John Welsh
John Welsh is a longtime resident of Alaska, having lived and worked in several villages across the state. Over the years, he has taught high school English in remote communities, fished commercially with his own boats, and worked in forestry and other demanding trades.
Beyond Alaska, he has owned and operated commercial trucks throughout Mexico and managed timber operations in the Sierra Nevada and Northern California. These diverse experiences brought him into close connection with many Native Alaskan and Native American communities, shaping his deep respect for their culture, resilience, and traditions.
During his many years in Sitka and throughout Southeast Alaska, Welsh gained a unique understanding of the region’s people and way of life. His writing reflects this lived experience, allowing readers of The Drums of Sitka to feel as though they are walking the streets and landscapes alongside his characters.
Authentic Alaskan Storytelling
Having lived and raised his family in Sitka, John developed a strong connection to Indigenous communities and Alaskan culture. His writing blends history, survival, tradition, and emotional truth into stories that reflect the true heartbeat of Alaska.
Commercial Fishing & Coastal Life
For many seasons, John worked as a commercial fisherman in Southeast Alaska, navigating harsh waters and living among coastal communities. These experiences deeply shaped the realism and atmosphere found throughout his novels.
Teaching Across Alaska
John Welsh taught high school English in remote villages throughout Alaska, including communities along the Yukon River, the North Coast, and the Aleutian chain. His years as an educator gave him firsthand insight into the people, traditions, and challenges of rural Alaskan life.