Jennifer Allison grew up in a small town in Michigan, and holds a BA from the University of Michigan and an MFA from American University. Her various careers have included work as a news reporter and high school English teacher. She has also held numerous odd jobsâpiano player in a shopping mall, assembly-line worker for General Motors, waitress, preschool teacherâthat have helped her generate ideas for characters and stories. Allison currently lives in Chicago, with her husband, Michael, and their three childrenâMax, and the twins, Marcus and Genevieve (âGigiâ).