Since Dara Bahk mostly writes down her epiphanies on unused compostable napkins or random scraps of crumpled up loose leaf, they are particularly susceptible to loss, keeping the number of total published pieces to a minimum. When not identifying grammatical mistakes for the Stony Brook University online news publication, the Independent, one will most likely find her at the university’s library Starbucks, chugging espresso shots, working behind the counter, or both.

 

  Shannon Blackler writes about her own life in memoir and the lives of her characters in sci-fi and fantasy. Her nonfiction narrative, Nothing Like The Sun , was published online in 2016. She lives on Long Island, New York.

  Marek Bugaj, currently studying English and Creative Writing at Stony Brook University, enjoys experimenting with different styles of writing in an attempt to broaden his horizon. He lives in his mom’s basement, using the sport of Quidditch as an excuse to get out of the house and avoid dishwashing duty. He can normally be found in front of his computer, being driven by the unusual yet comforting environment that the silent house offers in the dark hours of the night.

  Taylor Evans is a senior at Stony Brook University, she writes analytical essays and when not confined to academia, she writes short stories. Although she has not been published, her three dogs want her to be so they don’t have to listen to her anymore.

Desirae Gooding is a student enrolled in CWL 300.S01.

 

  Kathleen Herbst usually works on short stories and abandoned novels, but is now writing about her life since she can’t afford a therapist. “A Letter I Will Never Send” is her debut memoir. If she doesn’t reference her friends from home, Supernatural, or Buffy the Vampire Slayer during a conversation, then you know you’re talking to an imposter.

  Victoria Johnson fancies herself a short story writer and is now taking a crack at memoir.  She had two short stories, Grin and Week of the Wolf, published online in 2014. Victoria lives in Selden, New York with her crazy sisters and parents.  When she is not writing: she likes to watch horror films with her sister, yell at the New York Islanders, and cosplay with friends.

  Teri Jurkschat likes to write short stories while listening to 90’s alternative rock and drinking coffee. She lives in Coram NY and is studying Health Science at Stony Brook University. Her daughter keeps her busy but if she finds some free time she likes to take naps.

  Vidya Koesmahargyo writes poetry and is studying to become a neuroscientist. ‘Slow Heat’ is her first memoir. She was born in Indonesia, but now resides in Queens, NY.

    Golden retriever enthusiast and memoirist, James Kuprian’s work takes inspiration from his relationships with family and friends. He lives and writes out of East Northport, NY, and he hopes to publish his first piece soon.

  Andrea Li is a writer whose work focuses on memoir and fiction writing. She currently studies English Literature at Stony Brook University and resides in Queens. She has not been published anywhere yet (except in her high school literary magazine), but she hopes to be soon. In her spare time, she complains about bubble tea prices and forgets to answer text messages.

  David Pepa is a journalist for the Statesman at Stony Brook University. He is a staff writer for the Arts and Entertainment section.  His first article that got published was a positive review for the movie, Guardians of the Galaxy.  He lives in Smithtown, New York.  In his spare time he watches shows on Netflix, plays video games and making people laugh.

  Jessica Rodriguez likes to write short stories, most of which she has never finished. (Probably why she hasn’t been published yet.) She enjoys writing about made up places and people she has never met. She lives on Long Island with her parents and siblings. She is currently studying biology (crying over organic chemistry) and minoring in creative writing at Stony Brook University.

  Alyssa Thomas writes poems angsty poems, bad angsty poems, and the occasional narrative. An unpublished undergrad student, she can usually be found sprawled across a vaguely horizontal surface smiling at words, or trying to keep herself awake behind her mother in church. 

  Erin Tiedemann is the author of several unpublished short stories and memoirs. She lives in Setauket, NY, and studies English at Stony Brook University. In her free time, she cleans up after her lazy shih tzu puppy and becomes emotionally invested in cartoons.