Julian Carmichael, born in Brooklyn Heights, grew up in a culturally rich environment, fostering his passion for literature and the arts from a young age.
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.
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.
James Harrington, a rural West Virginia native from a coal mining family, emphasizes perseverance and community in his writing, blending regional traditions with universal themes.
Marcus Chambers grew up in a Jamaican American household in D.C., where his parents worked hard to provide opportunities while honoring their Caribbean roots.
Miles Chapin grew up in Boulder in a progressive, environmentally conscious family, with a passion for nature and community engagement from an early age.
Julianne Santos grew up in La Jolla, California, surrounded by the ocean, influenced by her mother’s marine biology career and her family's love for nature.
Veronica St. Claire, raised in Manhattan's Upper East Side, comes from an art-centric family and has built a career in art criticism and cultural explorations.
Oliver Wentworth, a Nantucket native, grew up in a family inn, exploring the island's maritime history and crafting stories inspired by its whaling past.