Indie Author Alley

KALYNN APPLEWHITE │ Chagrin Falls, OH
The Widow’s Tear
Kalynn Applewhite is a writer with a lifelong love of fantasy. She is a work-from-home mom and lead creator for Applewhite Games. Her books explore her passion for feminist themes. Kalynn loves playing games, taking hikes, and eating super dark chocolate. She lives in Ohio with her husband and their menagerie of children, cats, chickens and houseplants.

ZARIAH L. BANKS │ Streetsboro, OH
Mistletowed: A Holiday Novella
Zariah L. Banks, award-winning author of Beauty Beheld and a holiday novella, Mistletowed, writes emotionally rich contemporary romance. Her Beauty is Her Name series is praised for themes of self-love and growth and captivates readers seeking lasting love stories. The sequel, Beauty Betrothed, was released in the spring of 2025.

MATTHEW BARRON │ Indianapolis, IN
Dissonant Dreams: The Short Stories of Matthew Barron
Matthew Barron was raised by a dog in the cornfields of southern Indiana but currently lives and works in Indianapolis among other humans. Matthew’s fiction has appeared in magazines and anthologies such as Ill-Considered Expeditions, Roboterotica, Outposts of Beyond, Sci Phi Journal, House of Horror, and more. Along with books and short stories, he’s produced two of his plays and released three graphic novels.

DANIEL BAUTZ │ Marysville, OH
Aristotle James & The Waking Wild
Daniel Bautz grew up in a small one-stoplight town in rural Ohio. A former artist, graphic designer, and podcaster he is an award-winning author in multiple genres. His work gives readers of all ages adventures full of thrills and chills.

K.C. BROOKS │ Columbus, OH
Morbid Anniversaries
K.C. Brooks is an emerging fantasy author who enjoys reading, adventuring, and taking photos. Her debut novel, Morbid Anniversaries, is an urban fantasy about a girl who knows the day she is going to die, a boy who was gifted his life, and their mutual friend, Death.

TONYA ULYNN BROWN │ Oak Hill, OH
The Prince’s Darling
Tonya Ulynn Brown is the author of the Stuart Monarch series, historical romance novels set in Scotland during the 16th and 17th centuries. With a Master of Arts degree in Teaching, she teaches reading and writing in southeastern Ohio. Her passion for medieval and early modern history greatly influences her writing.

E.A. BURNETT │ Newark, OH
Of Gryphons and Runes
E.A. Burnett is an epic fantasy author known for evocative, empowering and captivating stories for older young adults and new adults featuring magical worlds, animals, and powerful female leads. Her latest book, Of Gryphons and Runes, kicks off a new trilogy set in a world shaped by Enchanters, where humans are bound to other life forms.

TERREECE M. CLARKE │ Columbus, OH
Breathless
Terreece M. Clarke uses her voice and lived experience to share diverse stories with readers, bringing joy and determination to her work. Her stories, rooted in Black feminine identity, aim toward filling the gaps in popular culture and genres that have historically marginalized the voices and love stories of Black women.

AMABEL DANIELS │ Ottawa Hills, OH
Protecting the Magic
Amabel Daniels writes romance, mystery, and fantasy under a few pen names. Although she holds a Master’s degree in Ecology and is a science nerd at heart, her true passion is getting lost in a good book. Sarcasm is her love language and escaping into fiction is her superpower.

JOHN F. DUFFY │ Bloomington, IN
Where When It Rains
John F. Duffy is an author of two novels and numerous short fiction works. His debut novel, A Ballroom for Ghost Dancing, was shortlisted for the Indiana Author Award and won Best Midwest Fiction from the Independent Publishers Book Award. His latest novel, Where When It Rains, was chosen by Kirkus Reviews as a December 2024 Starred Indie highlight.

AMBA ELIEFF │ Florence, KY
Naked & Healing
Amba Elieff, a lifelong poet, draws inspiration from her diverse life experiences, including marriage, divorce, motherhood, corporate career, and her current service job. Her poetry aims to resonate with readers by being both relatable and thought-provoking. Amba’s work encourages reflection, sparks conversations, offers new perspectives, and ultimately reminds readers that they are not alone.

SARAH EMMER │ Columbus, OH
Retribution
Sarah Emmer is a romantic fantasy and contemporary romance author with a background in human resources. Her writing reflects her passion for diversity and inclusion, featuring worlds filled with various races, ethnicities, languages, sexual orientations, and gender identities. Despite the challenges her characters face, Sarah’s stories always carry a message of hope. Sarah is a wife and mother to two neurodivergent sons who serve as inspiration for her work.

