Mary Jane Black studied English and journalism as an undergrad, and went on to pursue a master’s in English with a concentration in creative writing. She left her writing degree program to accept a job teaching high school English when she became a solo mom with a teenage daughter. She taught writing and literature in high schools for fourteen years, and is currently a literary specialist for the State of Texas. Excerpts from her memoir appeared in the July 2016 issue of Shark Reef Journal and in the August 2016 issue of American Oxford magazine. Kick Ass Harley is Black's first book.