Richard Jacobs was a distinguished business lawyer, environmental advocate, and global traveler. After five decades of legal practice, he turned his focus to climate action—writing, speaking, and supporting youth-led legal efforts through Our Children’s Trust. His books Wonderlust and Democracy of Dollars reflect lessons learned across seven continents and a lifetime of civic engagement. Richard passed away after writing the foreword to this book. All proceeds support the environmental law fund he established, guided by his belief that we must leave this planet better than we found it—for our children and generations to come. Timothy Baldwin grew up in Syracuse, New York, and now teaches English, Creative Writing, Film, and Theatre in Maryland. Encouraged by his students, he began writing seriously in 2014. His love of storytelling was nurtured by his mother’s nightly readings and a childhood spent devouring works by C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, and Piers Anthony. He gravitates toward mysteries, thrillers, and fantasy. When not writing, Timothy enjoys reading, teaching, camping, and attending live music events. Laura DiNovis Berry draws inspiration from the ridiculous, frightening, wonderful, and adorable moments she’s encountered throughout life. Her writing is a reflection of these discoveries—crafted with the hope that others will find something equally meaningful within her words. Jake Cavanah began storytelling before he could write, dictating tales to his father. A journalism major and former high school newspaper editor, he found his true passion after college—crafting imaginative fiction. Reading widely across genres fuels his growth and influences his style, though he writes with a clear personal vision. Drawn to dystopian fiction for its creative freedom, Jake builds worlds that challenge readers to reflect on society, the marginalized, and themselves. For him, success means sparking perspective. Jim Infantino grew up in Manhattan during the ’70s and ’80s, studied philosophy, and moved to Boston to become a songwriter and busker. His music has aired on NPR’s Weekend Edition and All Things Considered. At 52, after years of touring, he began writing fiction—starting with The Wakeful Wanderer’s Guide. He’s now working on its sequel and a sci-fi novelette. When not writing, Jim runs a web design company, plays with his band, codes, teaches meditation, reads to his daughters, and drinks copious amounts of coffee Ron Kinscherf left a 30-year IT consulting career with no plan—until his daughter-in-law suggested writing children’s books inspired by his playful time with his grandchildren. One story led to another, and soon a business was born. His humorous, dialogue-rich style appeals to both kids and adults, encouraging repeat reads. Ron holds a BA in Communications, worked in talk radio, and is a member of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame for Play-by-Play. He’s been married over 35 years and has two children and four grandchildren. Lisa Orban was born in Galesburg, IL and raised in Quincy, where life threw her curveballs, foster care included. At 18, she bolted to Phoenix, married, had two sons, made mistakes, and eventually returned to Quincy for good. She earned a degree in Psychology, raised five kids, survived multiple marriages, and built the life she wanted—as the ringleader of a madhouse of anarchy. In 2015, she published her first book, It’ll Feel Better When It Quits Hurting, and hasn’t stopped since. Lisa now writes, rescues human strays, runs a publishing house, and lives unapologetically. Kasey Rogers began her career in New York’s commercial film industry, writing a musical between projects. After having twins, she pivoted to cooking—transforming a vacation property in Alexandria, Ontario into The 2Beans Café and Tearoom, which she ran for several years. Now back in the U.S., Kasey continues to blend her passions, writing and cooking, and writing about cooking, with both playing a central role in her life. Guy Thair lives in North Devon with his wife and daughter. He began writing fiction in 2015 using weekly blog prompts—an approach that led, quite accidentally, to his debut novel The Wrong Stuff. Guy is also a photographer, animator, digital artist, and creator of peculiar electronic music and remixes. Though he dreams of writing full-time, life keeps winning. Notably, he writes everything on his phone—no computer involved.