M. K. Smith grew up filling notebooks with stories, scripts, and books. With the unwavering support of her parents, she nurtured her love of writing into adulthood. Now a teacher in Montana, she spends her days convincing students of the Oxford comma’s importance, grading essays, and dreaming up mysteries that blend wit with suspense. When not teaching or writing, M. K. and her daughter explore the vast beauty of Big Sky Country, or relax at home with their calico cat, Callie, whose antics often inspire feline characters on the page.