Marlené (pronounced Mar-lay-na) Carter was born in Frankfurt Germany, but spent most of her childhood in Seattle, Washington. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Puget Sound, a Master of Science degree in Administration from Central Michigan University and recently earned a Masters of Fine Arts Degree in Creative Writing from the University of Tampa in June, 2020. Marlené retired after a 21-year career as an Army Military Police Officer. Writing has always played a huge role in her life. The ability to write stories while deployed to Iraq served as a balm in an otherwise unstable, violent environment. She continues her involvement with veterans as a council member of the Governor’s Florida Veterans Hall of Fame for almost a decade. She loves to write and read fiction, especially action-packed, suspense novels. When she’s not reading or writing, Marlené enjoys exercising and spending time with family and friends. Marlené lives in Florida with her Army veteran husband and has two adult daughters.