Vida Mercer

My mom made the brave choice to homeschool me back in a day when it was near unheard of. She just knew it was the right choice for me! Now—in addition to homeschooling my own daughters—I love helping others experience the joys (and challenges!) of alternative education. I'm a homeschooling consultant for families and businesses and a writer and author of homeschooling books, resources, and curricula.

My favorite tote bag is emblazoned with the phrase "Words Matter." I love words! They can be powerful, profound, delightful, and evocative. Words can build bridges or burn them down. Words can open doors, and hearts, and possibilities. I believe we all have a unique writing voice waiting to make a splash onto the page. It is my privilege to support and cheer my students as they discover theirs.

On a more personal note, I was born and raised in Southern Maryland—an East Coast girl at heart. Life brought me halfway across the nation to a tiny town in North Texas horse country. Simultaneously, life brought my husband halfway across the country (from the other direction) to the same town. We met and got to know one another riding horses through the countryside. Today, we call Northern California home and can be found having grand adventures in the great outdoors with our fierce daughters. When I'm not homeschooling, writing, or coaching, I'm outside playing among the big trees, reading, collecting quotes, or hoarding style guides . . . probably drinking coffee, too.