As a successful author, Beard reminisces about a time in her youth when writing did not come easily to her. Beard is dyslexic and struggled with her reading and writing skills while in school. Refusing to let this stop her from telling her stories, Beard worked hard on refining her skills. She is now not only a published author, but also the founder of a nonprofit organization, Flying on the Wings of Change, which aims to provide after-school activities for students.

To read more about Beard and her literary works, visit MLive.com.