Montana Book Festival

Leisa Greene’s passions include writing about music, theater, film, food, art, family and friends -- all of which are supported by the community of Missoula and an IV line of dark-roasted iced coffee. She is the English Department’s Administrative Associate of Graduate Admissions and Irish Studies, at her alma mater, University of Montana; the editor-in-chief of Indie It Press; and the author of a memoir manuscript currently titled... Read More →

Author of nine books & numerous articles, a creativity counselor, and an independent Jung scholar, she has led writing and depth psychology workshops at centers around the country, plus Canada and Greece. A graduate of Smith College, for seven years she was a science editor at the National Audubon Society in NYC. Valerie currently lives in Bozeman, Montana, and edits Distinctly Montana magazine.

Missoula resident Dorothy Hinshaw Patent has been writing nonfiction books for young readers for more than 40 years, with almost 140 published titles. As a PhD zoologist, she has deep knowledge about the living world and is passionate about communicating her enthusiasm for nature and human interactions with nature to children. She has received several awards for the body of her work, including the Washington Post/Children’s Book... Read More →

Rachel Toor is the author of four works of nonfiction and one novel. Her most recent book is Misunderstood: Why The Humble Rat May Be Your Best Pet Ever (FSG 2016). She is a professor in the graduate creative writing program at Eastern Washington University. Her work has been published in a wide variety of places, including The New York Times, The LA Times, Ploughshares, SB Nation, Glamour, Reader’s Digest, Runner’s World and... Read More →

Danica Winters is a bestselling author who has won multiple awards for writing books that grip readers with their ability to drive emotion through suspense and occasionally a touch of magic. When she’s not working, she can be found in the wilds of Montana testing her patience while she tries to hone her skills at various crafts (quilting, pottery, and painting are not her areas of expertise).  She always believes the cup is neither... Read More →