Janet Halfmann
South Milwaukee, WI
Janet Halfmann is an award-winning children's author who strives to make her books come alive for young readers and listeners. Many of her picture books are about animals and nature. She also writes picture book biographies about little-known people of achievement. Janet has written more than forty fiction and nonfiction books for children.
Previously, Janet was a daily newspaper reporter, children's magazine editor, and a creator of coloring and activity books. She is the mother of four and the grandmother of six. Janet enjoys gardening, exploring nature, visiting living-history museums, and spending time with her family. She grew up on a farm in Michigan, and now lives with her husband in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Find out more at www.janethalfmannauthor.com.
South Milwaukee, WI
Janet Halfmann is an award-winning children's author who strives to make her books come alive for young readers and listeners. Many of her picture books are about animals and nature. She also writes picture book biographies about little-known people of achievement. Janet has written more than forty fiction and nonfiction books for children.
Previously, Janet was a daily newspaper reporter, children's magazine editor, and a creator of coloring and activity books. She is the mother of four and the grandmother of six. Janet enjoys gardening, exploring nature, visiting living-history museums, and spending time with her family. She grew up on a farm in Michigan, and now lives with her husband in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Find out more at www.janethalfmannauthor.com.
Patti Procopi
Gloucester, Virginia
A former Army brat, Patti Procopi lived all over the world before settling in the rural community of Gloucester, Virginia. There with her husband, Greg, they raised three daughters and numerous cats and dogs.
Patti worked for two area history museums for over thirty years and after retiring decided it was time to try for the career she had always dreamed of - being a writer.
She had a few missteps along the way but her first novel was published last year.
When not working on her next novel Patti spends time gardening, doing yoga and rescuing raptors for a wildlife rehab facility. She and her husband also love to travel and hope to be able to go someplace this year.
Gloucester, Virginia
A former Army brat, Patti Procopi lived all over the world before settling in the rural community of Gloucester, Virginia. There with her husband, Greg, they raised three daughters and numerous cats and dogs.
Patti worked for two area history museums for over thirty years and after retiring decided it was time to try for the career she had always dreamed of - being a writer.
She had a few missteps along the way but her first novel was published last year.
When not working on her next novel Patti spends time gardening, doing yoga and rescuing raptors for a wildlife rehab facility. She and her husband also love to travel and hope to be able to go someplace this year.
Brandylane Publishers, Inc.
Richmond, VA
Brandylane is a small, independent press, founded in 1985, that publishes fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and children's books. We believe that books make a difference, that lives and the world are changed by the power of words and images, and that large publishing houses neglect a wealth of good writing. Unlike most larger publishers, we're accessible and love to hear from readers, writers, and booklovers.
Richmond, VA
Brandylane is a small, independent press, founded in 1985, that publishes fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and children's books. We believe that books make a difference, that lives and the world are changed by the power of words and images, and that large publishing houses neglect a wealth of good writing. Unlike most larger publishers, we're accessible and love to hear from readers, writers, and booklovers.
Bridgette Fowler
Powhatan, Virginia
Bridgette Fowler worked in the field of healthcare for thirty years. She began her career in audiology helping the youngest ears hear, and ended it ensuring elderly ears could continue to hear the words of their younger counterparts. Today, she is reaching out to all those same ears through her poetry. Writing poems that are both poignant and whimsical, her words speak directly to the issues faced by our youth. She is an avid proponent of mindfulness meditation and touts the practice as a means to keep both mind and body healthy. Additionally, seeing an ever more present disconnect between adults and children, she seeks to bring the generations together by melding her two loves: poetry and mindfulness.
Powhatan, Virginia
Bridgette Fowler worked in the field of healthcare for thirty years. She began her career in audiology helping the youngest ears hear, and ended it ensuring elderly ears could continue to hear the words of their younger counterparts. Today, she is reaching out to all those same ears through her poetry. Writing poems that are both poignant and whimsical, her words speak directly to the issues faced by our youth. She is an avid proponent of mindfulness meditation and touts the practice as a means to keep both mind and body healthy. Additionally, seeing an ever more present disconnect between adults and children, she seeks to bring the generations together by melding her two loves: poetry and mindfulness.
T.L. Wynne
Newport News, VA
As a writer T.L Wynne’s purpose is to focus on eradicating the negative misconceptions that our society has on young African American fathers and their relationship with their children, by illustrating a father as a positive role model.
With the belief that all children deserve to be represented in the stories that they read, his stories not only embrace the positivity of fatherhood, but they also express the importance of culturally diverse literature.
Newport News, VA
As a writer T.L Wynne’s purpose is to focus on eradicating the negative misconceptions that our society has on young African American fathers and their relationship with their children, by illustrating a father as a positive role model.
With the belief that all children deserve to be represented in the stories that they read, his stories not only embrace the positivity of fatherhood, but they also express the importance of culturally diverse literature.
Craig Bradley
Vienna, Virginia
Craig Bradley is an avid hiker and traveler who often chronicles his adventures for his family and friends. He has lived and traveled extensively throughout Asia. Intrigued by the tales of Marco Polo as a child, he often imagined what it might have been like to be Marco’s younger brother—and so Peter Polo was born. Craig currently lives in Virginia with his wife and two sons and travels whenever possible.
