Spruce Island lies off the northeast end of Kodiak Island in the Gulf of Alaska. The community of Kodiak is 10 air miles south of the main Spruce Island village of Ouzinkie, which is located on the southwest shore. Anchorage is 247 air miles to the northeast. Spruce Island is characterized by swampy areas, volcanic and sedimentary rock, and an abundance of tall spruce trees. It is famous as the home of the Venerable Herman, a Russian Orthodox monk who lived on the Island in the 18th century. He devoted 40 years of his life in service to the indigenous community. St. Herman of Alaska was the first canonized Russian Orthodox saint in North America.

Spruce Island has 222 full-time residents. Ninety-one percent of Ouzinkie's population is of Aleut descent, with the majority being lifelong residents. The cabin and land ,which was donated to Jessie and Salmon Publishing, is at Sunny Cove, a few miles from Ouzinkie. The plan is to develop a Writers' Retreat and Healing Centre on the 2.5 acres.