Karen Speerstra was a writer, editor, and the author of ten books, including the Nautilus gold medal winner, Sophia: The Feminine Face of God. Karen lived courageously and creatively with ovarian cancer for ten years until she died in November 2013, shortly after completing the manuscript for The Divine Art of Dying. Herbert Anderson remains active as a Lutheran pastor and has served as a hospital chaplain, pastoral counselor, and seminary professor of pastoral theology and care. He is the author or coauthor of thirteen books and over one hundred articles on dying and grieving, family living, ritual and stories, spirituality, and masculinity. He lives in Sonoma, California. Dr. Ira Byock is a leading medical authority and public advocate for improving care through the end of life. He is a past president of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine and is the founder and chief medical officer of the Institute for Human Caring, a component of Providence healthcare system. His books include Dying Well, The Four Things That Matter Most, and The Best Care Possible. He lives in Missoula, Montana.