Vienna, Virginia
Craig Bradley is an avid hiker and traveler who often chronicles his adventures for his family and friends. He has lived and traveled extensively throughout Asia. Intrigued by the tales of Marco Polo as a child, he often imagined what it might have been like to be Marco’s younger brother—and so Peter Polo was born. Craig currently lives in Virginia with his wife and two sons and travels whenever possible.
Chris Register
Charlottesville, VA
Chris Register served in the Peace Corps, graduated Georgetown Law, and litigated cases in U.S. district court before undertaking the Conversations With US project. This 50-state, 16,000-mile bicycling exploration of America now invites readers to ride along and connect with the landscapes and people of our shared nation.
Charlottesville, VA
Chris Register served in the Peace Corps, graduated Georgetown Law, and litigated cases in U.S. district court before undertaking the Conversations With US project. This 50-state, 16,000-mile bicycling exploration of America now invites readers to ride along and connect with the landscapes and people of our shared nation.
Podium RVA
Richmond, VA
Podium RVA is Richmond’s only free and consistent literacy program for young people across the greater region. Our mission is to empower underserved youth ages 10-19 with the skills to become confident and capable writers, communicators, and leaders to succeed in school, career, and life. Podium’s approach is based on three program tiers: 1) Foundational Education, 2) Crafting Your Inner Communicator, and 3) Understanding Your Professional Self. Podium operates a range of programs, each aiming to increase the self-esteem and creative reach of Richmond’s youth, as well as strengthen cooperative talents and skills they will use in their transition to college and/or the professional world. All programs impact youth by improving writing and communication skills, professional and collegiate development, social behavior, leadership, and by using writing as a coping tool for stress and trauma.
Richmond, VA
Podium RVA is Richmond’s only free and consistent literacy program for young people across the greater region. Our mission is to empower underserved youth ages 10-19 with the skills to become confident and capable writers, communicators, and leaders to succeed in school, career, and life. Podium’s approach is based on three program tiers: 1) Foundational Education, 2) Crafting Your Inner Communicator, and 3) Understanding Your Professional Self. Podium operates a range of programs, each aiming to increase the self-esteem and creative reach of Richmond’s youth, as well as strengthen cooperative talents and skills they will use in their transition to college and/or the professional world. All programs impact youth by improving writing and communication skills, professional and collegiate development, social behavior, leadership, and by using writing as a coping tool for stress and trauma.
Margaret Rodenberg
Reston, VA
Margaret Rodenberg's debut novel Finding Napoleon (She Writes Press, April 2021) includes an intriguing adaptation of Napoleon Bonaparte’s real attempt to write a romantic novel and introduces his last love, little-known Albine de Montholon. Margaret’s passion for French history began when she lived in France as a young teen with her US Navy family. An avid traveler who has visited over sixty countries, she journeyed more than 30,000 miles to conduct Napoleonic research, including to St. Helena Island in the remote South Atlantic where her novel takes place. One of her first writing awards was runner-up for James River Writers’ Best Unpublished Novel Prize. She’s a director of the Napoleonic Historical Society, a non-profit that promotes knowledge of the Napoleonic era. Margaret lives in Reston but loves Richmond where her stepson and his family live. She’s as happy in a kayak as she is in a museum.
Reston, VA
Margaret Rodenberg's debut novel Finding Napoleon (She Writes Press, April 2021) includes an intriguing adaptation of Napoleon Bonaparte’s real attempt to write a romantic novel and introduces his last love, little-known Albine de Montholon. Margaret’s passion for French history began when she lived in France as a young teen with her US Navy family. An avid traveler who has visited over sixty countries, she journeyed more than 30,000 miles to conduct Napoleonic research, including to St. Helena Island in the remote South Atlantic where her novel takes place. One of her first writing awards was runner-up for James River Writers’ Best Unpublished Novel Prize. She’s a director of the Napoleonic Historical Society, a non-profit that promotes knowledge of the Napoleonic era. Margaret lives in Reston but loves Richmond where her stepson and his family live. She’s as happy in a kayak as she is in a museum.
E.S. Christison
Urbana, OH
Elisabeth S. Christison’s very first job was as a scribe in a library. She was raised by her father, and he passed a love of reading to her, especially fantasy. Elisabeth has passed this same love on to her seven children, and as a result, much of her adult life has been spent in the realms of their make-believe kingdoms, giving her firsthand experience with the whimsical workings of their young minds. She shared her own stories with them at bedtime, but never chose to write them down until an idea she couldn’t ignore blazed into her mind. Elisabeth lives with her family in Ohio, and when she isn’t busy navigating the seas of motherhood, working as a nurse, or castle-hopping and enjoying fine wine and chocolate with her husband, she can be found writing the sequel to The Blameless or dreaming up other tales.
Urbana, OH
Elisabeth S. Christison’s very first job was as a scribe in a library. She was raised by her father, and he passed a love of reading to her, especially fantasy. Elisabeth has passed this same love on to her seven children, and as a result, much of her adult life has been spent in the realms of their make-believe kingdoms, giving her firsthand experience with the whimsical workings of their young minds. She shared her own stories with them at bedtime, but never chose to write them down until an idea she couldn’t ignore blazed into her mind. Elisabeth lives with her family in Ohio, and when she isn’t busy navigating the seas of motherhood, working as a nurse, or castle-hopping and enjoying fine wine and chocolate with her husband, she can be found writing the sequel to The Blameless or dreaming up other tales.
