Gloria Zachgo is a Kansas-based author known for her evocative storytelling centered on ordinary people navigating life's challenges. Her debut novel, "The Rocking Horse," originated from a short story inspired by the prompts of a gingerbread man and a toy horse, evolving into a tale of a young woman guided by an enigmatic toy. She further explored human resilience in her second novel, "Never Waste Tears," which weaves together five distinct narratives set in 1860s Kansas, capturing the era's hardships and triumphs. Her latest work, "Hush Girl: It’s Only a Dream," delves into the psychological journey of protagonist Nicki Reed as she confronts her past.
Born and raised on a Lincoln County farm, Zachgo attended one of the last one-room schoolhouses in the U.S. before studying at Brown Mackie Business School. After living out of state, she returned to Kansas, balancing family life with a small home business before pursuing her passion for writing. Joining a creative writing group in 2006 marked a turning point, where she discovered her talent for crafting fictional short stories. Her writing often allows characters to dictate their own paths, resulting in emotionally resonant narratives grounded in Midwestern authenticity. Zachgo and her husband now reside in Wichita, where she continues to draw inspiration from her Kansas roots.