Authors and Works Ambrose Bierce: Known as ?Bitter Bierce? for his attitude of ?Nothing matters.? Wrote An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge. William Bradford: Typical first settler in New England. Puritan. Came on the Mayflower and had a tough time in America. Of Plymouth Plantation describes how America is a nation dedicated to and sustained by God. Anne Bradstreet: First poet and female writer in the British North American colonies to be published. Wrote To My Dear and Loving Husband and Upon the Burning of our House.