Want a free sampler of Phyllis' work? Click here to join one of her circles of readers. Phyllis Cole-Dai began pecking away on an old manual typewriter in childhood and never stopped. Her work explores things that tend to divide us, so that we might wrestle our way into deeper understandings of ourselves and others. She has authored or edited eleven books in multiple genres, including historical fiction, memoir, and poetry. Her latest book is Staying Power: Writings from a Pandemic Year (2021). Other recent titles include For the Sake of One We Love and Are Losing: A Meditative Poem & Journal; Beneath the Same Stars: A Novel of the 1862 U.S.-Dakota War; and Poetry of Presence: An Anthology of Mindfulness Poetry (co-edited with Ruby R. Wilson). Personal Background Born in 1962 in the farming community of Mt. Blanchard, Ohio, Phyllis eventually graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (English, 1984) from Goshen College; a Master of Theological Studies (1987) from the Methodist Theological School; and a Master of Arts (English, 1993) from The Ohio State University. Phyllis now lives with her scientist-husband, college-bound son, and two cats in a cozy 130-year-old house in Brookings, South Dakota. Speaking Phyllis has long been in demand as a public speaker. She has appeared in all kinds of settings—religious, spiritual, educational, philanthropic, social-service, and civic. She still presents as her busy schedule allows. Please contact her if you would like to discuss booking possibilities.