Phyliss Merion Shanken is a retired psychologist, creative writing teacher, and playwright. She has been published in psychological and literary journals, a weekly newspaper, and magazine columns. In addition to her literary and poetry awards, she is the author of Silhouettes of Woman, as well as a number of plays. She wrote two novels, Eye of Irene, and The Heart of Boynton Beach Club. Her memoir, Conversations With Perfect Strangers, is the culmination of her life’s work.