Olive Ann Burns (1924–1990)

Olive Ann Burns was a professional writer, journalist, and columnist for most of her life. For many years, she was a staff writer for Atlanta newspapers and the Atlanta Journal Magazine. She

was motivated to write her first novel, ''Cold Sassy Tree'' (1984), when she became ill with lymphoma. The book was an instant success and in 1985 it was added to the list of books recommended for teenagers by the American Library Association and the New York Public Library.