Maye-Elizabeth (Beth) MacKinnon was born and reared in Jacksonville, Florida, where she participated in local activities. She played violin in the symphony and held major roles in the Little Theatre. During vacations she trouped as a singer-dancer with a Polynesian act. She found jobs as stenographer-secretary in New York and San Francisco. She was employed by the United States Embassy in La Paz, Bolivia, until high altitude sickness sent her back home, where she moderated Great Books discussions. She says, “I have several namesakes, including Beth Beauty, a friend’s horse.”