Background & Upbringing
Raised on a lakeside property in Coeur d’Alene, Avery spent much of her childhood exploring Idaho’s rugged landscapes. Her family owned a small resort that hosted out-of-state tourists, so she grew up meeting people from all over the country, nurturing an early fascination with travel and storytelling.
Education
Avery attended a regional high school known for its strong humanities program, then went on to major in Environmental Studies at the University of Montana. She later pursued a Master’s in Creative Writing at the University of Oregon, focusing on nature writing.
Professional Background
After graduate school, Avery returned to Idaho, splitting her time between working at a local conservation nonprofit and penning essays and short stories about the Pacific Northwest. Her debut novel, set along the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene, gained regional acclaim for its evocative portrayal of small-town life.
Cultural Influences
Inspired by Western writers like Wallace Stegner and Annie Proulx, Avery also looks to the photography of Ansel Adams to capture the majesty of nature in her work. She’s an avid listener of indie folk music (The Decemberists, Iron & Wine) and incorporates themes of environmental stewardship into her vision of romance and community.