Diode Editions
Richmond, VA
Diode Editions is an independent press based in Doha, Qatar and Richmond, Virginia. Editor-in-Chief Patty Paine founded the press in 2012 as an offshoot of Diode Poetry Journal. To date, the press has published 37 titles of poetry, chapbooks and poetry-related nonfiction works and hosts yearly book and chapbook contests.
Richmond, VA
Diode Editions is an independent press based in Doha, Qatar and Richmond, Virginia. Editor-in-Chief Patty Paine founded the press in 2012 as an offshoot of Diode Poetry Journal. To date, the press has published 37 titles of poetry, chapbooks and poetry-related nonfiction works and hosts yearly book and chapbook contests.
Sara Fujimura
Phoenix, AZ
Sara is the American half of her Japanese-American family and spends about a month each summer in Japan with her now-adult children. She started as a journalist, so it is no surprise that Sara’s young adult books contain a lot of facts to go along with the fiction. Whether you want to know about Japan (Tanabata Wish), the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 (Breathe), what it’s like to be an Olympic-caliber skater (Every Reason We Shouldn't), or how unscripted television works (Faking Reality, Tor Teen, July 2021), Sara takes the reader on a swoony journey to unusual places. She is a creative writing teacher, a literacy advocate and is excited to support the next generation of authors. If you go to anime cons in Arizona, you may also see Sara as her alter ego, The Obento Lady. She is an active member of SCBWI-Arizona.
Every Reason We Shouldn't was named one of NPR’s Best Books of 2020.
Phoenix, AZ
Sara is the American half of her Japanese-American family and spends about a month each summer in Japan with her now-adult children. She started as a journalist, so it is no surprise that Sara’s young adult books contain a lot of facts to go along with the fiction. Whether you want to know about Japan (Tanabata Wish), the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 (Breathe), what it’s like to be an Olympic-caliber skater (Every Reason We Shouldn't), or how unscripted television works (Faking Reality, Tor Teen, July 2021), Sara takes the reader on a swoony journey to unusual places. She is a creative writing teacher, a literacy advocate and is excited to support the next generation of authors. If you go to anime cons in Arizona, you may also see Sara as her alter ego, The Obento Lady. She is an active member of SCBWI-Arizona.
Every Reason We Shouldn't was named one of NPR’s Best Books of 2020.
Claire J. Griffin
Brooklyn, NY
Kirkus Book of the Year author Claire J. Griffin has rowed competitively, traveled to seven continents, kayaked below the Antarctic Circle, camped in Africa, driven across the Sahara, eaten bugs, and been stung by scorpions two separate times. She has always said “yes” rather than “no” to adventure, which is probably why she decided to write
about Belle Boyd (1844-1900).
A Rebellious Woman is biographical fiction, closely based on Belle’s life story. Although she is mostly known as a reckless teen-aged spy, Belle’s life after the Civil War was even more daring. Determined to live outside male control, she carried a pistol, divorced two husbands, rode astride, and sometimes dressed like a man. Not shocking behavior to us. But more than a century ago, every one of those things was an act of defiance that put her well outside the mainstream of acceptable female behavior. Belle Boyd was truly a scandalous woman of history defying all the rules.
Brooklyn, NY
Kirkus Book of the Year author Claire J. Griffin has rowed competitively, traveled to seven continents, kayaked below the Antarctic Circle, camped in Africa, driven across the Sahara, eaten bugs, and been stung by scorpions two separate times. She has always said “yes” rather than “no” to adventure, which is probably why she decided to write
about Belle Boyd (1844-1900).
A Rebellious Woman is biographical fiction, closely based on Belle’s life story. Although she is mostly known as a reckless teen-aged spy, Belle’s life after the Civil War was even more daring. Determined to live outside male control, she carried a pistol, divorced two husbands, rode astride, and sometimes dressed like a man. Not shocking behavior to us. But more than a century ago, every one of those things was an act of defiance that put her well outside the mainstream of acceptable female behavior. Belle Boyd was truly a scandalous woman of history defying all the rules.
Everyone needs and deserves a literate life.
The READ Center
Richmond, VA
The READ Center changes lives through adult literacy by helping adults develop and improve their reading, writing, basic math, and digital skills. We provide classroom instruction for adults reading at the 0-3rd grade equivalent levels and 1:1 to tutoring for students reading at or above the 4th grade level. READ also provides financial and health literacy programs for students and the community. READ believes that everyone deserves a literate life.
Richmond, VA
The READ Center changes lives through adult literacy by helping adults develop and improve their reading, writing, basic math, and digital skills. We provide classroom instruction for adults reading at the 0-3rd grade equivalent levels and 1:1 to tutoring for students reading at or above the 4th grade level. READ also provides financial and health literacy programs for students and the community. READ believes that everyone deserves a literate life.
Nikki Bergstresser
Abbotsford, BC
Nikki Bergstresser is the author of Seasons for Stones and the upcoming Lila Lou's Little Library. She lives on the west coast of British Columbia, Canada, with her husband and two daughters. Nikki can be found surrounded with books and a good story to share.
