Rickey E. Pittman, 1998 Grand Prize winner of the prestigious Ernest Hemingway Short Story Competition, is an active member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Camp Thomas McGuire, in West Monroe, Louisiana. He is also a Civil War re-enactor, a public speaker on issues and topics related to the War Between the States, and a musician who travels and performs original and Civil War period music. Pittman lives with his wife in Bastrop, Louisiana, where he teaches English at Bastrop High School and freshman composition at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. He is a proud father and grandfather. Stephanie Ford is an illustrator, educator, and Civil War enthusiast. She gives presentations to reenactors and historical societies on a number of topics related to the 19th century and frontier life. Ford earned degrees in art and history before earning a masters in education and English from Texas Womens University. She teaches high school art and English, is a member of the Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators, the Texas Art Education Association, and Women Artists of the West.