Alumni

Writers who have taken Writing for Animals classes, and where to find their work.

Photo of Gregory F. Tague, Ph.D.

Gregory F. Tague, Ph.D.

Gregory’s most recent book on the theme of plants, animals, and political philosophy is Forest Sovereignty: Wildlife Sustainability and Ethics (Oxford: Peter Lang). The book is due out in August 2025; see his website for details. Gregory is also the editor of Literary Veganism: An Online Journal.

Website

Photo of Jeri Weems

Jeri Weems

Jeri Weems is author (under the pen name of Elizabeth Stiles) of Safe Haven – Where Hope Lives — a story that intricately weaves together themes of loss, resilience, and the unexplainable, culminating in a poignant exploration of the power of love, healing, and the interconnectedness of all beings.

Website

Photo of Kathleen Laufenberg

Kathleen Laufenberg

Kathleen’s short stories have appeared in the Whitefish Review, the Palo Alto Review, espresso ink, Between Two Rivers: Stories from the Red Hills to the Gulf and elsewhere.

Photo of Kim Stallwood

Kim Stallwood

For four decades, Kim Stallwood has had a front seat in the animal rights movement, starting at the grassroots in England and working his way up to leadership positions at some of the best-known organizations in the world, including Compassion In World Farming, the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection, and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

Website

Photo of Madeleine Dale

Madeleine Dale

Madeleine is author of A Pangolin Slept on Buddha’s Lap: A Novel About the Wonders of Wildlife and the Trials of Conservation.

Website

Photo of Nadja Lubiw-Hazard

Nadja Lubiw-Hazard

Nadja writes for both adults and children. Her short story collection, The Life a Creature, will be published in April 2026.

Website

Past participants say

“The Writing for Animals course content and writing prompts helped me improve as a writer. This online class provided just the focus I need as I work on my nature blog and novel series. In addition, I now belong to a community of authors who are writing about and for animals. Midge and John are terrific teachers!”
Nona Schrader
“I thoroughly enjoyed this class from the reading material and the writing prompts to the presentations and exercises. As a first-time writer it really helped me to understand the craft of writing for animals and gave me the opportunity and confidence to start writing on a regular basis. Thank you to John and Midge.”
Isy V.
“John and Midge provide comprehensive insights from their personal work as writers and professional viewpoints as publishers. The information is thoughtfully organized and presented with heart, warmth, and sincerity. It’s hard to find all of that in one place but in Writing for Animals, I did.”
S. Portico Bowman
“John and Midge are knowledgeable, positive, and generous. Their class is one part support group, one part craft lesson, one part animal education, and one part industry talk. Their experience as writers, publishers, and animal lovers translates into a comprehensive class. It is hands-down the best I’ve attended about the publishing industry. I came away with two concrete story ideas and more confidence querying my work.”
Heather Marie Spitzberg