Liam Campbell

Dana Stabenow is an American author born in 1952, whose literary output spans science fiction, mystery, crime fiction, suspense, and historical adventure novels. Many of her works are deeply rooted in her home state of Alaska, drawing heavily on its geography, geology, weather, and wildlife, reflecting her upbringing in the region. Stabenow holds a BA in journalism from the University of Alaska and later pursued an MFA. Her career began with science fiction, but she gained significant recognition with her mystery series, particularly the Kate Shugak series, which earned her an Edgar Award. She was also recognized as Alaska Artist of the Year in 2007. Beyond her writing, Stabenow founded Storyknife Writers Retreat, a non-profit organization supporting women writers.

Dana Stabenow's novels frequently feature Alaska as a central element, incorporating detailed descriptions of its natural environment. This deep connection to the state stems from her own childhood, where she was raised by a mother who worked on a fish tender in the Gulf of Alaska. This immersive setting is a hallmark of her work, providing a rich backdrop for her narratives. Her writing encompasses a range of genres, including science fiction and mystery, demonstrating a versatility that appeals to a broad audience. Stabenow's ability to weave compelling stories with vivid regional detail has made her a prominent voice in contemporary American literature.

Stabenow is widely recognized for her distinct book series. Her science fiction work includes the 'Star Svensdotter' series. In the realm of mystery, she is celebrated for the 'Kate Shugak' series, which launched with 'A Cold Day for Murder,' a novel that received the Edgar Award for Best Paperback Original in 1993. She also created the 'Liam Campbell' series, featuring Alaska State Troopers, and the 'Eye of Isis' series, set in ancient Egypt during Cleopatra VII's reign. Her historical adventure trilogy, 'Silk and Song,' follows the journey of Wu Johanna. Stabenow's contributions to literature were further acknowledged when she was named Alaska Artist of the Year in 2007.

In addition to her prolific writing career, Dana Stabenow is the founder and president of the board of directors for the Storyknife Writers Retreat. This non-profit organization is dedicated to fostering and supporting women writers. The retreat's name is inspired by a Yup'ik tool used for storytelling. Established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in 2014, Storyknife began offering residencies in Stabenow's personal guest cottage before constructing dedicated cabins on a ten-acre property in Homer, Alaska. The facility, completed in 2020, hosts a significant number of women writers annually, providing them with dedicated time and space for their creative work.