After spending his youth in a variety of Methodist parsonages, Lawrence Stewart Jones (“The Invisible Mizzible Manago Phoo”) satisfied his interest in Vietnam by enlisting in the Marine Corps. He took the GI Bill and studied two years in France and four years at St. John’s College in Annapolis. A mysterious force led him from German romantic philosophy to the restoration of 18th c. architecture. A decade later he turned to the design of period rooms and furnishings. Presently he lives with his wife, Thanh Dieu Phan, in Chicago, as he works to honor the counsel of his high school English teacher: “Live first, then write.” He can be reached by email lawrencestewartjones@gmail.com

Veronica Simon (“Who Do You Think I Am?”) was born and raised in Alexandria, Virginia and studied music and English at the Catholic University of America. She and her husband live in her hometown and, when not working, she enjoys cooking, sewing, reading, and thrifting. Her writing has been featured on the Springs in the Desert blog. This is her first book! She can be found on Instagram at @vmcgraw25.

Illustrators

William McKearn (“The Invisible Mizzible Manago Phoo”) was born in the rural state-line area of Illinois and Wisconsin, the eldest of 5 siblings. His father worked at a paper machine company and would bring home a 200-pound roll of paper for the amusement of the children. William’s early influences were John Nagy, Abner Dean, and Ed (Big Daddy) Roth. William attended the Minneapolis School of Art where he submitted drawings for Artpolice Magazine. He moved to New York City in 1985 and illustrated for the New York Times, Esquire, and various other publications. His sculpture has featured in galleries in New York and Chicago. In 1989, when his daughter Stella was born, he moved to Chicago. William has visited Vietnam seven times with his wife, Lan. His Instagram handle is @williammckearn