Diane Kessler grew up in Ohio, graduated from Oberlin College, and migrated to Massachusetts where she received an M.A. in Christian social ethics from Andover Newton Theological School. Her professional life has been dedicated to facilitating both ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue. Her short story, "Blindside," was a Editors' Pick for Solstice Literary Magazine's 2020 Summer Contest issue. "Conflicts of Interest" is her first novel.