The Virginia G. Piper
Center for Creative Writing

Ora Smith is the author and illustrator of the Christmas children's picture book "A Christmas Story of Light." As an author, genealogist and artist, Ora blends her understanding and unique skills to create faith inspired stories and children’s picture books. She received her Master of Arts in Creative Writing at Wilkes University. She writes both nonfiction and fiction and won the 2017 Phoenix Rattlers contest for historical fiction. She guest posted the article “Using Ancestors’ Stories in Fiction” on Almost An Author magazine website. Her blog, Writing About Ancestors, helps others creating historical fiction or creative nonfiction based on their ancestors' lives.