< Back Lesley O'Brien Lesley O’Brien is an English American writer, adventurer, sailor, and ailurophile. An accomplished neuroscientist, Lesley has extensive scientific publications as well as an illustrated children's book series. Lesley was born and raised in England but has spent her last 25 years in North American. When not sailing the Chesapeake Bay, or writing stories inspired by her cat Marco, Lesley is finding new mountains to climb. Lesley is a lover of long horizons and salty air, and a proponent of reinventing oneself whenever the conveyor belt of life is no longer in service. Next

< Back William R Hogan William R. Hogan is a fourth-generation US Army officer with a deep and personal interest in World War II history. He is the youngest son of Samuel M. Hogan, one of the Third Armored Division’s most charismatic and successful tactical-level combat commanders in the European Theater. His worldwide service in armored, special operations, and airborne units lends a personal touch of soldierly experience to his writings. He retired from the Army after 22 years of service in the summer of 2024 after serving as the US Army representative to the French Army Staff in Paris. He is currently on the faculty at the Joint Military Attaché School in Washington DC. Next

< Back Sonny Hudson Sonny Hudson is the acclaimed author of the Jessica Jansen Thriller series, which includes The Murder Game, Glitz. Glamour. Murder., and Blood & Vengeance. And now, with the release of his latest, Divine Deception, Hudson continues the fast-paced and taut storytelling tradition he’s known for. Fans of political action and spy thrillers by top writers like Robert Ludlum and Brad Thor will love Hudson's debut novel, Let the Truth Be Told. This perennial favorite has captivated audiences at events year after year. Currently residing in Williamsburg, VA, Hudson provides business & technology consulting to Global 1000 companies. Next

< Back Alicia Swain Alicia Swain (she/her) is the author of Steel Slides and Yellow Walls, a feminist poetry collection published by Belle Isle Books. Her work appears in several literary magazines and journals, including Roanoke Review, Vast Chasm, The Anti-Misogyny Club, and The Closed Eye Open. Her poem “Return Me to the Womb,” published in FLARE Magazine’s first issue, has been nominated for Best of the Net 2026. Swain studied English at Penn State University and Eastern Illinois University. She can be found on her website at aliciaswain.com and on most social media platforms as @aliciamswain. Next

< Back Caterina Novelliere Caterina is passionate about history, music, romance, old languages, and travel. She regularly intertwines these subjects in her Servants of Morrigan: Four Horsemen Series and in Tale of Rouen, a romantic tale that combines fantasy, time travel, and historical fiction. Next

< Back Sandy Hope Stewart Sandy Hope Stewart is the author of a memoir of life as a military spouse as well her debut Christian Fiction, Entertaining Angels. She has been featured in Decision Magazine and Today's Christian Living. She and her retired military husband spend most of their time with their family, including nine grand-children and one great-grandchild. Next

< Back Tabitha Mann Tabitha “Tabbie” Mann, also known by her pen name Dorcas Renee, is a licensed clinical social worker, author, playwright, and local television personality. She wrote her first book, Dinosaur Brains, after studying how fear functions as the brain’s safety system. Written for children ages 6–10, the book is also used as a therapeutic tool with readers of all ages. Bitten by the writing bug, Tabbie has since written and produced ten plays and two novels exploring displacement, family, and the quest for safety: Y’all Chose This: The Diaries of Trina Pardo and Wait! What? The Decimation of Lady Liberty. She is a well-known storyteller in the DC metro area and co-hosts The Loveys Entertainment Review Show on Comcast Channel 2. Next

< Back Nicole Glover Nicole Glover is the author of the acclaimed historical fantasy series, Murder and Magic, which includes The Starseekers. Her books have received rave starred reviews for their unique blend of mystery, history, and fantasy and have been featured in NPR and local media, En Forme and the Virginian-Pilot. She's been a Library Reads pick, made the Locus bestseller list, and most recently won The Webster Award. She lives and works in Virginia plotting her next fictional murder. Next

< Back Patricia Bradby Moore Patricia Bradby Moore is a proud multi-hyphenate who refuses to be defined by a single label. She is a writer, keynote speaker, connectivity coach, technologist, voiceover artist, community builder, traveler, runner, swimmer, cyclist, scuba diver, and amateur ukulele player. Patricia is passionate about using her experience and expertise to help others embrace every facet of their identity and live their most fulfilling lives. She views her versatility as a superpower—one that fuels innovation and builds a happier, more connected world. Next

< Back Ron Peterson, Jr Ron Peterson, Jr is a bestselling author of five true crime books that explore some of Virginia’s most compelling mysteries. Three of his books have been adapted for television. He is a graduate of Radford University and makes his home in the historic downtown of Smithfield, Virginia. Next

< Back Patti Gaustad Procopi Patti Gaustad Procopi is a former army brat who lived all over the world before settling in Gloucester, Virginia. After retiring from two area history museums, Patti finally had time to do what she always wanted - write. Patti’s first novel “Please…Tell Me More” was published in 2020. She’s had two more contemporary fiction novels published and in 2025 Patti’s first mystery, “The Murderer You Know” was released. She’s won awards for short stories. Patti enjoys interacting with her fellow writers and has presented l talks on “Writing Your Story” for the Virginia Writers Club, Chesapeake Bay Writers and area libraries. Next

< Back Cindy Chisholm Cindy grew up in rural North Carolina exploring the vast woods and streams with her older brother, younger sisters and faithful dogs. Her debut children's chapter book, A Cabbit Tale, captures her creative imagination, taking the reader on an exciting journey with the cats and cabbits as they discover hidden secrets, solve mysteries and forge new friendships. Cindy is a published poet and has written several short stories. A Cabbit Tale placed as a finalist in the 2025 American Fiction Awards honoring literary excellence in juvenile fiction. Next