Mary AdlerMary Adler spent nine years researching and writing Writers at Play. She discovered that the balance of choice and structure-what one student called "focused freedom"-was the key to adolescents' success. During her career, Mary has consistently triedto bring her passion for fiction and teaching together. A former middle school teacher and a National Writing Project fellow, she holds an M.A. in creative writing as well as a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction. She is currently an associate professor of English at California State University Channel Islands. Read More Read Less