Martha Rhynes, a retired teacher, began her writing career by researching the lives of American authors and writing biographies and analyses of their work for inclusion in literary encyclopedias. Her book-length biographies include I, Too, Sing America: The Story of Langston Hughes; Gwendolyn Brooks, Poet from Chicago; Ralph Ellison: Author of Invisible Man; Jack London: Writer of Adventure; and Ray Bradbury: A Teller of Tales. Her works of fiction include numerous short stories and three novels: Secret of the Pack Rat's Nest; The War Bride; and Man on First. Rhynes is the mother of six adult children and many grandchildren. Her family operates a cattle ranch in Oklahoma.