About Patricia Dreyfus
I was born in North Dakota and raised in Compton, California, where I developed a unique blend of traits from my Viking mother and my German-Irish father. My twelve years in Catholic schools were marked by a spirit of quiet rebellion, culminating in a proudly earned "F" in religion during my senior year. Despite these challenges, I pursued my education with determination, ultimately earning a BA while working full-time at night. My passion for writing led me to study at esteemed institutions like the University of California, Irvine, and the University of Iowa Writers' Seminar. I also founded "The Writing Well," a writer's salon that fostered a vibrant community of fellow writers, enriching both my life and theirs.
As a writer, I’ve been fortunate to be involved with several literary organizations and have had my work published in notable outlets such as the Los Angeles Times and Twins Magazine. My writing has garnered recognition, including being a finalist for The Laura Award for my short story “The Homestead” and the Anderbo Poetry Prize. Beyond writing, I chair "Library Live," a committee for the Newport Beach Library Foundation, and find fulfillment in gardening. With my first and favorite husband, Gary, I raised five children and have eleven grandchildren who affectionately call me "Bubbles.”