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Participating Authors
Fantasy
| Ariel RaeAriel Rae, author of dark, spicy romantasy and paranormal romance, writes powerful stories featuring strong female protagonists and the men who fall for their dark side. LinksSpacefoxbooks.com |
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 | David DeckerDavid is the author of Kyra of the North a young adult fantasy novel that debut last fall and that garnered an average of 4.9 Star rating on Amazon.com. David has also been interviewed by Reading House, a U.K publication that focuses on up and coming authors. To learn about Kyra of the North and David, visit his website. LinksMountainsideMediallc.com |
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| Lee DriftwoodLee Driftwood writes supernatural noir and dark fantasy with a human heart. When not exploring the shadows of imagined cities, he can be found in the company of books, tea, and never quite enough cookies. |
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| Lisa AcerboLisa Acerbo is the Director of General Education at Post University. She holds an EdD and MFA from Western Connecticut State University. Her short stories and poetry appear in Scarlet, Poor Yorick Literary Journal, Ripples in Space, Universe in a Bottle by Flying Ketchup Press, and Whatever Happened to Hansel and Gretel? by Fathom Publishing, among others. Her award-winning sapphic romantasy novel, Death and Coffee, was published in 2025 by NineStar Press. Her next novel to be published by NineStar Press, The Netherworld Witch, a sapphic YA Fantasy, arrives in 2026. |
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| Karen C.P. McDermottKaren C.P. McDermott grew up reading historical romance novels and had dreams of one day writing them. When she later discovered the Fantasy Romance genre and realized that making up worlds was more fun than doing historical research, a new calling was born. When not writing, Karen makes wine, gardens, does pottery, and conducts scholarly research on ‘trash talk.’ She’s been cited as an expert on this topic by ESPN and the BBC. Links |
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| Kristin JacquesKristin Jacques is an award-winning author of fantasy fiction for teens and adults. She currently lives in a small town in Connecticut with her partner, kiddos, and two trash goblins who think they are cats. When not writing, she’s usually reading, gaming, or catching some excellent b-horror movies. She is currently working on projects full of magic, mystery, and delight. Linkshttps://www.kristinjacques.com |
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Kristen MarcilAn Author & Adventurer into History, Kiersten Marcil is the ambassador of a fantastical ride through the hidden deer paths of the American Revolutionary War in her book series, The Enlightened saga. The first book, Witness to the Revolution, received the bronze medal for historical fantasy by The Historical Fiction Company Awards in 2023. Both the first and second book from the series, The General’s Watch, were American Fiction Awards finalists and a “Recommended Read” by Author Shout Reader Ready AwardsGrowing up, the Battlefields of Saratoga were her backyard and tourist sites like Fort Ticonderoga were an easy day trip, and Kiersten couldn’t have cared less. It wasn’t until journeying into adulthood that she grew to love books, and even then, not until she became a museum educator that she discovered the fascinating world of history. In 2024, she was surprised (and intensely grateful) to receive an America 250! Commendation Medal and a Women in the Arts Recognition Award, both from the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Kiersten currently lives in Upstate New York with her family and two furry children, her Co-Author and Research Assistant. However, you can find her at: www.kierstenmarcil.com |
| Liz DeltonLiz Delton writes and lives in New England, with her husband and sons. She studied Theater Management at the University of the Arts in Philly, always having enjoyed the backstage life of storytelling. World-building is her favorite part of writing, and she is always dreaming up new fantastic places. She loves drinking tea and traveling. When she’s not writing or reading, you can find her baking in the kitchen, out in the garden, or narrating books on her podcast, Fictional Bookshop. Linkswww.LizDelton.com |
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| Rande GoodwinRande Goodwin is a full-time IT professional and part-time raptor trainer (the prehistoric kind). In his free time, he enjoys reading and travel, restoring vintage Borg drones, dusting vamps in Sunnydale, and being one with the Force. Oh, and writing is fun too. He lives in New England with his wife, two daughters and three dogs. randegoodwin.com |
