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Vincent Burke III is a cultural anthropologist and fiction writer who specializes in queer storytelling. His degree in Cultural Anthropology comes from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, where he began writing short horror fiction in 2016. Soon after having published his first story, The Remains of Adrian Hewitt, Vincent began formulating a plan for Flesh and Bone, a sprawling series that would encompass his studies, his love of reading, and his own tumultuous past. Growing up in a divided house, Vincent's experiences with abuse and survival ultimately led him into the United States Army where he started developing an understanding of his own queerness and spirituality. After briefly serving as a combat engineer, Vincent moved back to Colorado where he began pursuing his degree in Anthropology at UCCS. Now living safely and comfortably with his boyfriend, best friend, and their cat, Orpheus, he spends the day reading, writing, playing lacrosse and thinking of the next best American novel.

Growing up biracial in America, this debut author has experienced her fair share of injustices and aims to leave the world better than the one she was born into. Antoinette currently resides in Colorado Springs where she is active in the BIPOC community. She aids in giving voice to the voiceless and opportunities to the less fortunate. She is involved in the Pikes Peak region getting more children reading and writing stories using their Own Voice. She spends her weekends hosting a philosophical discussion group and a creative writing group.

A writer, seminar leader, and former English professor, Durthy A. Washington has taught graduate, undergraduate, and adult education courses at several colleges and universities including The Colorado College, UCCS, and the US Air Force Academy. Durthy is the founder of LitUnlocked, which offers workshops and seminars dedicated to the art of mindful, culturally responsive reading. Each workshop centers on the LIST Paradigm, an innovative approach to critical reading that helps readers unlock the power of literature with four keys to culture: Language, Identity, Space, and Time.

Judith has specialized in capturing breathtaking scenic and nature images for over 20 years. She shares her vast knowledge through private and group photo tours of Garden of the Gods as well as other Colorado locations. You can also join her for photographic seminars and workshops. Visit her website to view portfolio images and fine art prints, and to see free instructional videos at www.mothernaturephotography.com. 

Judith says, "Showing up at a location and photographing nature by literally recording the moment is different from capturing nature as an artist feels it should be viewed; using light, weather, equipment, and an artistic interpretation to show Mother Nature’s beauty and power. Both methods are useful in photography, but each has a distinct time and place. My goal is always to make each image intentional, represent my artistic vision, and create a piece of art that will be loved for a lifetime. I have spent the majority of my life in Colorado Springs, moving here as a child. I remember my joy while climbing on the rocks of Garden of the Gods early in my life. Though I moved to Michigan for ten years, Colorado always echoed in my heart. Now that I have returned to 'The Springs,' I often frequent Garden of the Gods, spending much time hiking and photographing this breathtaking open space with my loving husband and children."

Author Peg Gould, MBA, RScP, LMT, a career writer/editor from upstate New York, moved west to Colorado, then Alaska, where she renewed her love of nature and photography on the stunning Kenai Peninsula. She is licensed both as a massage therapist and a spiritual advisor. Peg and her husband Todd raised a family with a diversity of pets in Manitou Springs, CO; they also enjoy working on their log home near Homer, AK.  Her work appeared daily for decades in newspapers in New York and Colorado, and later for years in Alaska Business Monthly. She also has freelanced for Vocational Biographies, American News Service, Colorado Springs Health, Springs Magazine, Women’s Edition, Compassion International, Convergent Performance, and for other businesses and nonprofits.

Chad Cramer has a business degree from Cornerstone University and makes his full time profession in the software market. Ever since he was an early teen, he dreamed of one day having children and leaving a legacy for them. After years of writing down ideas and then beginning a family, Chad knew that his experiences would teach well beyond his household.

When his children began to struggle with the fear of the dark, writing a book came naturally for him. The process of researching this fear, studying God’s word and even helping his boys overcome this fear was such a wonderful time of growth.

He lives with his wife and four boys in Colorado Springs. When he is not stopping his boys from search and destroy missions, he enjoys hiking in the Rockies, snowboarding, writing and entertaining friends and family.

I came to Colorado in 1973 because of the beauty of the land and the promise of the future.