DeAndre Holloway, a Chicago native, grew up in a middle-class family. He is an acclaimed author and advocate for urban storytelling, deeply rooted in his city's culture.
Aurora Vega, raised near Las Vegas, grew up in a family tied to the entertainment scene, experiencing both the glamor of the Strip and the warmth of local communities.
Chris Valente, raised in Santa Barbara, grew up in a philanthropic family. He now writes novels and essays blending ecology with personal stories in Santa Monica.
Ebony Johnson, raised in Charleston's Gullah Geechee heritage, was inspired by family stories and local history, shaping her passion for cultural exploration in her writing.
Avery Townsend grew up in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, exploring nature and nurturing a love for travel and storytelling while working at her family's lakeside resort.
Gray McAllister, raised in Telluride, grew up on a family ranch, fostering a love for the outdoors and writing about his trail adventures amidst the San Juan Mountains.
Willow Fitzgerald, raised on a ranch near Bozeman, Montana, developed a love for the land and horses, shaping her journey as an author and environmental advocate.
Charlotte Winslow grew up in a historic sea captain's home in Kennebunkport, where her family's maritime ties shaped her love for New England history and coastal life.
Abby Woodcroft, raised in Bar Harbor, grew up near Acadia National Park, nurturing her passion for nature and writing inspired by her park ranger father.
Yuan Li, an only child from Beijing, grew up in a literary household. She studied Creative Writing at Peking University and explores themes of romance in her writing.