Abbotsford, BC
Nikki Bergstresser is the author of Seasons for Stones and the upcoming Lila Lou's Little Library. She lives on the west coast of British Columbia, Canada, with her husband and two daughters. Nikki can be found surrounded with books and a good story to share.
Julie Conner
Waynesboro, VA
Julie Conner has been a special education teacher for eighteen years. She has taught students at various age/grade levels with a wide range of abilities, in multiple school settings, including public schools, a psychiatric care facility, and a school for the deaf and the blind. She has received national recognition from the Council of Schools and Services for the Blind as an Outstanding Teacher of Students who are Blind/Multiply Impaired.
Julie lives with her husband and their two children. She truly hopes this book will be an inspiration to others, imparting the message that it is okay for metamorphosis to take place at an individual pace!
Waynesboro, VA
Julie Conner has been a special education teacher for eighteen years. She has taught students at various age/grade levels with a wide range of abilities, in multiple school settings, including public schools, a psychiatric care facility, and a school for the deaf and the blind. She has received national recognition from the Council of Schools and Services for the Blind as an Outstanding Teacher of Students who are Blind/Multiply Impaired.
Julie lives with her husband and their two children. She truly hopes this book will be an inspiration to others, imparting the message that it is okay for metamorphosis to take place at an individual pace!
Nikki-Dee Ray
Nashville, TN
Nikki-Dee Ray Wren was born and raised in northern Alabama. She received her degree in Atmospheric Sciences at Mississippi State University and has since worked as a television meteorologist in Texas, Virginia, and Tennessee. During her time in Virginia, Nikki-Dee met her husband, David Wren, in his hometown of Richmond. They now live in Nashville, Tennessee, where Nikki-Dee is a television meteorologist and David owns a recruiting firm. Nikki-Dee and David have two beautiful children, son T. Copeland and daughter Windley-Ray, as well as their beloved Maltese, Louis. They both have a passion for their faith, serving others, and advocating for inclusion.
Nashville, TN
Nikki-Dee Ray Wren was born and raised in northern Alabama. She received her degree in Atmospheric Sciences at Mississippi State University and has since worked as a television meteorologist in Texas, Virginia, and Tennessee. During her time in Virginia, Nikki-Dee met her husband, David Wren, in his hometown of Richmond. They now live in Nashville, Tennessee, where Nikki-Dee is a television meteorologist and David owns a recruiting firm. Nikki-Dee and David have two beautiful children, son T. Copeland and daughter Windley-Ray, as well as their beloved Maltese, Louis. They both have a passion for their faith, serving others, and advocating for inclusion.
Kathy Davis
Rockville, Virginia
Kathy Davis is a poet and nonfiction writer who received her MFA from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her poetry manuscript, Passiflora, won the 2019 Cider Press Review Book Award and was released in February 2021. She is also the author of the chapbook Holding for the Farrier (Finishing Line Press). Her work has appeared in Alaska Quarterly Review, Barrow Street, Blackbird, Guernica Magazine, The Hudson Review, Nashville Review, Oxford American, The Southern Review, Solstice Literary Magazine and other journals. She has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and been a finalist for Best of the Net and the Conger Beasley Jr. Award for Nonfiction. She and her husband live in an old farmhouse outside of Richmond, VA, where she tends a wildflower meadow when not writing.
Rockville, Virginia
Kathy Davis is a poet and nonfiction writer who received her MFA from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her poetry manuscript, Passiflora, won the 2019 Cider Press Review Book Award and was released in February 2021. She is also the author of the chapbook Holding for the Farrier (Finishing Line Press). Her work has appeared in Alaska Quarterly Review, Barrow Street, Blackbird, Guernica Magazine, The Hudson Review, Nashville Review, Oxford American, The Southern Review, Solstice Literary Magazine and other journals. She has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and been a finalist for Best of the Net and the Conger Beasley Jr. Award for Nonfiction. She and her husband live in an old farmhouse outside of Richmond, VA, where she tends a wildflower meadow when not writing.
Stephanie Parwulski
Buffalo, NY
Stephanie Parwulski's two children's books, Beatrice and the Sunflower Gift and Gloria's Hope Tree, champion messages of kindness, the healing power of love, and the importance of bringing our invisible stories to light. Stephanie is living her dream in creating stories for children and "kids at heart" to enjoy. In addition to her love of writing, she has a passion for reading, singing, enjoying nature, and helping others. Stephanie cherishes spending quality time with her family and friends and going on adventures in her beloved hometown of Buffalo, NY, where she currently resides. She also is a preschool teacher, and her work with children brings her immense joy. She looks forward to writing more stories, including completing a project upon which she is currently working - a fantasy middle-grade novel that celebrates the art of storytelling and the need for men and women to work together to bring about positive change.
Buffalo, NY
Stephanie Parwulski's two children's books, Beatrice and the Sunflower Gift and Gloria's Hope Tree, champion messages of kindness, the healing power of love, and the importance of bringing our invisible stories to light. Stephanie is living her dream in creating stories for children and "kids at heart" to enjoy. In addition to her love of writing, she has a passion for reading, singing, enjoying nature, and helping others. Stephanie cherishes spending quality time with her family and friends and going on adventures in her beloved hometown of Buffalo, NY, where she currently resides. She also is a preschool teacher, and her work with children brings her immense joy. She looks forward to writing more stories, including completing a project upon which she is currently working - a fantasy middle-grade novel that celebrates the art of storytelling and the need for men and women to work together to bring about positive change.
