The idea of this book started with two thoughts-what was it like for one of Rick's uncles growing up gay during World War II on a South Carolina farm, and what does it take to make a family come of age? Rick Kemp is a graduate of the master's creative writing programs at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Miami. He is an Associate Professor in creative writing and literature at the University of Maryland University College, as well as the creative writing chair. His publications include short stories, poems, essays, and articles in various print and online venues. His awards include the Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics among many others; he is a James A. Michener Fellow, and a member of AWP, Phi Beta Kappa, and Phi Kappa Phi. He lives in Lake Linganore, Maryland with his wife, Tabitha, and four children-Tristen, Aiden, Linnea, and Evan.