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| Corlis C FragaCorlis C Fraga lives amid the old magic of Connecticut’s wetlands. Even as her eclectic resume has evolved—whether earning a master’s degree in the Rare Book and Digital Humanities, preserving Tibetan sacred texts as a bindery operator, or nurturing plants in a heritage greenhouse—her mission remains the same as the child raised to run where the wild things are: to be a storyteller who inspires others to believe in the power of limitless wonder. |
Children's Book |
| Adrienne Maslin
Helping students achieve their dreams is Adrienne Leinwand Maslin’s passion and is the reason she spent 45 years helping college and university students achieve success. That experience taught her that too many students begin college socially and emotionally unprepared. With that reality as her motivation, she has written numerous articles about the college experience and her series of graphic novels, She's Roxanne!, was born. |
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Allia Zobel NolanAllia Zobel Nolan has written over 150 books at last counting. Many have sold more than 100,000 copies and won a bunch of awards.The awards don’t come with oodles of money, but Zobel Nolan uses them to cover dents in her office walls. Her recent two titles include a book about a young girl who hates to wait entitled Harriet Hurry Up and the Oh So Slow Day, and Why Can’t My Brother Be More Like My Cat? with art by New York Times Bestselling Illustrator Lee Wildish, about a little girl who pits her brother’s fine points against her cat’s. Zobel Nolan lives and writes in New England. www.AlliaWrites.com |
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| Nancy ParisNancy Paris is a Juilliard-trained former dancer turned children’s author, creating funny, heartfelt chapter books—including the Lilly McKee & Friends series—for spirited, big-feeling young readers. |
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| Brittney TraudtBrittney Traudt is a self-published author who started writing from a very young age. In 2015, she started a blog, Traudt's Two Cents, as a platform to share her thoughts, opinions, accomplishments, and advice. It really took off when she blogged her first solo travel experience, which then became the inspiration for her second children's book, Shelly Goes to The Capitol. She's the author of the Adventures of Shelly & Coco series as well as It's okay to be You. If you'd like to learn more about Brittney, please visit her site at www.traudtstwocents.com/books. www.traudtstwocents.com/books |
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| Colleen BrunettiColleen Brunetti is the owner of Bannon River Books, a boutique self-publishing firm focused on helping authors put out books that make the world a better place. She is also a best-selling author/illustrator and sought after international public speaker. |
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| Dina M. Hardt Dina M. Hardt has spent 25 years as an elementary school teacher, inspiring children to believe in themselves and write from the heart. Her debut picture book, Catch of the Day, was inspired by a photograph of her younger brother fishing, a simple moment that blossomed into a story about love, faith, and perseverance. Dedicated to nurturing imagination and resilience in her students, Dina combines her classroom experience and her lifelong love of storytelling to reach young readers in new ways. Dina lives in Orange, Connecticut, with her husband and two children. |
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| Gene GlotzerGene is a father to one adorable and creative human. He is a teacher with a love of the written word, jazz, and baseball - lots of baseball. |
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| Katherine VandrillaKatie is an author and dedicated chemistry teacher whose resilience as a cancer survivor shapes her work. A Make-A-Wish recipient, she now gives back as a volunteer Wish Granter. A lifelong traveler (usually to London) and unabashed Johnny Depp/Lana Parrilla fan, she balances creativity with heart. At home, she cherishes time with her family, her husband, and their dog, drawing inspiration from love, gratitude, and the adventures that continue to guide her stories. |
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| Nancy HopkinsNancy Hopkins is a new author and mother of three boys living in New England. While being an avid outdoors woman and nature lover her entire life, she eventually started her own environmental educational program. Though she has retired for rescuing and raising snakes she is still called the Snake Lady by many. Nancy still shares her passion for snakes today through as series of children's books about snakes. Links |
