Author Spotlight

Laurel Downing Bill

My work focuses on bringing Alaska's history to life through engaging, story-driven nonfiction. I strive to make history accessible, accurate, and entertaining for readers of all ages, blending careful research with vivid storytelling and historical photographs. Much of my work is inspired by the writings of my late aunt, historian Phyllis Downing Carlson, whose legacy I have continued through the Aunt Phil's Trunk series. I want readers to feel connected to Alaska’s past—to see the people, challenges, and triumphs that shaped this remarkable place.

I wrote this book to preserve and share stories that might otherwise be forgotten. Alaska's history is rich, colorful, and often surprising, but many of its stories are scattered or inaccessible. By gathering and presenting them in an engaging way, I hope to make that history available to a wider audience while honoring the voices and experiences that came before us.

I currently am working on my family’s story—being third-generation Alaskan on both sides of my family—because readers keep urging me to do so. I also continue to develop new projects that expand on the themes of my earlier work. I'm especially interested in uncovering lesser-known stories and presenting them in ways that appeal to both general readers and educators. I’m also continuing to speak and share Alaska history with audiences in person and next year may be the historian aboard several cruises along the Inside Passage of Alaska.

I'm grateful to readers who share my curiosity about Alaska’s past. History isn't just about dates and event. it's about people and stories that still resonate today. If my books encourage readers to explore, ask questions, or see Alaska in a new way, then I've accomplished what I set out to do.

My experience with The US Review of Books has been very positive. Their thoughtful and thorough review reflected a genuine understanding of my work and its purpose. I appreciate their commitment to highlighting independent authors and bringing attention to books that might otherwise be overlooked.

About the Author: Laurel Downing Bill is an Alaska historian, author, and speaker best known for her award-winning Aunt Phil’s Trunk Alaska history series, which received the 2016 Literary Classics International Award for Best Nonfiction Series. A lifelong Alaskan born in Fairbanks, she brings the state's history to life through engaging storytelling grounded in extensive research and archival photography. She is also the author of Sourdough Cookery, featuring 100 recipes and a historic sourdough starter dating to her great-grandfather from 1896 Hope, Alaska.

Bill’s work has earned multiple honors from the Alaska Professional Communicators, Eric Hoffer Awards, Readers’ Favorite, Book Excellence and others. A University of Alaska Anchorage graduate in journalism and history, she began her writing career after inheriting the papers of her aunt, noted historian Phyllis Downing Carlson. Today, Bill continues to write, publish, and present Alaska history to audiences nationwide, often appearing in period costume.

Her works include Aunt Phil’s Trunk Volume One (Up to 1900); Volume Two (1900-1912); Volume Three (1912-1935); Volume Four (1935-1960); Volume Five (1960-1984); and high school curriculum for the Alaska history series.