08/29/2026
PEGGY "GIGI" HOOPER
Artist & Illustrators of the Future Winner – Biography
I always drew inspiration from my fascination with the worlds of young adult and children’s literature and movies. My artistic journey was marked by an experimental nature that occasionally led to the unintentional destruction of personal property—a habit subtly encouraged by a supportive mother who fueled my creative endeavors. Sorry Mom, but thanks.
After completing my studies at George Fox University and earning my B.A. in Illustration, I embarked on a journey as an artist with a penchant for exploration. Embracing a diverse palette of mediums, including photography, digital art, and traditional mixed media. As an illustrator who embodies a creative kaleidoscope, I take pride in exploring various art forms to express my unique vision. My work is a testament to playful exploration, weaving together vibrant narratives and perspectives to create immersive experiences. Evolving constantly, I find inspiration in the freedom of combining varied art forms, resulting in a rich tapestry of vibrant narration and textured storytelling, inviting audiences to step into a world where thoughts bend toward wonder.
As a freelancer, I operate “9INE8IGHT” which is a creative studio currently in its early stages. My business is continuously evolving as I seek out new opportunities. I reside in Newberg, Oregon, where I live with my husband and sister. In my free time, I continue to enhance my skills through continuing education. I also enjoy exploring Oregon's picturesque hiking trails, and the occasional sip of my Bustelo cafecito while immersing myself in a good ol’ comic book, children's book, or post-apocalyptic dystopian story.
Find out more about Gigi at: www.GigiHooper.com
MIKE JACK STOUMBOS
Author & Writers of the Future Winner – Biography
Mike Jack Stoumbos is a speculative fiction author and editor. He lives with his wife, their parrot, and their puppy. His work can be found on his Amazon Author Page. In his writing and workshop teaching, Mike Jack strives to bring joy, humor, and compassion--especially in genre fiction, which could do with fewer bleak and gritty stories.
Mike Jack grew up in the Pacific Northwest with his (big) Greek family among a rich culture of storytelling, and with a personal drive to create art. Even from an early age, he was drawing board games and comic books; he could be easily coaxed into reciting a Disney movie start-to-finish, including songs and character voices. He performed his first paying musical theatre role at age 11; wrote a novel (a whopping 220-thousand word saga) at 15; and produced his first stageplay at 17.
Before becoming a high school English teacher, Mike Jack spent a year working as a non-fiction writer and editor, as well as self-publishing The Baron Would Be Proud (2012), so he could bring his personal experience to the classroom. In the summer of 2019, Mike Jack made a commitment to prioritize his passion for writing, and has since been keeping daily word habits and braving the short-story submission circuit.
Mike Jack has published short fiction in several anthologies since 2020 and won 1st place in the Writers of the Future Contest (2021). His space opera series, THIS FINE CREW, is published by Theogony Books of Chris Kennedy Publishing, starting with The Signal Out Of Space. In addition, Mike Jack began speaking at conventions and teaching workshops for emerging authors, as well as writing articles for The Book Break. In 2023, he and his wife launched WonderBird Press, LLC, to focus on short story publication.
As of 2025, Mike Jack Stoumbos writes fiction and nonfiction on a contract basis and continues to edit anthologies for WonderBird Press. He now teaches adult learners creative writing and (strange though it may sound) how to play various board games.
Find out more about Mike at: www.MikeJackStoumbos.com