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| Marie NicholsMarie lives in Connecticut. When she’s not writing she spends time with her grandchildren in their marvelous adventures. |
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| Lawrence M ZaccaroLawrence M Zaccaro has written four children’s books. Most recently, All the Beautiful Things, a grandpa mouse and his granddaughter discuss life; Crumbs: the Unauthorized Biography, the perfect book to read aloud to children; Auntie Wintie and the Plopes, and Amy and the Orca, both delightful children’s fantasies. He has also written a sci-fi thriller, Convergent, and Chandler's List, an adult-themed, romantic comedy. Mr. Zaccaro lives in Waterford and is the proud father of four adult children and grandfather of four. LinksAmazon |
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| Maggie SpadaroMaggie Spadaro is a New England-based social work student. As someone who works with children from diverse backgrounds, she is inspired to write about important topics in an approachable, empathetic way. She is the author of My Friend Doesn't Have a House, a debut children's book from Cove Publishing to teach children about the topic of housing insecurity. She enjoys spending time with her cat Woody and baking cookies. |
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| Laura Hanks StevensLaura Hanks Stevens is an award-winning marketing communications professional with more than 40 years of commercial brand management and public relations writing experience. During that time, she pursued her love of creative writing as time allowed. Rainbow Soup represents her first foray into the world of fiction and fantasy. Ms. Stevens has been published in the Litchfield Literary Review and served as an invited 2023 Guest Author at the 2023 Connecticut Renaissance Faire. She is a current member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, the Association of Rhode Island Authors, Goodreads, Booklife, and The Connecticut Association of Authors and Publishers. She participates in several premier festivals throughout New England and is available for author signing events and trade presentations. For more information, go to www.laurahanksstevens.com. Or visit: https://www.facebook.com/Rainbow-Soup-170318121482068. |
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| Peggy Sueis a licensed Speech Language Pathologist with over 20 years experience working with children of all ages. She wrote her books to encourage and enrich language skills. Her books help build vocabulary, understand basic concepts, practice conversational language skills, and so much more. |
| Tammy GerhardTammy Gerhard is an author, speaker, and former school counselor passionate about inspiring kindness and connection. As co-owner of Silk City Coffee, she fosters community through meaningful conversations. Through Anavah Publishing, she creates heartfelt picture books that explore important topics for kids of all ages. Tammy enjoys visiting schools and community groups, using her stories to spark thoughtful discussions on social-emotional themes. A devoted wife, mom of three, and cat lover, she brings warmth, purpose, and joy to everything she does. Links |
Horror/Thriller |
| F.R. RiversR.G. Roberts writes stories about war, people, and the drama between the two. Her fiction is usually centered on war, be it in fantasy, thrillers, or alternate history. Sometimes she dabbles in sheer human drama, but usually, you can find her military roots in the stories she tells. War breeds emotion, and emotion always has stories to tell. |
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| Gevera Bert PiedmountGevera Bert Piedmont is a neurodivergent cyborg swamp witch living on the edge of a frog pond in Connecticut with her spouse, cats, and an impressive collection of rubber lizards. She is the author of Fat Monster (Nightmare Press), The Maw and Other Time-Traveling Lizard Tales, the Mickey Crow paranormal series (Shiver, Formless, Metal, and Murder One), co-author of Airesford, editor of the Necronomi-RomCom Cthulhu Mythos duology, co-editor of Horror Over the Handlebars, an anthology of Connecticut horror, and co-editor of The Atlas of Deep Ones. https://linktr.ee/bybertabird Links |
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| JP BehrensJP Behrens is the author of The Travis Daniels Investigations Series. When he isn’t reading or writing, you can find him spending time with family, playing video games, and building Legos. Linkshttp://linktr.ee/ |
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| Sarah P. Blanchard Sarah P. Blanchard writes fiction about flawed, compassionate characters navigating difficult choices in impossible situations. A Connecticut native, she holds degrees in English literature and business and has taught at several colleges and universities. She is the author of multiple novels, short story collections, and a poetry chapbook, and her work has been recognized with awards and nominations including the Pushcart Prize. |
