< Back Robert Archibald Robert Archibald is the Chancellor Professor of Economics Emeritus at the College of William and Mary. In retirement he’s started writing mystery novels. Blue Fortune Enterprises has published seven of his novels thus far. Set in current day America, his books feature real people dealing with real world problems, for example, identity theft, criminals who get off of technicalities, and judges who take bribes. None of the characters are particularly well endowed with natural abilities, but they are eventually able to bumble their way through to satisfactory conclusions. Next

< Back Michael Eging Mike’s earliest memories are of carrying a battered notebook around full of drawings and stories. In college, textbooks and fantasy novels rode around in his backpack, while he continued to write short stories, novels, and poetry. Recently, Mike has pursued writing screenplays with his first option being a medieval epic, Song of Roland. The Paladin of Shadow Chronicles, including Annwyn’s Blood and Ash and Ruin, will soon conclude with Tree at the Edge of Forever. He lives in Northern Virginia and dreams of driving an old Defender to Alaska with his wife, Lori, and their dog, Rufus. Next

< Back Tommy Kerper Once upon a time, a bored lawyer and avid reader searched for a particular book. Tired of his favorite characters becoming background noise to the heroes of the story, he took it upon himself to write something different. A few books later, Tommy has dropped the lawyer gig and decided writing full-time is worth giving a chance. He lives in Virginia with his perfect wife, their dog with endless energy, and two boys that wear even the dog out. You can find Tommy writing, sipping another cup of coffee, or reading anything he can get his hands on. 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 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 S.K. Ehra S.K. Ehra is an author of fantasy, horror, and all that lies between. When not reading or writing, she can be found wandering the woods and, while skittish, is friendly when approached. Next

< Back Hugh Lessig Hugh Lessig worked as a reporter for the Daily Press in Newport News for 23 years, covering the General Assembly and the military. That was followed by five years in public communications for Newport News Shipbuilding. His debut crime novel, Fadeaway Joe, was released in 2023 from Crooked Lane Books. His short stories have appeared in numerous crime-themed anthologies over the years. A native of the Slate Belt in eastern Pennsylvania, he is now retired and lives in Hampton with his loving partner, Shana, and their three dogs. Next

< Back D. L. Farrar D. L. Farrar’s working career spanned over forty-five years in book and magazine publishing. She has authored short stories, books, plays, and a Hollywood screenplay with an HBO option. Organizations have sought her talent to write plays, drawing thousands of people to hear devotional inspiration through her imagination. Her unique ability to successfully combine science fiction and faith has produced stories of interest to fans of multiple genres. D.L.’s latest book, “Vincent and the Grief Masters” mixes a sci-fi murder mystery, demons, heroes and forces of hope, faith, and love. The sequel, “Forbidden Fruit,” is coming in 2026. Find her at https://dianalfarrar.wixsite.com/dlfarrar Next

< Back Heather Mullaly Heather Mullaly is an award winning author of books for children and teens. She is a strong believer in the power of story. When she isn't reading them, or writing them, she can often be found baking something that involves chocolate. Next

< Back Allison Gunn Allison Gunn is a researcher, writer, and librarian with a penchant for all things whimsical, folkloric, and strange. Presently digging deep into Appalachian Studies, she earned her MLIS and History M.A. from the University of Maryland with an emphasis on marginalized communities. She currently roams the wonderfully weird land of West Virginia with her delightful daughters, several furry overlords, and one masterful Mountaineer musician. Writing is, above all else, the only thing keeping her somewhat sane. 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 Karen Marginot Karen Marginot is an author, a recovery coach, and an integrative coach with over four decades of literary experience. Her published memoir, The Bad Girls Club: Promises of a Spirituality-Based Recovery, explores transformation and recovery from trauma and addiction. With a background spanning publishing, content development leadership, and senior positions at Salesforce and Dell, Karen brings unique insight to writers at all stages. Her innovative workshops blend classical storytelling techniques with transformative approaches to narrative development, helping writers discover their authentic voice and craft impactful stories. Specializing in guiding those in the wisdom phase of life, Karen creates supportive environments where participants develop both technical skills and narrative gifts. A graduate of Co-Active Training Institute, Karen is currently working on her next two book projects while helping others discover the stories only they can tell. Her teaching philosophy centers on her conviction that a single story can change everything—transforming both author and audience. Next