Joy Riggs grew up in Alexandria, Minnesota, and graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in news-editorial journalism. She specializes in writing about history, travel, and parenting. Her essays, articles, and award-winning columns have appeared in numerous publications, including the Star Tribune, Minnesota Parent, The Manifest-Station, BLUNTmoms, and the Des Moines Register. She lives in Northfield, Minnesota, and serves on the boards of the Vintage Band Festival and the Deep Valley Book Festival.