Laura Kudey (Aka Laura K. Ito) might love writing gritty and murderous sci-fi, but in real life, Laura is an optimistic, weird soul. As a retired pastry chef, former art and theater teacher, playwright, cancer survivor, foster mom, and Japanese-Italian American, Laura paints words from a unique perspective. She enjoys expressing her heritages and passions through speculative stories and impressionism art.

She has written and directed two Secondary School plays entitled The Novel Life of Tessa Gloom, and The Sounds of Praise. These plays were praised on a local radio show and news program. She’s won the pitch contest at the Montrose Writer’s Conference, took second place in Blue Ridge Conference’s Essay Contest with A Superseding Hope, and was a finalist at Rutgers Writers Conference with her short story Two Darling Rules. Laura has a vibrant social media presence on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook. Look her up at @LauraKudey

Laura bleeds words and is passionate about creating strong diverse characters, not unlike herself, with a voice that must be heard. To capture Laura’s attention, please reference Doctor Who, Vincent Van Gogh, The Lord of The Rings, or come bearing kittens.

Laura and her husband of twelve years live in one continuous adventure. They have one energetic son, Riker, and are at the mercy of three mischievous cats, Petra, Alixia, and Mr. Darcy.