Pecan Tree Publishing
Hollywood, FL
Pecan Tree Publishing is a boutique hybrid publisher working with aspiring and established using the independent publishing model to bring their works to life. Through our departments we additionally offer virtual assistants, branding and design, and an array of literary services including coaching, editing, and critiquing. The company has also launched three imprints focusing on journals, fiction collections, and non-fiction anthologies.
Hollywood, FL
Pecan Tree Publishing is a boutique hybrid publisher working with aspiring and established using the independent publishing model to bring their works to life. Through our departments we additionally offer virtual assistants, branding and design, and an array of literary services including coaching, editing, and critiquing. The company has also launched three imprints focusing on journals, fiction collections, and non-fiction anthologies.
Karen Sloan-Brown
Nashville, TN
Dr. Karen Sloan-Brown was raised in North Philadelphia, a middle daughter in a family of six children. Her father was a pastor, a Civil Rights activist, a writer, and poet, who passed down his love of writing to her; her mother was a homemaker. After high school, Dr. Sloan-Brown traveled back to their original hometown in Nashville to attend Tennessee State University, where her father was an alumnus. She earned a BS in Chemistry, married, had a family, and for 15 years worked in biomedical research. In 2001, a family tragedy upended her life, and she searched for a new direction that led her back to school. She earned a Master of Education and a Doctorate in Education at Tennessee State University in 2009.
Totally inspired by the inauguration of Barack Obama as president and her love of history, Dr. Sloan-Brown published her first book: A Reflection: What a Difference a Day Makes, What About 100 Years? in 2012. It’s decade-by-decade representation of black history covering 1909-2009. Dr. Sloan-Brown has been a prolific writer since, writing two nonfiction books and ten novels. She is currently a high school chemistry teacher. She lives with her husband and daughters in Nashville, Tennessee.
Nashville, TN
Dr. Karen Sloan-Brown was raised in North Philadelphia, a middle daughter in a family of six children. Her father was a pastor, a Civil Rights activist, a writer, and poet, who passed down his love of writing to her; her mother was a homemaker. After high school, Dr. Sloan-Brown traveled back to their original hometown in Nashville to attend Tennessee State University, where her father was an alumnus. She earned a BS in Chemistry, married, had a family, and for 15 years worked in biomedical research. In 2001, a family tragedy upended her life, and she searched for a new direction that led her back to school. She earned a Master of Education and a Doctorate in Education at Tennessee State University in 2009.
Totally inspired by the inauguration of Barack Obama as president and her love of history, Dr. Sloan-Brown published her first book: A Reflection: What a Difference a Day Makes, What About 100 Years? in 2012. It’s decade-by-decade representation of black history covering 1909-2009. Dr. Sloan-Brown has been a prolific writer since, writing two nonfiction books and ten novels. She is currently a high school chemistry teacher. She lives with her husband and daughters in Nashville, Tennessee.
Miko Marsh
Hampton Roads, VA
Miko Marsh is an author, instructor, and speaker. She has a degree in social services, college certification in Early Childhood Care Education, has worked directly with individuals in behavioral facilities, and has owned her own daycare. Her focus is on building faith and personal growth. Although she covers serious topics ranging from narcissism to operating a small business, Miko will sometimes write things to amuse herself because she loves to laugh.
She enjoys supporting others, helping them to find areas in which they can shine, and seeing people of all ages and abilities reach their individual goals.
Hampton Roads, VA
Miko Marsh is an author, instructor, and speaker. She has a degree in social services, college certification in Early Childhood Care Education, has worked directly with individuals in behavioral facilities, and has owned her own daycare. Her focus is on building faith and personal growth. Although she covers serious topics ranging from narcissism to operating a small business, Miko will sometimes write things to amuse herself because she loves to laugh.
She enjoys supporting others, helping them to find areas in which they can shine, and seeing people of all ages and abilities reach their individual goals.
Lindy Miller
Juneau, AK
Lindy Miller is an award-winning author of feel-good love stories full of sweet moments and happily ever afters. She believes the best time to fall in love is during the holidays, preferably over a cup of warm tea or a delicious vegan pastry - two things she can't get enough of.
Lindy is represented by Gandolfo Helin & Fountain Literary Management and supported by Smith Publicity. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) and Romantic Novelist Association (RNA). Several of her projects have been adapted for the screen.
Juneau, AK
Lindy Miller is an award-winning author of feel-good love stories full of sweet moments and happily ever afters. She believes the best time to fall in love is during the holidays, preferably over a cup of warm tea or a delicious vegan pastry - two things she can't get enough of.
Lindy is represented by Gandolfo Helin & Fountain Literary Management and supported by Smith Publicity. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) and Romantic Novelist Association (RNA). Several of her projects have been adapted for the screen.
JC Gatlin
Tampa, FL
JC Gatlin lives in Tampa, Florida, and writes murder mysteries set in Florida. His last novel, H_NGM_N: Murder Is the Word, won Gold for “Best Published Mystery or Crime Novel of 2019” in the Florida Royal Palm Literary Awards.
