Author Bios


Madison Aument
My name is Madison Aument. I am an English Literature major, I transferred from community college in 2019 and will finish my degree this in Fall 2021. One day I would like to be a journalist, or an editor- something to do with words and making the world a better place.

Elijah Brown
Elijah Brown is a junior at the University of Redlands, currently majoring in Creative Writing. He mainly writes fantasy and science fiction, but enjoys experimenting in other genres, and enjoys works of all genres too. As you’re currently reading this, he’s most likely coaching himself on letting his first draft be bad. (Yet again.)

Marin Careway
Marin Careway loves writing more than she loves oxygen, California, or even cinnamon rolls. She is a CSSSA Creative Writing alum and is focusing on creative writing and psychology at the University of Redlands. Her other passions include photography, repairing damaged books, and annoying her cat.

June Coombs
I’m June (they/them), a senior at Redlands with a taste for theatrics and a love of the small moments in life. A jack of all trades; master of none, I make art in whatever medium fancies me at the moment. The meaning behind the pieces can range from just things that look pretty to the struggle to say the right things at the right time. No matter the medium or meaning, the most important element is the audience’s enjoyment. I hope you enjoy!

Eric Enbom
Eric Enbom is a senior at the University of Redlands, majoring in creative writing with an emphasis in fiction, though he enjoys writing in all disciplines. When not reading or writing, he likes to spend time with his friends, watch movies, take photos, ride his bike, or play the guitar. He is native to California, having grown up in the bay area, just north of San Francisco.

Olivia Franzen
Olivia is a Public Policy major at the University of Redlands set to graduate in 2021. She enjoys reading books, practicing her upright bass, playing video games, and volunteering at her local horse rescue. It is her dream and goal to be a community college professor because it was her experience at Taft College that really made her fall in love with reading and writing. 

Kaitlyn Garrison
I am a senior majoring in Political Science, Public Policy, and Creative Writing and minoring in Environmental Studies and Human-Animal Studies. My emphasis in Creative Writing is fiction, but I love to integrate nonfictional elements into my stories to make them more meaningful.  I hope to one day become a lawyer and continue to write my poetry, stories, and papers for those who will listen.

Katie Grierson

Katie Grierson believes in aliens. She is a 2020 YoungArts Finalist in Novel-Writing, was named a Presidential Scholar in the Arts Semifinalist, and is an alumni of the Adroit Journal Summer Mentorship Program. Besides being prose editor for Lumiere Review and Bitter Fruit Review, she also overuses the em dash and her work has appeared or is forthcoming in Body Without Organs, Dishsoap Quaterly, and Potted Purple.

Kalyn Kershner 
Kalyn Kershner is a writer from Ewa Beach, Hawaii.  She is currently a Creative Writing major. Her passion began with writing poetry many years ago and has only grown from there. Kalyn balances her time between writing, being a student and being a collegiate athlete. 

Lily Knott
My name is Lily Knott (she/her/hers), I am a junior at the university of Redlands Johnston Center. My emphasis is “Public Health, Psychology and Human Sexuality”. I spent the summer and winter break road-tripping around the country visiting national parks, camping and taking pictures.

Olive Manson
Olive Manson is a third year at the University of Redlands. She is currently Majoring in CreativeWriting and minoring in English Literature. Olive enjoys writing magical realism and fantasy,but fills her bookshelves with a wide array of genres and poetry. She hopes to pursue a career inediting where she can help writers publish the book of their dreams.

Taylor Matousek
Taylor Matousek is a graphic designer, photographer, and writer who graduated from the University of Redlands in 2018. She currently resides in Virginia with her boyfriend and their mischievous foxhound, Suki. When she isn’t busy adding Oxford commas to her coworkers’ reports, she takes on freelance projects, cares for her succulents, and tries not to kill her bonsai tree. Check out her work at taylormatousek.com.

Erin Maxwell
Erin Maxwell (she/her) is a writer and artist pursuing a Creative Writing and Public Policy double major. She ran the Rainbow Art Gallery, wrote, cast, and directed the SPURS Murder Mystery Dinner, was co-editor in chief of the Redlands Realist newspaper, and was vice president of the Creative Writing Society. She isn’t sure what the future will hold, but she’s hoping for a steady income and a chance for relaxation.

Josephine Mayer
I grew up in Lancaster, PA, but I moved to Long Island at the start of the school year. I likemaking playlists, reading, driving, and being with my animals, especially my horses and cats.I’ve never submitted any kind of poetry before, but I’m trying new things!

Gavin Navarro
My name is Gavin Navarro and I am a fourth-year student double-majoring in Religious Studies and English Literature. I have recently rediscovered my passions for reading and writing fiction and hope to work these passions into my future after graduation. It is an aspiration of mine to help others grow their passions for reading and writing literature!

Rachel Schmidt
Rachel Schmidt is a creative writing major, history minor, and Junior at the University of Redlands. She's also a transfer student, which makes her college experience a little different than most. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, horseback riding, and tutoring equally frazzled online learners.

Jay Sjöberg
My name is Jay Sjöberg, and I'm a sophomore at Redlands! As a result of the pandemic, the largest campus community I've been a part of this semester is that of the regulars at the Irvine Commons. Also, I love to watch movies, and I hope to write some of my own one day!

Parker Smith
Parker Dean Smith (He/Him/His) is a gay and transgender student at the University of Redlands. He is a senior double majoring in English Literature and Creative Writing (Fiction Emphasis), the Co-President of L.U.S.T. (Listening and Understanding Sexuality Together), as well as the Secretary of both Creative Writing Society and the Redlands’ chapter of Sigma Tau Delta. When not reading or writing, he can be found birdwatching, playing guitar, or re-reading The Catcher in the Rye for the billionth time.

Mariah Thompson
Mariah Thompson ('21) is a Johnston student and creative who communicates best through art and music. In their free time, you can find Mariah writing music and practicing poor self-control. Mariah self-identifies as an innovator, artist, learner, and rhythm enthusiast. 

Victoria Van Huystee
Victoria Van Huystee is a sophomore at the University of Redlands, majoring in Creative Writing. She has experimented with writing in all genres, but focusses primarily in fiction and poetry. Victoria is also an avid painter, with work featured in the Presentation High School Art Magazine. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her dog, Fred, listening to music, and drinking lots of tea.

Kenza Walthour
My name is Kenza Walthour. I’m a junior Johnston student.