Clare Frank

After 30 years in the fire service, Clare Frank retired as California’s first female chief of fire protection and launched her writing career. Her critically acclaimed debut book, BURNT: A MEMOIR OF FIGHTING FIRE (Abrams Press, 2023), was long-listed for the 2023 Outstanding Works of Literature Awards and received praise from the San Francisco Chronicle, Kirkus Reviews, Christian Science Monitor, Library Journal, Shelf Awareness, Booklist, New York Post, and more. Frank has also written for the New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, CNN Opinion, FireRescue1, and others. She holds a BS in fire command, an MFA in creative writing, and a Juris doctorate. Her second book, JUST ONE MORE GAME: A PICKLEBALL QUEST (Abrams Press, 2026), is a humorous look at her obsession with America's fastest growing sport. Frank lives on the eastern front of the Sierra-Nevada Mountains with her husband, many pickleball paddles, and always a dog or two.