Tampa, FL
JC Gatlin lives in Tampa, Florida, and writes murder mysteries set in Florida. His last novel, H_NGM_N: Murder Is the Word, won Gold for “Best Published Mystery or Crime Novel of 2019” in the Florida Royal Palm Literary Awards.
Joyce Miller
Richmond, VA
Joyce A. Miller is the grandniece of Joe “The Moon” Harris, the title character in her debut historical fiction novel. Miller lives in the Church Hill section of Richmond, Virginia, with her husband and a retired racing greyhound. Before she started writing, Miller worked for over 30 years as a mechanical designer at a nuclear physics laboratory. When she is not writing, Miller can be found dog training, drinking wine, eating stinky cheese, painting, practicing yoga, traveling with her French physicist friends, tap dancing, or volunteering with her greyhound adoption group.
Richmond, VA
Joyce A. Miller is the grandniece of Joe “The Moon” Harris, the title character in her debut historical fiction novel. Miller lives in the Church Hill section of Richmond, Virginia, with her husband and a retired racing greyhound. Before she started writing, Miller worked for over 30 years as a mechanical designer at a nuclear physics laboratory. When she is not writing, Miller can be found dog training, drinking wine, eating stinky cheese, painting, practicing yoga, traveling with her French physicist friends, tap dancing, or volunteering with her greyhound adoption group.
Cady Hammer
Charlotte, NC
Cady Hammer has been a writer for most of her life. From the time she was eleven years old writing her first novel between classes, she always looked to the world to bring inspiration. She was often teased for being in her own world, but never hesitated to invite others along on the adventure. She now spends her time at the College of William and Mary pursuing a bachelor of arts in history and minoring in Anthropology.
Cady loves to create stories that take people away from the world for a while. She creates her universes with inspiration from her studies, trying to create a place that feels so real that readers have to explore it. These stories explore the complexities of relationships crafted around the idea that love, friendship, and grief are all interwoven. She hopes to one day become a bestselling author alongside her desired career in museum work.
Charlotte, NC
Cady Hammer has been a writer for most of her life. From the time she was eleven years old writing her first novel between classes, she always looked to the world to bring inspiration. She was often teased for being in her own world, but never hesitated to invite others along on the adventure. She now spends her time at the College of William and Mary pursuing a bachelor of arts in history and minoring in Anthropology.
Cady loves to create stories that take people away from the world for a while. She creates her universes with inspiration from her studies, trying to create a place that feels so real that readers have to explore it. These stories explore the complexities of relationships crafted around the idea that love, friendship, and grief are all interwoven. She hopes to one day become a bestselling author alongside her desired career in museum work.
Yvonne Morgan
Edmond, OK
"Having witnessed the power of prayer in her own life, Yvonne M Morgan shares stories of trusting the Lord and watching Christ in action. She loves to travel and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Apart from writing Christian nonfiction, Morgan writes for several magazines and blogs. Her books provide great help to those who are struggling in their journey with Christ."
I was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland. I am a wife, mom, and grandmother, but I am, most importantly, a lover of Jesus and passionate about prayer and missions. I share stories of trusting the Lord and watching Christ in action.
Edmond, OK
"Having witnessed the power of prayer in her own life, Yvonne M Morgan shares stories of trusting the Lord and watching Christ in action. She loves to travel and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Apart from writing Christian nonfiction, Morgan writes for several magazines and blogs. Her books provide great help to those who are struggling in their journey with Christ."
I was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland. I am a wife, mom, and grandmother, but I am, most importantly, a lover of Jesus and passionate about prayer and missions. I share stories of trusting the Lord and watching Christ in action.
Joy Bussu
Denver, CO
Blessings! I am 48 years old, 19 years married mother of four, grandmother of one. I was born in Wichita Falls, Texas, but raised in Denver, Colorado, where I currently reside with my beautiful family.
I have always had a love for the written word, I devoured books from the time I could string sentences together and I have always loved to write.
Once I gave birth to my youngest child and only daughter I was finally ready to attempt to write my first book. It took me over twelve years to complete it.
Holding the first copy of my self-published book was the opening of the flood gate I never even realized I was holding back.
Writing is my passion and my life and it is my pleasure and deepest honor to be able to share it with the world. My dream is to touch as many as humanly possible with my work.
I am a hopeless romantic and have a true weakness for a good 'Happily Ever After' and feel everyone deserves one! I live every day to its fullest honestly believing if you have a pulse you have a purpose!
Denver, CO
Blessings! I am 48 years old, 19 years married mother of four, grandmother of one. I was born in Wichita Falls, Texas, but raised in Denver, Colorado, where I currently reside with my beautiful family.
I have always had a love for the written word, I devoured books from the time I could string sentences together and I have always loved to write.
Once I gave birth to my youngest child and only daughter I was finally ready to attempt to write my first book. It took me over twelve years to complete it.
Holding the first copy of my self-published book was the opening of the flood gate I never even realized I was holding back.
Writing is my passion and my life and it is my pleasure and deepest honor to be able to share it with the world. My dream is to touch as many as humanly possible with my work.
