It comes as no surprise that Michael Perry — bestselling author of Population: 485, Peaceful Persistence, and his most recent Forty Acres Deep — once again hit number one. After all, the guy’s won this category since the poll’s genesis in 2007. UWEC prof, Chippewa Valley Writers Guild and Midwest Artist Academy founder, and Most Wholesome Guy in Town B.J. Hollars nabbed number two, with his forthcoming Wisconsin for Kennedy out this March. The list rounds out with Godspeed author Nickolas Butler, with a heart for America’s heartland. Fun fact: These three have topped the list since 2016. —Rebecca Mennecke