We are committed to sharing the words and photography of any woman in our beautiful community who chooses to submit. Hallaren Online showcases the wide ranging talent we receive in our inbox in creative, engaging mediums.
Sonja R. Berry - Poetry
Sonja Berry is currently enrolled in a UCLA writing certificate program, aspiring to pursue a writing career upon completion of 26 years of service to the US Air Force. Her work has been awarded Honorable Mention in the Inspirational/Spiritual category of the 90th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition and recent first publication of a CNF essay in Sunflowers at Midnight literary magazine. Poems published in Raw Literary Magazine and Tap into Poetry, and one forthcoming in Whimsical Press.
Twitter Handle: @SonjaRBerry1
Bri Brackett - Photography
Bri Brackett is a DIY enthusiast, avid adventurer and enjoying every bit of this human experience. You can find her chasing after her 2 boys, snapping photos, making home videos, RVing, helping her (Air Force) hubby with house projects and cheering on her friends!
Kristy Bell - Photography
Kristy Bell is a Navy retiree and current Department of the Army civilian who lives and works in south Georgia. Her writing and photography feature a wide variety of subjects but frequently explore humans' connection with the natural world. She has work forthcoming in Snake Nation Press Review.
Her moving story, "The Loropetalum", will be featured in Hallaren's print magazine, March 2023.
Kae Chatman - Poetry
Kae Chatman is a poet, veteran, and former university professor. Born in New York City and raised in Arkansas, Kae joined the military in 1976 and specialized in Army Intelligence, during which time she received an Army Commendation Medal. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Wichita State University, and an MA and PhD in Philosophy from Kansas University. Kae has taught at Philander Smith College and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, among others. She still lives in Arkansas with her wife and beautiful dachshund.
We will be publishing her poems Container Gardening and Camp Galilee in the print edition of Hallaren scheduled for publication March 2024.
Jillian Mackinder - Essay & Photography
Jillian Mackinder is a military brat turned spouse. She married her husband who serves in the USAF when he entered service 14 years ago. They have enjoyed 6 stations together and are thankful for the many friends and AF family they have met along the way.
Jillian grew up moving quite frequently and is thankful for the experiences, opportunities, and exposure to people in all walks of life that being the daughter of a USAF AD member provided her. Her passion for photography started when she and her husband were stationed at Lajes AB, Azores and she felt a desire to take the island with her when she left, and she has felt a strong connection with capturing memories every since. Jillian is the mother of two boys, 7 and 4, who keep her busy and give her lots of writing material for both subjects.
Kristin Hurtig - Poetry
Kristin Hurtig served in the Illinois Army National Guard for 12 years. Deployed once. She enlisted when she was 32 right before September 11 2001. She has been writing all her life, a way of release and to share any inspiration with others. She has published a few poetry books. She is a chef, working on operating a food truck.