Named after a Civil War Navy hero, Bill Cushing was born into a military family, living in various states, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. He worked as an electrician in the Navy and on oil tankers, naval vessels, and fishing boats.  As a writer, Bill has been published in various literary journals, magazines, and newspapers. A Former Life, his collection of poems, was released last June by Finishing Line Press. When not lecturing or writing, Bill facilitates a writing workshop in Eagle Rock. Running as the Libertarian candidate for the United States House of Representatives in 2010, Bill has been a featured speaker on the issue of free speech and censorship for local party chapters and area schools.