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MARY  DANSAK

What a divine grace it is to be included in the living world. What a miracle it is to walk among it all.


from Behold, Essays Into Wonder


I'm Mary Dansak. I am a writer, an equestrian, and a naturalist. 


For as long as I can remember, writing, horses, and nature have been my passions. After retiring from a 30-year career in science education, I am once again pursuing my lifelong dreams of writing, riding, and chasing rich, personal experiences with the wild, wild world. 


In addition to writing a weekly newspaper column, I work as a legacy writer for a horse and cattle ranch, and dabble in a variety of freelance writing assignments. Most of my writing is a hybrid of nature essays and memoir, grounded in story and steeped in place. 


I live in Alabama with my husband and our three little dogs. Our three daughters, son-in-law, and two granddaughters provide endless inspiration and hope for a future which respects and values the tremendous gifts of our natural world.

Books by Mary Dansak

BoX Turtles, Hooligans, and Love, Sweet Love

From a Reader

 I love this collection of stories. Every one of them teaches me something. I sit down to read one & end up lost reading several. If you love learning about the wild world around you mixed with real life anecdotes, you’ll love Mary’s book! 

Purchase box turtles, hooligans, and love, sweet lovediscussion guide for box turtles, hooligans, and love, sweet love

Behold: Essays Into Wonder

Behold: Essays Into Wonder

From exalting the wonders of bald-faced hornets to the other-wordly cuteness of baby donkeys, author Mary Dansak frequently falls back on the simple word, BEHOLD. In this collection of essays, Mary weaves her unique style of storytelling with hard science, life lessons, and humanity. 

Purchase Behold: Essays Into Wonder

Stay Connected

LOOk Homeward, Horse: my substack publication

Look Homeward, Horse is a free publication for curious, wonder-seeking, animal-loving readers who appreciation a connection to critters, nature, and others in community. I'd love for you to join us here. 

Look Homeward, Horse

Copyright © 2026 Mary Dansak - All Rights Reserved.

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