Long before she began writing novels, Elaine Coffman taught elementary school and language and learning disabilities, never dreaming that she would one day embark upon a new and exciting career as a novelist. Born in San Diego, California, she now resides in Austin, Texas.
Elaine began writing in 1985 and her first book was published in 1988, and she captured the hearts of fans everywhere when she created the magnificent Mackinnon family saga of seven books. Due to reader requests to write about their ancestors, she is continuing with the Mackinnon – Douglas series, set in Medieval Scotland.
Literary achievements include four nominations for Best Historical of the Year, three time winner of the Reviewers Choice Award, Best Western Historical of the Year, and the Maggie Award. Her books have been selected by Doubleday Book Club and Literary Guild, and she was named one of the top ten romance novelists by the American Library Association’s Booklist. Her books have appeared on the bestseller lists for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Publisher's Weekly. She has also been featured in Entertainment Weekly, People magazine and a leading cultural magazine in Egypt. Always in demand as a speaker, she has spoken to clubs and organizations from coast to coast and has been interviewed by numerous television and radio stations, including a radio broadcast from the USS Constitution in Boston Harbor.
When asked why she chose to write historical romance, she replied, “Because I have always loved history, and wondered where my ancestors came from.” After several years of research, she traced her family back to Charlemagne and now belongs to numerous genealogical organizations, including the Magna Charta Society, Americans of Royal Descent, The Jamestowne Society, Order of the Thistle, Colonial Dames of the XVII Century, Descendants of the Sons and Daughters of the Kings of Great Britain, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Daughters of the War of 1812.
When once asked to create a slogan, she replied “I LOVE what I do!”