Meet the Founders
Working hard to make great books that take the sting out of living with Type 1 Diabetes.

Clint Cargile
Clint has worked as an English instructor, freelance writer, magazine editor, academic conference coordinator, public radio producer, landscaper, dish washer, car washer, dog washer, and veterinary assistant.
He has a BA in English from the University of Alabama and an MFA in creative writing from Southern Illinois University. He is the author of two history books, Five Mile Spur Line: A Railroad History of Sycamore, Illinois (2014) and In Search of a Fair Wind: The Sea Letters of Georgia Townsend Yates, 1891-1892 (2017).
Since he and Gillian’s oldest daughter was diagnosed with T1D in 2014, the topic of diabetes has never left Clint’s mind, and he wants Poke Prize Press to offer a little help and a little hope to all those who live with this chronic condition.

Gillian King-Cargile
Gillian King-Cargile is passionate about creating books, digital media, events, and experiences that help people learn more about the world around them. She has a B.A. in Film Production and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Southern Illinois University.
Gillian is the author of several books and stories for adults and children. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Horror Writers Association.
In everything she does, Gillian seeks to use humor and creativity to kindle a love of reading and learning. She hopes that Poke Prize Press can provide comfort, knowledge, and laughs to everyone impacted by Type 1 Diabetes.
Learn about Gillian’s work at gilliankingcargile.com.
Our Collaborators
Great minds think alike! Whether it’s the playful palette we should choose to bring a diabetic space wizard to life or the amount of shark diarrhea we can safely put on a back cover, we depend on our creative partners to help us bring out the best in our illustration and storytelling.
