When HarperCollins decided to create a series of spin-off books featuring various extended family members of Laura Ingalls Wilder, they made each author assume a pseudonym that began Wil- so that they would appear besides Laura on bookshop shelves. Maria D. Wilkes was really Maria T. DiVencenzo. DiVencenzo is now one of a group of partners who have set up their own publishing company, Winter Lake Press. Lots of news and info on the web site.
She has released a Christmas book (unrelated to Laura).
Sarah S. Uthoff, Trundle Bed Tales
Sarah,
Where did DiVencenzo come from? Maria’s not still married to John JANZOW? Her real name was Maria Janzow. Just checking!
On the other hand, the other “spinoff” author, Melissa Wiley is actually Melissa Petersen.
-John
DiVencenzo is Maria’s maiden name. Her husband is Pete Janzow (not John).