George Cooksey is an active duty Air Force officer stationed out of Okinawa, Japan, who enjoys writing stories in his free time. His favorite stories are historical fiction, exploring real life experiences through a narrative lens. His story “The Melody of Irirangi” placed Top 10 in the 2022 Writer’s Playground Competition, and may be found published on the Writer’s Playground website.

Updated June 2022

Born in Fukuoka Prefecture. Currently living in Tokyo. Became interested in movies as a high school student, and began writing scripts and essays in college. After reading "Understanding the Depths of World History through Emmanuel Todd," he became interested in how world history has changed due to race and the differences in problems faced by different races. He submitted a work to the 9th Imagine Little Tokyo Short Story Contest, and it was selected as an honorable mention. He is currently planning a work on the theme of "youth."

(Updated June 2022)

Nao Mutsuki (pen name), freelance writer, was born in Kyoto in 1991. She graduated from Kyoto Seika University and studied abroad in Boston. Her hobbies include getting absorbed into inspirational creative works, traveling, shopping, and visiting cafes. She put her daily efforts to get many people interested in her writings.

Updated June 2022

Madeline Thach (13) is an eighth grade homeschooler from Texas. As a writer, singer, and creator, her awards include first place in the international Saugus Halloween Ghost Story Contest, first place in the National Association of Teachers of Singing regional vocal competition in 2022 and 2023, and a national American Hero history scholarship from the Rush & Kathryn Adams Limbaugh Family Foundation.

Madeline is passionate about spreading her love of learning through educational, entertaining, family-friendly content.  In her weekly newsletter, The Bluestocking Bulletin, she shares her stories, videos, articles, poems, and flash fiction. To join in her journey, visit BluestockingOnline.com.

Updated May 2023

Xueyou Wong (she/they) is the daughter of immigrants from China. She grew up in the Midwest, the West Coast, and Sandy, Utah, a suburb of Salt Lake City. She received a bachelor’s degree in English literature and creative writing from the University of Southern California. After earning her degree, she worked in Los Angeles as a substitute teacher, a summer school teacher, and a special education assistant. She is currently a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where she teaches and studies Women’s and Gender Studies. Her hobbies include riding her bike, beading, and dancing.

Updated May 2022