My home is in the San Francisco Bay Area. I grew up in Sacramento, California, but also spent four years of my childhood in England where I discovered a love of reading and writing. I’ve been writing poetry and stories ever since.

My debut novel: Whistle: A Daughter’s Journey of Heartbreak, Adventure, and Self-discovery will be published by She Writes Press in October, 2025.

In 2024, the General Federation of Women’s Clubs Creative Arts Contest awarded me First Place for my short story “Rain.” My short fiction has appeared in Grigg’s Anthology: Joe Bellino’s Thighs, Grigg’s Anthology: Daylight Song, and Alamo Women’s Club The Leaf. Running Deer Press of Santa Cruz and the Danville Area Cultural Alliance Society of Poets have published my poetry. I also post to a blog at https:// https://tess-perk-o.blog/.

In 2006, I received a Master’s in English Literature and Composition from California State University, East Bay. I have worked as a journalist for the Contra Costa Times and as an English professor for fifteen years.

When I’m not writing, I raise money for scholarships for college and vocational students, teach essay and journaling workshops to emancipated foster youth, study Spanish, and enjoy growing roses.