Biographies

Living in Norfolk in the United Kingdom, Jack Galey started writing poems and song lyrics as a teenager, but only recently began posting his poems on Instagram in the last year. His two biggest influences are his son, Isaac—who makes him laugh, think and try to be the best dad possible—and the poems of William Blake. While most of his poems are drawn from personal and emotional perspectives, the theme of hope is most prominent in his writing, though he does occasionally try to write in a more ethereal and/or pastoral form. Jack is actually a nickname for Richard.

Jared Presser is the proud father of three children who inspire so much of his writing. He has a passion for mental health awareness and helping the homeless which became the foundation for his organization—We Together Love. Even though his day job is an executive with an engineering company, Jared also enjoys art, fashion and tattoos. Broke Confessions was his debut poetry book and he is currently working on a children’s picture book called Dream A Dream.

Born in the late 60's in Birmingham, Jason Bayliss started writing when he was 10 years old. He stopped writing for about 35 years after experiencing some turbulent times and moved to another county. He recently started writing again after he became ill and was diagnosed with FND (Functional Neurological Disorder). For him, writing is therapy, catharsis, pleasure and communication and he feels deeply grateful for the supportive Instagram community of poets, writers and artists.

A middle school English teacher and Poetry Club moderator, Joely A. Serino started writing poetry to inspire her students and never looked back. To her, poetry has been the best form of therapy. She is a patient advocate of a rare chronic illness called Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome as she struggles with this herself. Her book, This Is Not the Girl I Was Supposed to Be—is an ode to sufferers of chronic illness (the monster that lives inside) and the strength she gained from it. Her other hobbies include reading, spending time exploring New York City, and enjoying her two mini dachshunds. She currently lives in New Jersey with her husband.