Katrina Byrd, writer and playwright living in Jackson, MS, received her MFA in Creative Writing from Mississippi University for Women. An emerging writer published in several magazines, Byrd is a six time Arts Commussion grantvrecipient. Diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS) - 100% fatal- November 18, 2019, Dora - Katrina Byrd’s partner of 23 years - died on February 2, 2020, 76 days after diagnosis. A few weeks after Dora’s death, Byrd’s advocacy work began. For the past four years, Byrd has become fluent in telling hard and uncomfortable stories. With her business, Byrd offers virtual writing courses and coaching services for writers, creatives and advocates. With her Boa Flouncer alter ego, she inspires, motivates and spreads joy.