MARY LOCKE JOLLEY earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from California State University Fresno and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Southern Virginia University. Mary has taught college writing since 2011, and when she is not grading papers, she plays with her imaginary friends (also known as writing books). With a passion for baking, she has sold many wedding cakes, giant cookies, and cinnamon rolls. Mary also likes to play video games (Overwatch 2 mostly) and go hiking with her dog, Gallifrey.

Mary is from Placerville, California, and currently resides in Buena Vista, Virginia.