Laura Schroff first started thinking about writing a book after an article about her and Maurice appeared in Good Housekeeping in 1997. Laura is a former advertising executive who has worked with several major media companies, including Time Inc. and Conde Nast. Born and raised on Long Island, Laura was part of the advertising team that made USA Today a successful national newspaper. Before helping launch three of the most successful start-ups in Time Inc. history—InStyle, Teen PEOPLE, and PEOPLE StyleWatch—she was also the New York Division Manager at PEOPLE magazine. Laura has also been the New York Ad Manager at Ms. magazine and Associate Publisher at Brides. Laura loves spending time at her condo on Long Island and visiting with her family in New York and Florida. She lives in New York City with her feisty poodles Coco and her newest addition Emma.

Alex Tresniowski is a writer living and working in New York City. He has been a senior writer for PEOPLE magazine since 1998, writing dozens of cover stories and focusing on human interest, crime and sports. He is also the author of six books, including 2005’s THE VENDETTA, a true crime story that was purchased by Universal Pictures and used as a basis for the 2009 Johnny Depp movie Public Enemies.

Photo credits: Laura—Joseph Moran Photography; Alex—Lorraine Stundis.