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| Sharon DukettSharon Dukett is an award-winning author who writes thrillers and memoirs. Her memoir, No Rules, won a gold medal in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards in Memoirs (Historical/Legacy), and was a finalist in several other writing contests. Her novel, The Shutdown List, won the 2025 Pencraft Winter Prize for Best Fiction Thriller. Sharon is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. Links |
Romance |
| AK NevermoreAK Nevermore writes a lot. An award-winning author of spicy dystopian, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance, she’s been traditionally, digitally, and indie published. She enjoys operating heavy machinery, freebases coffee, and gives up sarcasm for Lent every year. Links |
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| Artemis PriceArtemis Price lives in Northwestern Connecticut with her son Dominik. When's she not crafting romances that take place in unique places, she's an elementary school teacher. Her debut novel Semi Sweet comes out in September 2025. Links |
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| Diana RockDiana’s works are contemporary romance or women’s fiction with romantic elements. The subgenres are small town, second chances, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, forbidden love, marriage of convenience, first love, workplace romance, and close proximity. Diana Rock currently lives in eastern Connecticut with her tall, dark, handsome hero and two feisty felines. When she’s not writing or working, Diana likes puttering about the yard, gardening, baking, fly-fishing, and practicing Scottish Country Dancing. Links |
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| Elissa BassElissa Bass was born into a family of journalists and writers, which made dinnertime interesting. After a long and award-winning career in journalism, she started her own communications business. These days she freelances, works on her next novel, teaches journalism at the University of Connecticut and thinks about ice cream. She lives in southeastern Connecticut with her journalist husband and texts memes to her two adult children every day. |
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| Jamie Kleinkauf-SchmidtUSA Today bestselling author, Jamie K. Schmidt, writes erotic contemporary love stories and paranormal romances. Her steamy, romantic comedy Life’s a Beach reached #65 on USA Today, #2 on Barnes & Noble and #9 on Amazon. Her Club Inferno series from Random House’s Loveswept line has hit both the Amazon and Barnes & Noble top one hundred lists and the first book in the series, Heat put her on the USA Today bestseller list. Her dragon paranormal romance series from Entangled Publishing, has been called “fun and quirky” and “endearing.” Partnered with New York Times bestselling author and former porn actress, Jenna Jameson, Jamie’s hardcover debut, SPICE, continues Jenna’s FATE trilogy. |
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| Katelyn Marie PetersonKatelyn Marie Peterson graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and writes freelance pieces for various newspapers. When she isn’t typing on her laptop, she enjoys movie marathons, singing show tunes in the car, and cozying up with a good book. Katelyn resides in Connecticut with her husband and two children, a stay-at-home mom with a passion for Romance. Links |
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| Kiersten SchifferKiersten Schiffer, a romance writer and Creativity Coach, grew up in the farmlands of Indiana and now lives in Connecticut with her husband. Kiersten earned a degree in Outdoor Recreation from Indiana University and later put those skills to use raising her 4 now grown children, as well as babysitting grandsons, Finn, Abel, & Julien. She is addicted to stories in every form and enjoys blogging about creativity and spirituality and how the two intersect. If she’s not at her writing desk, you can usually find her strolling in the woods daydreaming about her next love story. Linkskierstenschiffer.com |
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| Jean M. GrantJean M. Grant is a former scientist who writes sweeping adventures with heart and hope. Her books span the genres of historical and contemporary romance, women’s fiction, suspense, and friendship fiction. When not writing, you can find her in her flower and vegetable gardens or exploring the outdoors with her family. She sits on her town’s Library Board of Trustees and is a strong advocate for neurodiversity awareness. If she were stuck on a deserted island, her three essentials (besides family, food/water, shelter) would be: coffee, lip balm, and endless pink Post-its. Links |
