Samantha (sometimes called SamWise Jo) is an award-winning writer, illustrator, and cancer survivor in love with nature, fantasy, and absurdist humor. As a military kid she's lived-in or visited most of the United States, making her mixed media art style a true melting pot of experiences and influences.

When she's not creating books, she's curating content for Soul Sushi Magazine, painting murals, reading, studying film, or finding any excuse to visit a hiking trail or zoo.

She currently lives in Florence, Oregon, USA.