Loren Mayshark was fortunate to have parents who offered him opportunities to see the world and introduce him to many exciting places which instilled in him a passion for travel. As his wanderlust grew, he journeyed to more than thirty US states and at least as many foreign countries while visiting four continents. After college, he supported his itinerant lifestyle by working dozens of jobs including: golf caddy, travel writer, construction worker, fireworks salesman, substitute teacher, and vineyard laborer. Predominantly his jobs have been in the restaurant industry. He cut his teeth as a server, Maître D, and bartender at San Francisco's historic Fisherman's Grotto #9, the original restaurant on the Fisherman's Wharf. While working with a colorful crew of primarily Mexican and Chinese co-workers, he gained a passion for Spanish and spent several months wandering through South America. While living in New York City he attended both the famed Gotham Writers' Workshop and the prestigious New York Writers Workshop where he was inspired to assiduously learn the craft of writing. He is a regular contributor to Can the Man(cantheman.com), an alternative media resource focused on social justice, and the Jovial Journey (thejovialjourney.com), a website dedicated to food, drink, and travel. He has written for The Permaculture Research Institute and Uisio among other prominent outlets. He received a B.A. in World History from Manhattanville College in 2004 while minoring in World Religions. He attended the M.A. History program at Hunter College in Manhattan. Loren Mayshark’s first book Death: An Exploration won the 2016 Beverly Hills Book Award in the category of Death and Dying and is a finalist for book of the year in the 2016 Foreword INDIES Awards in the category of Grief/Grieving (Adult Nonfiction).