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| Mary Jane RuffoMary Jane Ruffo is a retired educator. She and her husband, Mark, live in Eastern Connecticut with their Golden Retrievers, Brady and Zion. When she is not writing, making jewelry, or reading others’ stories, she may be scouring the coastline for sea glass. This is her first novel. |
| Michael JakubowskiMike Jakubowski lives in Wethersfield where he spends his time reading books, binge watching television, running road races, and enjoying wine and beer with friends. He is the author of Joey and the Ocean of Possibilities (Adult Contemporary Romance) and The Kings of Beacon (YA Romance), with a third (to be named) novel slated for an early 2026 release date. Links |
Science Fiction |
| Derek McKinneyWith extensive experience developing innovative applications across web and mobile platforms, coupled with a deep dive into the cutting-edge world of artificial intelligence, he brings a unique perspective to exploring the imaginative realms of science fiction. Writing a multiverse story has reignited his passion for storytelling, blending creativity and technology into compelling narratives. |
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| Michael MoutinhoMichael Moutinho (moo-TEEN-yo) is the creator of the Pangolin Republic sci-fi universe. A lifelong fan of science fiction, Mike kicked around ideas for decades while writing and directing independent films and hosting a college radio show. He released Flight of the Pangolin, his first novel, in 2024. Books 2 and 3 of the series are scheduled for release in 2026 and 2027, respectively. He also hosts the YouTube show Mike's Book Report on the Pangolin Republic channel, where he takes a look at sci-fi books from the past and present. Linkswww.thepangolinrepublic.com |
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| Andrew Valenza |
Self Help - Wellness |
| Mikki A Ealey Mikki A Ealey (MAE) is the Founder and CEO of Mz Social Butterfly Network LLC, dedicated to guiding individuals through strategic personal and professional transformation. As a Certified Life Coach, MAE combines her inspirational insights with a structured, results-driven methodology. This disciplined approach is directly informed by her Paralegal degree and professional background as a Certified Notary Public, ensuring clients move from aspiration to achievement with confidence. |
| Melissa LombardoMelissa Lombardo brings forth a unique voice founded on lived experience and professional expertise dedicated to fostering healing and resilience. Her publication credits include Hurt, Healing, and Hope: Thriving beyond Sexual Assault, Keys to Joyful Living: Unlock Freedom, Joy, and Your Soul's Expansion, and We’ve Got Some Things to Say: Reshaping Narratives Around Sexual Violence. Melissa’s background spans psychology, sociology, transformative mental health, and holistic wellness. Through her business, Write, Heal, Thrive, Melissa encourages others to discover their path of transformation. Linksmelissablombardo.com |
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| Sanid YoungSandi grew up on coast of Connecticut which is where her love of the ocean began. She holds a Master’s degree in Psychology with a graduate certificate in Life Coaching. Sandi has worked in public education and most recently at a non-profit. Sandi is a first-time author sharing very personal details from her childhood, and traumas pertaining to loss, grief and much more. Her goal is to help people heal and recognize their own strength. When not writing, Sandi’s favorite pastime is connecting with family and friends. And to this day, she remains drawn to the healing properties the ocean and sun provide her. |
Fiction |
| Andrea EzerinsAndrea Ezerins grew up in the small town of Columbia, Connecticut, and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Connecticut. After spending three decades in the insurance industry, she traded risk assessments for plot twists, publishing her debut novel, Again and Again Back to You, in 2024. She is working on her second novel, proving that an empty nest (and a spoiled German shepherd) is the perfect recipe for creativity. Andrea lives in Hebron, Connecticut, with her husband and is the proud mom of two daughters and identical twin sons. Links |
