Briscoe, Connie

Born with a mild hearing impairment, and gradually became profoundly deaf by age 30 due to a genetic condition that runs in her family. Graduated Hampton University (B.S., 1974); M.P.A. (1978) from American University. Worked as a research analyst 1976-1980, then as an editor for a think tank 1981-1990, then managing editor of the American Annals of the Deaf at Gallaudet University, 1990-1994. Wrote her first published novel, Sisters and Lovers, while an employee of Gallaudet University. With its success upon its 1994 publication, she resigned her Gallaudet job to devote full-time attention to writing. Her second published novel was Big Girls Don't Cry (1996), and was followed by several more popular novels all with Afro American characters. Received a cochlear implant in 2003. Has a deaf daughter.