Naomi Ulsted

About Naomi Ulsted

Naomi is the author of the fiery debut young adult novel, THE APOLOGY BOX, due out in Winter 2021 through Idle Time Press.

When a forest fire devastates a small Oregon town, everyone comes together to rebuild. Everyone except 16 year-old Tessa. Because she set the fire.

Her own future plans up in smoke, Tessa is left with fines to pay, community service hours to give, and above all, even as her guilt weighs her down, a fierce rage burns brighter than the fire she set. An unlikely friendship with a cranky older woman and the key to a decade old secret might be Tessa’s only pathway through the fire to a new life.

Naomi also writes memoir and screenplays. She was the winner of a 2018 Oregon Literary Arts Fellowship and her work has been published by NARRATIVELY, THE FORGE, and MUD SEASON REVIEW, among others.

In addition to her writing, Naomi has had a long-time career working with underprivileged young adults. Much of her professional career was spent working in the Job Corps program, a residential training facility at-risk young people. She's now the Director of Bob Belloni Ranch, a counseling and residential treatment program for teens. She a firm believer in possibility and human potential.

She lives on the southern coast of Oregon with her husband and two boys. She likes to consider herself a home-grown, trial-by-fire expert on balancing creative work, family and career. Not without some added grey hairs, but she's dyed those pink, so it's fine.

Naomi is happy to talk with anyone who will listen about books, writing, education, young people, or possibly costumes and cosplay. More information about Naomi can be found at www.naomiulsted.com.