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| Beth CarusoAward-winning author and researcher, Beth M Caruso, has been involved in efforts to educate the public about the Connecticut witch trials through her written work and exoneration efforts. She is the author of the Connecticut Witch Trials Trilogy. Beth’s first historical novel One of Windsor: The Untold Story of America’s First Witch Hanging (2015), tells the tale of Alice ‘Alse’ Young and the beginnings of New England’s colonial witch trials. The Salty Rose: Alchemists, Witches & A Tapper In New Amsterdam (2019) won the literary prize in Genre Fiction (2020) from IPNE (Independent Publishers of New England) and explores John Winthrop the Younger’s influence on stopping the witch trials in Connecticut, also giving an insider’s view of the takeover of the Dutch colony of New Netherland and the Hartford Witch Panic. Her latest novel, the final sequel to One of Windsor, titled Between Good & Evil: Curse of the Windsor Witch’s Daughter, explores the trauma of Alice’s daughter, Alice Young Beamon, and Windsor’s second witch accusations against Lydia Gilbert. |
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| Colleen CoyneAuthor of The Unintended Heiress and Bewept, multi-award-winning novels recognized by the Firebird Book Awards, American Fiction Awards, Storytrade Awards, and shortlisted for the Goethe and Chanticleer Clue Awards. Links |
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| Dawn HoffmanD. Margaret Hoffman is the mother of two daughters, wife of one husband, caretaker of two cats and writer of three books—so far. She taught writing, literature and film to high school and college students for 36 years. Now she writes essays about her life and mentors others who want to write about theirs. She loves to sing, crochet and travel (as long as someone else plans the trip). To see more of her work and subscribe to her newsletter, visit her website at www.dmargarethoffman.com. Links |
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| Donna Norman-CarboneDonna Norman-Carbone, the award-winning author of All That is Sacred and Of Lies and Honey, published by Red Adept Publishing, has a passion for writing women’s fiction that tugs at the heartstrings. Donna is also co-host of Authors Talking Bookish, a podcast for writers, and the program director for the Bookish Road Trip. Her writing affiliations include WFWA, CAPA and Authors Guild. Links |
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| Mahitab MahmoudMahitab Mahmoud is an author and educator based in Connecticut. Her writing explores identity, silence, belonging, resilience, and the courage it takes to reclaim one’s voice. She is the author of When Silence Shatters: A Collection of Short Stories and The Color of Our Names. Through her fiction, she centers voices shaped by culture, family, migration, gender, and the search for freedom. |
Non-Fiction |
| Cathy J. YuhasCathy J. Yuhas, RN, CEOLD, is a registered nurse with 36 years of experience, a certified end-of-life doula, and the founder of Dying Matters, LLC. She is the author of Walking Each Other Home: Guiding Caregivers and Community Through the Sacred Passage of Death, a compassionate guide for honest conversations, caregiving, and end-of-life clarity. She is also a contributing author to Discover the Gift of Joy: How to Experience Joy in Life, Work, and Relationships. Her newest book, Peeling Back the Layers: The Courage to Meet Yourself, explores authenticity, mortality, shame, regret, and the quiet courage it takes to lay down old protections and come home to yourself. |
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| D.L.DICKSON D.L. Dickson has worked in advertising and in education, teaching French, and English, aThe idea for her first novel While the World Waits, began in August 1965 not 1944 when she came face to face with a Tiger Tank in Paris. After twenty-five years of research, writing and traveling to Paris and France her world War ll novel was published. Now her non-fiction works Dear Wallace: Meanderings of a Senior Solo Traveler, tells of Paris then and now, and Dear Wallace: Paris & Poland: Meanderings of Senior Solo Travelers, are published. A second novel Girls from the Pool is in the works. LINKS |
| Maureen O'HeraMaureen is a new author, publishing her first book My Warp Threads, A Memoir, in 2025. It is a story of resilience, perseverance, survival, and the transformative power of unexpected forgiveness. Maureen is working on a second book that will focus on women having an amazing life at 50 years and beyond. Maureen is a workforce development professional and an avid birder. She is a tenor in a community choral group. |
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| Eric JosephEric Joseph has been serving as the senior pastor at Church Avenue Church of God in Brooklyn, New York, for over 21 years. He has also worked in the mental health field for over 12 years, which helped him become an established author of over 6 books. He earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from the College of New Rochelle and a master's degree in marriage and family therapy from the Alliance Graduate School of Counseling. As a licensed professional counselor (LPC), Eric possesses comprehensive expertise in individual, couples, and multidimensional family therapy. Links |
