About the Author

Debbie Bullins lives in a small town in Walnut Cove, North Carolina, a great place to live and an even better place for children to grow up and go to school. She has loved to write since she was a child. She remembers living in a five-room house when she was little, writing notes and putting them into a small hole in the wall, often wondering if the current residents ever found the notes.

She met her husband at fourteen; she was standing on the church steps when she saw him and knew they would someday be married. She couldn't date until she was sixteen, following the rule of being home by 10 pm. They married in 1977 and have been together ever since. Debbie keeps a journal at all times, as you never know what will spark interest and ideas.

The Inspiration Behind the Book

The Secret Path was a mixture of a dream and imagination. Elayna had rules to follow from her dad for her safety, but in her dreams, she climbed a big tree, played hide and seek, and had fun with bright-eyed, happy friends. Debbie believes that imagination is a wonderful thing. She writes and paints with every free moment she has, as it is what she loves to do.

Family and Dedication

They have one son, Chad Bullins, who is a great dad. In 2007, they were blessed with a granddaughter who is the light of their life. She loves it when they read to her at bedtime. When Debbie wrote this book, she read it to her granddaughter, who did not know her Gomie had written it. The granddaughter loved it so much she exclaimed, “Gomie! You got to find the book for me; I love it and want to take it with me wherever I go.”

This book is dedicated to their Elayna Marie Bullins, who is four. Debbie believes that you never know where a simple path may lead, and that imagination will carry us to many wonderful places.