Miranda Rites, the pseudonym for our mystery writer and event producer, is none other than Amanda M. Shackelford from "down the bayou" in Louisiana. An educator with an extensive theatrical background and a thirst for adventure, Amanda, or "Shack" as she is known by friends and former students, has almost two decade of experience in education, specifically English Language Arts, holds a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and is in the final stretch of her Doctorate in Curriculum Leadership at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. 

She has been recognized multiple as Teacher of the Year as well as a College Board SpringBoard National Teacher of Distinction and thoroughly enjoys her role as an Instructional Content Coach for ELA as well as her position on College Board's National Faculty. Through these endeavors, she has been given the opportunity to facilitate Professional Learning and lead sessions at numerous national education forums. She enjoys traveling, reading, her dog, Bruce Wayne, gardening, learning as much as possible, kickboxing, kayaking, and bringing about social change to create a better society. She attributes all of these experiences to be what drives the culmination of her work in creative writing. 

Her stories include aspects of transdisciplinary subject matter ranging from quantum physics and astronomy to psychology, sociology, and literature, especially her undying love for all things Edgar Allan Poe. 

When asked why she enjoys writing and producing mystery stories, she acknowledges that she thoroughly enjoys watching the cast members of The Usual Suspects bring her characters to life almost as much as she enjoys the genuine excitement and fun that guests have when experiencing it. She states, "My goal is to create the optimal experience for guests--that they lose themselves in the story and the experience, they become one with the event and together, we share the same time and space in an enjoyable flow."