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| Fay TaylorFay Taylor was born in Kingston, the capital of the island Jamaica West Indies. Educated at Waulgrove College, migrated to the USA in 1970. She is married to Charles Taylor and has three children. Employed by Hartford Insurance Group in various computer technology positions until the tragic accident in 1989. Now, retired and healing, has decided to share her life altering experience to benefit and empower the quiet voices who have courageously endured and survived the devastation of Spinal Cord Injury. Links |
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| Robert CoxRobert is a resident of Hamden, Connecticut who writes Christian self-help books. He is a retired Correction Officer as well as a retired pastor. In his free time Robert enjoys fishing, reading and playing the saxophone. |
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 | Melvin Douglas WilsonAuthor Melvin Douglas Wilson is a Christian writer. After many years of schooling at the later stages in my life, I have found a love for writing nonfiction books and op-eds for local newspapers with a Christian perspective. I am a graduate of Central Connecticut State University, Manchester Community College, Springfield Technical Community College, and three Christian schools of higher learning. Today, I continue to be a lifelong learner online and through traveling to historical sites worldwide, taking classes in history, and studying my love for Biblical Teaching. Links |
| Mary Romeny-SchaabMary Romney-Schaab was born in New York City, but her roots are in the Caribbean island nation of St. Maarten. A retired educator, she spent over 40 years teaching English as a second or foreign language in Madrid, New York, Barcelona, and Connecticut. She has an Ed.M. in Instructional Media, and an M.A. in the Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), both from Columbia University; an M.A. in Spanish, and a B.A. in Spanish, both from Middlebury College. She is interested in oral history, languages, culture, and history. Links |
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 | Sand YoungSandi grew up in Connecticut which is where her story takes place. Sandi’s writing journey has provided her healing from childhood experiences most women can relate to.To this day, the costal beach and sun bring her inner peace. Links |
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| Simon MelzerSimon Melzer has been a movie fanatic since childhood, he published his first movie article on director Sergio Leone In 1974. He created and directed the first Bronx Film Festival, worked as a public school teacher in the Bronx. In 1975, he was a regional sales manager for Paramount Pictures in educational film distribution, an adjunct professor of media, an award winning photographer, Filmmaker and photojournalist. In 1992, he began collecting Tarzan posters, lobby cards and stills. Over the years the collection grew extensively to include many other movie related memorabilia including toys, books, prints and hundreds of periodical movie advertisements. The book,“Movie Ads” is a culmination of many years of collecting movie memorabilia from the golden age of Hollywood. |
Murder/ Mystery |
| Mark L. DressierMark is from Hartford and he has 6 published mysteries. Four feature Hartford Detective Dan Shields and two feature Manhattan's female detective Lex Stall. THe Hartford courant named him a most notabel author and he has appeared on TV channels 8 and 61 as wll as appearing at Barnes and Noble bookstores and R.J. Julia. All books are available in ebook and paperback and are purchasable from any bookseller. |
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| Valerie TaylorValerie Taylor enjoys writing both cozy mysteries and romantic comedies, because as Hercule Poirot says in Agatha Christie's "ABC Murders", "Romance can be a by-product of crime." Each of her books includes a playlist for readers to enjoy as they eagerly turn the pages. She attributes her love of music to her younger years, when she participated in ballroom dance competitions and was a member of the Bobby Darin fan club. Links |
Poetry |
| J BrookeJ Brooke’s book, I Can Tell You The Version That Will Make You Take My Side, (June 2026 Driftwood Press) won the Editor’s Choice Prize at Driftwood Press and was a Finalist for Ashland Press’s 2025 Richard Snyder Poetry Prize. They were a finalist for the 2025 Iowa Review Nonfiction Prize. Their work appears or is upcoming in Electric Lit, McSweeney’s, Harvard Review and elsewhere. Brooke is the Prose Book Reviews Editor at The Rumpus, and Poetry Editor at Trans Poetics Archive. They can be found at JBrookewrites.com |
