Background & Upbringing
Willow was born on a ranch near Bozeman, Montana. Her parents owned a small horse-breeding operation and supplemented their income by catering to tourists who wanted the “real Western experience.” She grew up riding horses through open fields, fostering a deep connection to the land.
Education
She attended a rural high school with a modest but dedicated faculty. Excelling in English, Willow earned a scholarship to Montana State University, where she studied Literature and Environmental Science. She later took part in a writing residency in Missoula that solidified her desire to become an author.
Professional Background
After graduation, Willow worked for the state’s fish and wildlife department for several years. During her downtime, she wrote poetry and short prose about life in the Rockies, focusing on themes of isolation, community, and the stoic beauty of the plains and mountains. Her first novel, a coming-of-age story set on a Montana ranch, resonated with both local and national audiences.
Places Lived
Mostly Bozeman and Missoula, with brief travels to other Western states for nature-based research. She occasionally visits larger cities to promote her work but always returns to Montana’s wide-open spaces.
Influences
Willow looks up to Gretel Ehrlich and Louise Erdrich for their layered examinations of wilderness and identity. She also takes creative cues from the haunting harmonies of Alison Krauss’s bluegrass tunes, which reflect the vastness and introspective mood of the mountainous region she calls home.
