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I find so much in the world wonderful and mysterious. And yet life can also feel horrific sometimes. I write to explore questions that don't seem to have answers. ​My YA characters often end up questioning everything, especially themselves. ​

A Little About
​Myself.

I grew up in the Appalachian mountains of West Virginia. When traveling, I'd regularly meet people who, upon learning where I lived, seemed genuinely surprised I knew proper English grammar. Those attitudes made a big impression on young me, and my work often challenges the stereotypes I see at play in the world today.

After college (shout out to Marshall University!) I lived in DC for several years. I interned at the National Education Association, a position that inspired me to become a pre-K teacher. I also became a Certified Yoga Teacher. Now I live in the mountains of North Carolina. Asheville exemplifies pretty much everything I love.

In Kindergarten I wrote my first story, entitled LION, UNICORN, AND WOLF. My tastes have progressed quite a bit, but I find I'm still drawn to the qualities that five-year-old me unconsciously personified in that first story: the strong, the magical, and the hidden, darker impulses that reside in each of us.

Oh. And make-out scenes. Tingly, shivery make-out scenes. Yes.

I write both contemporary realism and fantasy YA. In the picture book realm, I write both fiction and nonfiction. My favorite books are those that transport me so fully into the world of their characters that I almost lose myself within the pages. If I can't stop thinking about a book--and its characters--for days and weeks afterward, then that book has done its job for me. I strive to create similarly enticing stories and characters for my own readers. 

I hold an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. When I'm not writing or reading, you'll probably find me doing something outdoorsy or chasing my three rocket-fueled kids.
"The important thing is not to stop questioning.
​Curiosity has its own reason for existing."
​-Albert Einstein
​
My debut contemporary young adult novel is scheduled for publication Spring 2020 from
Running Press Teen/Hachette! ​Check out the Publisher's Weekly announcement:
​
Add THE EDGE OF ANYTHING to your Goodreads account by clicking the button below:
Yoga Frog is available now! Order from the links below or from your local bookstore. 
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 "So stinkin' adorable; prepare to fall in love with Yoga Frog."
​                                             -Corner on Character blog
"Carpenter briefly yet vividly describes how to perform each pose, along with its symbolism...[she also] provides an extra layer of knowledge for interested yogis."
​-Publisher's Weekly 

EVENTS 

I offer a variety of workshops and events for schools, libraries, bookstores, festivals and more. 
If you'd like to learn more, or to schedule an event, please contact me at​ noracarpenterwrites@gmail.com

Get In Touch.

I'm represented by Victoria Wells Arms of Wells Arms Literary. 
​You can reach me at noracarpenterwrites@gmail.com or connect with me on
​social media via the buttons below. 

​I’d love to hear from you!