Before she became a famous author, Maya Angelou had been a cook, an actor, a cable car conductor and a dancer. Even though she had many interests and jobs, Maya Angelou’s true love was writing. Born in Missouri, USA, her childhood was not an easy one, and she was seriously abused at the age of 8. This was understandably a very traumatic incident, and it influenced much of her writing.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is her first autobiographical work. It was published in 1969 and became a much-acclaimed publication, later being made into a movie. It made her an international star and allowed her to write full-time. Many of Maya’s books focus on the struggles in her life. But she had the courage to tell her story and let people know how she overcame difficult times. Her amazing creativity led her to write poetry, memoirs and much more. In 2011, she was awarded The Presidential Medal Of Freedom and more than 30 honorary degrees in her lifetime. Her remarkable career as a courageous and creative writing artist has inspired many to share how they have coped with hard times.