< Back Taylor Hartley Taylor Hartley graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and a minor in Creative Writing. Inspired largely by Tamora Pierce and Madeline L’Engle, Taylor started writing stories when they were nine years old and never looked back. Next

< Back George WB Scott George WB Scott is an East Tennessee book author and video producer, with a life-long interest in European and American history. Scott was born in Stuart, Florida, and graduated from Martin County High School. Scott's previous books include "I Jonathan, A Charleston Tale of the Rebellion," and "Growing Up In Eden," a childhood memoir. Website: SouthernRocket.net Next

< Back Laura C.Rader Laura C. Rader graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in psychology and a minor emphasis in history and art. She taught English and history for many years. Now living in North Carolina, she is a full time author of historical fiction. Hatfield 1677, based on the true story of her 9th great grandparents in Massachusetts during King Philip’s War, is her debut award-winning novel. Next

< Back Christy Landers Tallamy Christy Landers Tallamy is a writer whose work explores the beauty and complexity of ordinary lives. Her style is often compared to Italian novelist Elena Ferrante. Her poetry and essays appear in several creative writing anthologies, and she has also worked as a ghostwriter, blogger, and essayist, earning small but meaningful accolades for her work. Her debut historical novel, Sugarcane Saint—the first in a planned trilogy—draws on her Southern roots to examine family loyalty, faith, and the legacies that shape who we become. 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

< Back Randy Ellefson Author and world building strategist Randy Ellefson has been world building since the 1980s, having worked on a single world (Llurien) for decades, while also building separate worlds for other projects. Rand has won honorable mention three times in the prestigious Writers of the Future contest and publishes fantasy novels, novellas, and short stories. His series, The Art of World Building, has reached the Top 10 on Amazon's Bestseller lists. He's also host of the Fantasy & Sci-Fi Author Summit. Between selling at conventions, he also appears on podcasts for writers. He holds a Bachelors of Music, Magna cum Laude, in classical guitar, and runs his own record label, which has released five of his albums (three instrumental rock, one instrumental acoustic, and one classical guitar album). His metal band, Black Halo, is releasing its debut album in 2026, with Rand as guitarist, main songwriter/lyricist, and band manager. Rand works as a professional software architect/project manager in the Washington, D.C. area and has worked for the State Department, White House, and NASA among others. When not creating, he's playing with his son and daughter, golfing, skiing, or swimming. Next

< Back Luz Schweig Luz Schweig is an emerging poet raised in Mexico-Tenochtitlan, whose work participates in reviving Indigenous eco-spirituality. Her contributions have mainly focused on anthologizing marginalized voices, especially those of women. In 2012, Luz founded a women’s spiritual poetry project through which hundreds of contributors shared their stories. Her award winning anthology, Somos Xicanas, sparked a revival of published work by Mexican American women. First penned under a pseudonym, Luz’s first poetry manuscript was selected by Juan Felipe Herrera as first runner-up for the 2024 Andrés Montoya Poetry Prize. Next

< Back John Conlee John Conlee is an Emeritus Professor of English and Medieval Studies at the College Studies where he specialized in Chaucer, the Arthurian Legends, and Celtic Mythology. He has been writing fiction for the last thirty years, and his novels reflect his scholarly interests as well as his youthful years as a baseball player. He grow up on the West Coast and attended the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. In addition to writing fiction for adult readers, he is the author of a series of tales for younger readers that involve King Arthur, Merlin, and Arthur's dog Cabal. Several of his novels are set in Ireland and the U.K. (including Oxford, Wales, and Cornwall) where he has lived and studied. His most recent novel, BE NIMBLE. BE QUICK is set in Southern California. 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 Leslie Eva Tayloe Leslie Eva Tayloe is an award-winning children’s picture book author of Save the Trees, a 2024 Moonbeam Bronze Medalist, and 2025 Long listed for the Green Earth Award, The Attic Door a 2024 Story Monster’s Approved Award, and 2025 Literary Titan Gold Book Award, and I’m Fishing with Pop-Pop Today. She also wrote an article, titled Marketing Group Helps Writers (Children’s Book Insider, April 2023). She’s a former analyst, worked as a substitute teacher and holds a Master’s degree from the University of Maryland. Next

< Back Leslie Lautenslager With over 30 years of experience, Leslie Lautenslager is a recognized leader in international protocol and diplomacy as a speaker, trainer, and published author. She served beside General Colin Powell from 1996 until his death, managing his professional speaking career on the international speaking circuit and serving as the Assistant Chief of Protocol for Ceremonials during his tenure as the nation’s top diplomat. In her book, “My Time with General Colin Powell: Stories of Kindness, Diplomacy, & Protocol,” she provides readers the opportunity to learn what an extraordinary person he was behind the scenes and behind the headlines. Next

< Back Judge This Book: The Psychology and Craft of Irresistible Covers Make your cover do its job. Author and editor Marni Graff translates design principles into author‑friendly steps: genre signals, typography, color, and the crucial thumbnail test. With real case studies and before‑and‑afters, you’ll leave with a practical checklist, resource links, and the confidence to brief a designer—whether you’re indie or traditionally published. About Marni: Marni Graff is the author of the Nora Tierney English Mysteries and the Trudy Genova Manhattan Mysteries, celebrated for a strong sense of place, wit, and classic crime traditions. A contributor to the Miss Demeanors blog and Managing Editor of Bridle Path Press, she frequently visits book clubs and libraries to talk craft and mystery writing. Previous Next