development, marketing and communications, human resources and community outreach. She works closely with the executive team to ensure the effective execution of corporate strategy and goals.
Why she does it: In this role, she is able to define and deploy evaluation and measurement tools and processes, and uses her expertise to enhance the project delivery system, with a focus on continual improvement. She also has the opportunity to stay active in commercial real estate organizations such as CREW, NAIOP, DCBIA and the Greater Washington Board of Trade. Her drive, leadership and dedicated focus on complete client satisfaction continue to differentiate the firm.
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