I am a hopeless romantic and have a true weakness for a good 'Happily Ever After' and feel everyone deserves one! I live every day to its fullest honestly believing if you have a pulse you have a purpose!
J. Thomas Brown
Henrico, VA
J. Thomas Brown lives in Henrico, Virginia, and has co-produced local TV writing shows and coordinated poetry readings at the Richmond Public Library. His short stories have appeared in magazines and anthologies. He has contributed poems to Lingering in the Margins: A River City Poets Anthology, North of Oxford, and others. Published works include two novels, a speculative fiction collection, and a poetry collection.
A futuristic novel is in progress told by someone 450 years old. Genes go awry when immortal HeLa cell RNA are spliced into human DNA by accident.
Henrico, VA
J. Thomas Brown lives in Henrico, Virginia, and has co-produced local TV writing shows and coordinated poetry readings at the Richmond Public Library. His short stories have appeared in magazines and anthologies. He has contributed poems to Lingering in the Margins: A River City Poets Anthology, North of Oxford, and others. Published works include two novels, a speculative fiction collection, and a poetry collection.
A futuristic novel is in progress told by someone 450 years old. Genes go awry when immortal HeLa cell RNA are spliced into human DNA by accident.
Chelsea DeVries
Port Richey, FL
Chelsea DeVries wanted to be a writer at the age of 7. Her first publishing credit came at the age of 14 with a poem in a student anthology. She then wrote nonstop while doing IB classes in high school. She published two YA novels while still in high school which after over 10 years she rewrote as a NA romance that she looks to put out in the coming year. She is a seeker of justice and uses her words to free this world’s outcasted, peculiar, and underdogs from the chains that bind them. When not writing she runs and does PR for authors and musicians with her bookish brand The Smart Cookie Philes. Though she’s Florida born and raised, she has New Jersey in her veins. She currently lives in Port Richey, FL with her squad of three dogs.You can follow her on Instagram and Facebook at @onegirlrevolution26_, and her squad at @dasquad26. In October 2020, DeVries was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome which is a form of Autism.
Port Richey, FL
Chelsea DeVries wanted to be a writer at the age of 7. Her first publishing credit came at the age of 14 with a poem in a student anthology. She then wrote nonstop while doing IB classes in high school. She published two YA novels while still in high school which after over 10 years she rewrote as a NA romance that she looks to put out in the coming year. She is a seeker of justice and uses her words to free this world’s outcasted, peculiar, and underdogs from the chains that bind them. When not writing she runs and does PR for authors and musicians with her bookish brand The Smart Cookie Philes. Though she’s Florida born and raised, she has New Jersey in her veins. She currently lives in Port Richey, FL with her squad of three dogs.You can follow her on Instagram and Facebook at @onegirlrevolution26_, and her squad at @dasquad26. In October 2020, DeVries was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome which is a form of Autism.
Josh Brandstadter
Dover, PA
I grew up with a love for the outdoors. I was rarely in front of a screen and would spend most days looking for bugs under rocks or riding my bike. This passion for nature eventually sparked my interest in pursuing and receiving a Bachelor's of Science degree in Biology from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania in 2007. My desire to teach others to respect and appreciate the world around them led me to become a teacher. I received my Master's of Education and teaching certification from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania in 2008.
Since becoming a teacher, my goal has always been to inspire my students to learn as much about the world around them as possible and to understand what the natural world has to offer to us, as well as, the importance of protection. I have been teaching science for over 8 years and have been teaching environmental science for the past 5 years.
As an adult, you will still find me spending most of my time outside, especially in the summer months. This time is usually spent with my wife, Jamie; our two children, Emery and Ayla; and our dogs, Tom Petty and Janis Joplin. I love going for walks or bike rides with them to enjoy nature, or sometimes, just sitting outside and letting nature come to us. We usually grow our own food during the summer in our garden which helps my family appreciate where our food comes from. It also gives me many more teaching opportunities as we plant, care for, and harvest our crops.
I look forward to many more teachable moments in the classroom with my students and in my backyard with my own kids.
Dover, PA
I grew up with a love for the outdoors. I was rarely in front of a screen and would spend most days looking for bugs under rocks or riding my bike. This passion for nature eventually sparked my interest in pursuing and receiving a Bachelor's of Science degree in Biology from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania in 2007. My desire to teach others to respect and appreciate the world around them led me to become a teacher. I received my Master's of Education and teaching certification from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania in 2008.
Since becoming a teacher, my goal has always been to inspire my students to learn as much about the world around them as possible and to understand what the natural world has to offer to us, as well as, the importance of protection. I have been teaching science for over 8 years and have been teaching environmental science for the past 5 years.
As an adult, you will still find me spending most of my time outside, especially in the summer months. This time is usually spent with my wife, Jamie; our two children, Emery and Ayla; and our dogs, Tom Petty and Janis Joplin. I love going for walks or bike rides with them to enjoy nature, or sometimes, just sitting outside and letting nature come to us. We usually grow our own food during the summer in our garden which helps my family appreciate where our food comes from. It also gives me many more teaching opportunities as we plant, care for, and harvest our crops.
I look forward to many more teachable moments in the classroom with my students and in my backyard with my own kids.
