About the Author

Samara Stroup O’Shea (Stroup = mother’s maiden name) was born on September 22, 1979 in Philadelphia, PA. She grew up to become the author of two narrative non-fiction books, many magazine articles, and countless unpublished essays. Her first book, For the Love of Letters: A 21st-Century Guide to the Art of Letter Writing, is in its third printing. Her books have been featured in USA Today Weekend, The Pittsburgh Post Gazette, The Chicago Tribune-Review, The Grand Rapids Press, Glamour, Redbook, Woman’s Day, Body and Soul, Blueprint, and Philadelphia Style. Samara has been a writer in residence at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau, WI. She has also appeared on NPR’s The Kojo Nambdi Show, Martha Stewart Radio, and The 10! Show in Philadelphia amongst other radio and TV programs. She still has the first love letter she ever received, and she diligently drinks at least two cups of green tea every day.