Bert A. Haagenstad has integrated his life experiences into stories since he first began writing at twelve. Raised on the robust plains of South Dakota farms, Bert developed a deep-seated work ethic and a clandestine passion for storytelling. He drew inspiration from his colorful dreams and occasional nightmares. His unique method of sketching images from these dreams served as a creative outlet and a means to conquer his fears.

In his twenties, Bert’s fascination with animals led him to work for a veterinarian, deepening his understanding of animal behavior. His success in training a highly ranked White German Shepherd inspired a fourteen-year hobby of training dogs of all breeds. His literary works are as diverse as his interests, spanning from dog training guides—still a work in progress—to fantasy and murder mysteries. On April 14, 2023, Bert realized a lifelong dream by publishing The First Easter Egg, a children’s religious picture book. Bert’s life and work affirm his belief: he is, at heart, a storyteller whose greatest thrill comes from bringing his dreams to life through his writing.