About Lynne M. Kolze

Biography

Lynne Kolze grew up in suburban Chicago but now lives close to the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities, the place she has called home for over 30 years. Before she began writing non-fiction, Lynne earned a bachelor’s degree in Water Resources Management from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s degree in Public Affairs from Indiana University-Bloomington. Lynne’s guiding passions in life have been environmental protection and public service, beginning her career as an environmental planner for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and later working for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Lynne has extensive experience in writing, public speaking, policy making, and citizen engagement. During this part of her career, Lynne found the greatest reward in creating positive relationships with local government staff and collaborating with citizens working to protect the environment.

Lynne wrote, Please Write, because she has always believed that handwritten letters are one of the most authentic, joyful, and remarkable gifts one person can give to another. She hopes to inspire a revival in this creative and loving art form, especially because technology, isolation and loneliness have created a hunger for meaningful connections more than ever before.

In her free time, Lynne enjoys being with her friends and family, whether in person, by phone, or through letter writing. Lynne deeply appreciates people’s stories and seeing the unique contributions each person makes to their own family and wider community.

Lynne also enjoys tending her gardens (mostly pulling dandelions and Creeping Charlie), photography, reading, cooking, and spending time in nature with her husband, Allen, as well as with her two adult children.