Amy Higgins Artino was born and raised in the greater Philadelphia area, and graduated from West Chester University of Pennsylvania with a degree in literature and a minor in journalism. She moved to Los Angeles in 2005. Amy lives in the South Bay area of L.A. with her husband, Mike, and their dogs, Katie and Scamper. The couple is expecting their first child, a daughter, in July of 2011.

Inspiration behind Stories 4 Women:

I chose to write about the experiences I did because each one really helped shape who I am today. Without any one of them, I wouldn’t be the same. It’s important to remember that we can’t have ecstasy and joy without heartache and pain, or apprehension and fear without courage and dauntlessness. These experiences provided such a balance. They forced me to grow, accept change and transform, ending up a stronger, wiser and more confident woman. I wouldn’t have changed a thing.