Sonja directs the Creative Writing Program at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. A professor and essayist from Rochester, Sonja’s work is deeply rooted in social justice and place. She is the author of four acclaimed books, including Ghostbread and Queen of the Fall, which was selected as a Rochester Reads title in 2016. Sonja’s writing has received numerous honors, including awards from the Association of Writers & Writing Programs and the New York Foundation for the Arts. She brings a lifelong commitment to literary arts, education, and community engagement to the Writers & Books board.