J.P. Cane
Philadelphia, PA
J. P. Cane writes vampire stories and hosts the Working Title podcast on writing. He lives in Virginia with his wife.
Philadelphia, PA
J. P. Cane writes vampire stories and hosts the Working Title podcast on writing. He lives in Virginia with his wife.
Amanda Jaeger
Chesterfield, VA
Amanda Jaeger has always had an interest in true crime, suspense, and mystery. As a long term copywriter, she has always had a hand in writing creatively for businesses to boost their income.
She’s the wife of her college sweetheart and the mother of two spit-fire girls, but she’s also been a sign language interpreter, transcriptionist, and a book slinger. Working with words isn’t her job, it’s her career.
Now, she uses her knowledge and experience in engaging an audience and applies it into her author career, crafting suspense and mystery to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Residing in Virginia, you can bet on Amanda listening to true crime podcasts, watching cold case documentaries, and playing with her kids. (Not simultaneously).
“What do you do with an English degree?”
“You write.” -Amanda Jaeger
Chesterfield, VA
Amanda Jaeger has always had an interest in true crime, suspense, and mystery. As a long term copywriter, she has always had a hand in writing creatively for businesses to boost their income.
She’s the wife of her college sweetheart and the mother of two spit-fire girls, but she’s also been a sign language interpreter, transcriptionist, and a book slinger. Working with words isn’t her job, it’s her career.
Now, she uses her knowledge and experience in engaging an audience and applies it into her author career, crafting suspense and mystery to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Residing in Virginia, you can bet on Amanda listening to true crime podcasts, watching cold case documentaries, and playing with her kids. (Not simultaneously).
“What do you do with an English degree?”
“You write.” -Amanda Jaeger
Reach Out and Read
Richmond, VA
Reach Out and Read in Virginia supports 99 clinical programs across Virginia. The medically based literacy intervention spread from its foundation in Boston in 1989 and was replicated in communities across the country. Our mission is to provide a medically-based literacy intervention for all children at well-child visits, beginning with families living in poverty to promote relationships, routines, reading, and resilience. The Reach Out and Read model is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the program has one of the strongest records of research support of any primary care intervention.
Richmond, VA
Reach Out and Read in Virginia supports 99 clinical programs across Virginia. The medically based literacy intervention spread from its foundation in Boston in 1989 and was replicated in communities across the country. Our mission is to provide a medically-based literacy intervention for all children at well-child visits, beginning with families living in poverty to promote relationships, routines, reading, and resilience. The Reach Out and Read model is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the program has one of the strongest records of research support of any primary care intervention.
K.E. Bonner
Atlanta, GA
K.E. Bonner always wanted to write, but didn't think that she could. In first grade she was put in the slow reading group, and spelling bees were a catastrophe. The whole "I" before "e" rule had so many exceptions! So she focused on science, and became an anesthetist.
One day, after she finished reading a best selling novel, she declared: "I can write a better book than that." Her husband said, "Then write it." And he went out and bought her a laptop. She discovered that writing wasn't as easy as she thought it would be, but she loved doing it, even when she stunk. She persisted, took writing workshops, joined a critique group, and slowly got better. K.E. Bonner believes that if you love doing something, and you stick with it, you will eventually have a measure of success.
Atlanta, GA
K.E. Bonner always wanted to write, but didn't think that she could. In first grade she was put in the slow reading group, and spelling bees were a catastrophe. The whole "I" before "e" rule had so many exceptions! So she focused on science, and became an anesthetist.
One day, after she finished reading a best selling novel, she declared: "I can write a better book than that." Her husband said, "Then write it." And he went out and bought her a laptop. She discovered that writing wasn't as easy as she thought it would be, but she loved doing it, even when she stunk. She persisted, took writing workshops, joined a critique group, and slowly got better. K.E. Bonner believes that if you love doing something, and you stick with it, you will eventually have a measure of success.
Chris Semtner
Richmond, VA
Author, visual artist, and curator of the Poe Museum in Richmond, Chris Semtner has curated and designed critically acclaimed exhibits for museums and galleries across the country. His exhibits have earned the praise of the New York Times, London's Daily Telegraph, and other publications. Semtner has written several books and chapters on topics including Poe, visual art, cryptography, and crime fiction in addition to contributing articles to publications including Biography.com, Crime Writers' Chronicle, and Resources for American Literary Studies. He has been interviewed for BB4, PBS, and NPR in addition to being featured in publications such as Smithsonian.com, Mental Floss, and Forbes. He regularly speaks about strange and macabre subjects at a variety of venues from the Steampunk World's Fair to the Library of Congress.
Richmond, VA
Author, visual artist, and curator of the Poe Museum in Richmond, Chris Semtner has curated and designed critically acclaimed exhibits for museums and galleries across the country. His exhibits have earned the praise of the New York Times, London's Daily Telegraph, and other publications. Semtner has written several books and chapters on topics including Poe, visual art, cryptography, and crime fiction in addition to contributing articles to publications including Biography.com, Crime Writers' Chronicle, and Resources for American Literary Studies. He has been interviewed for BB4, PBS, and NPR in addition to being featured in publications such as Smithsonian.com, Mental Floss, and Forbes. He regularly speaks about strange and macabre subjects at a variety of venues from the Steampunk World's Fair to the Library of Congress.