Aspen Kidd is a writer, editor, and nurse, in that order. She has a BSN from the University of Nevada, Reno, and is currently an MFA candidate at the University of New Hampshire. When she isn’t busy trying to demystify humanity for herself via the written word, Aspen enjoys getting lost in the woods, reading books that give her the shivers, and pestering the snakes down by the river. Some of her current creative inspirations are Joyce Carol Oates, George Saunders, E. E. Cummings, and J. M. W. Turner.

Kelsey Wiles is a second-year MFA student at the University of New Hampshire with a focus in poetry. While writing an abundance of love poems, Kelsey is also teaching First-Year-Writing at UNH. After getting her undergraduate degree in education at the University of Vermont, she couldn’t be happier to be blending her passions. Beyond the university classroom, Kelsey teaches and takes dance classes across the seacoast. Put her in a pair of dance heels, and she can’t help but pretend to be Beyoncé’s backup dancer.

Hayley Carpenter is a second-year nonfiction MFA student at the University of New Hampshire. She received her bachelor’s degree in English (creative writing concentration) from Utah Valley University, as well as an associate’s in Humanities and Social Sciences. Hayley is also a TA at UNH and teaches First-Year Writing. This is ideal as she has lofty goals for a future tenured career. She loves 19th century fashion, swan motifs, Wedgwood jasperware, The Sims (but not EA), and quality time with her family.

Gavin Pritchard is a second year Fiction MFA student at the University of New Hampshire. Before he graduated with a BA in Writing at Ithaca College, Gavin was a published author and journalist. Since then, Gavin has worked as a full-time substitute teacher, an IndieReader tagline writer, a Music Hall literary intern, and even an Upstate New York land surveyor to afford his unhinged literary book collection.

Andrew Kelly is a second-year MFA candidate in poetry at the University of New Hampshire, where he also completed his undergrad in 2024. He enjoys reading creative work that kicks the imagination into high-gear and sounds unlike anybody else. He also loves to talk about movies way too much. He’ll even give you an unprompted watch recommendation based on your mood. His poetry can be found in Streetcake Magazine, Eunoia Review, and Wingless Dreamer.

Second-year UNH Fiction MFA student Frances Cooke is thrilled and honored to be part of this year’s Barnstorm editing team! This is their very first editorial position. They are a life-long learner about the visual arts, a lover of stories, and a big fan of both barns and storms. Frank can often be found reading comics, drawing, making muffins, or looking at the ocean. They look forward to serving this lovely literary community!