Jon Hassler (1933–2008) was writer in residence and Regents Professor Emeritus at St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota. His many novels and short stories were often set in small-town Minnesota.

Will Weaver is author of Black Dirt, Bright Stars, Power & Light, Sweet Land, and Red Earth, White Earth.

Ian Graham Leask is the publisher of Afton Press and the author of The Wounded and Other Stories about Sons and Fathers.