CHRISTOPHER FARRAR │ Columbus, OH
Light of Exile
Christopher Farrar vividly portrays the world of ancient Israel through stories of ordinary people in the Hebrew scriptures. Drawing from scholarly research, trips to Israel, Hebrew language study, archaeology conferences, and university courses, he offers readers a captivating glimpse into the Old Testament period of the Bible through his blogs, books, and narratives.

JAMES A. FYERMAN │ Bellefontaine, OH
Bigfoot in the Saddle
James A. Fyerman is a full-time firefighter/paramedic in central Ohio who writes action-packed western and science fiction novels with a touch of the bizarre. A lifelong reader, he draws inspiration from imaginative fiction to entertain and inspire his readers. His first two novels, Braker Ford’s Adventures in Space and Bigfoot in the Saddle, showcase his unique storytelling style.

STEFANIE GILMOUR │ Grand Rapids, MI
Free the Wolf: Alex Steward
Stefanie Gilmour is the author of The Alex Steward Series, a fast-paced urban fantasy series with a female werewolf lead. When she’s not penning Alex’s next thrilling adventure, Stefanie is a graphic designer who enjoys creepy and fantastical stories. Her short fiction has been published in The Quiet Ones literary magazine. Plants, concerts, books, and writing are a few of her favorite things. She’s a Midwest native and lives there with her patient husband and their tolerant cats.

EVAN GRAHAM │ Middlefield, OH
Sacrifice: A Duskbound Books Anthology
Evan Graham is an Ohio native who refuses to seek help for his lifelong sci-fi addiction. His insatiable appetite for sci-fi stories has driven him to create his own narratives to satisfy his craving for the genre. Graham’s debut novel, Tantalus Depths, is the first installment in his Calling Void series, which explores the mysteries of the unknown.

R.S. HAMILTON │ Martin, OH
Autumn Tales III: Return
R.S. Hamilton is the award-winning author of the fantasy/action-adventure series, The Stories of Evergreen. He has also been published in the Autumn Tales short story anthologies. In his spare time he is a husband, a grandfather, a dog lover and an avid reader.

ZANDER HATCH │ Delaware, OH
Rose Island
U.S. Marine veteran Zander Hatch combines his military background and love for storytelling in his debut novel, Rose Island. He has been crafting this captivating narrative since the age of 14, aiming to entertain readers with its dynamic action and clever dialogue.

A.L. HATCHER │ Rushville, OH
Little Jar of Teeth: Dark Stories To Keep You Up At Night
A.L. Hatcher is a thriller writer born and raised in Central Ohio. Her debut crime novel, The Blood Eagle, has been featured in podcasts and even a thriller subscription box! It is the first of the Tess Dane Crime Thrillers, in which Hatcher uses her BS in Forensic Investigation and Forensic Pathology to bring her characters and crime scenes to life. When she’s not writing, you can usually find her spending time with her family or with her nose stuck in a book.

CIREE HAWTHORN │ Lynnwood, WA
Cria Dreams
Writing short, spicy romance that you can devour in one sitting! Ciree Hawthorn has two ongoing series available: The Mating Grounds (dystopian romance) and Heartland State (contemporary romance). All of her books are interconnected stand alones and can be read in any order.

KARLA HUEBNER │ Dayton, OH
The Corpse in the Trash Room
Karla Huebner’s award-winning books include the novels In Search of the Magic Theater (Regal House), Too Early to Know Who’s Winning (Black Rose), and—as Colette Tajemna—The Corpse in the Trash Room (Archelaus);  plus the study Magnetic Woman: Toyen and the Surrealist Erotic (University of Pittsburgh Press).  She is Professor Emerita of Art History at Wright State University in Dayton.

LAURA HUIE │ Strongsville, OH
The Astray Chosen
Laura Huie’s Thedre trilogy has garnered numerous award nominations for her captivating dragon storytelling and imaginative world-building. Her book, The Sunset Sovereign: A Dragon’s Memoir, was a semifinalist in Mark Lawrence’s self-publishing fantasy blog off and is also a contender for multiple nominations in the Indieverse Awards. Get ready to be enthralled by her fantastical tales!

ANNA JINJA │ Athens, OH
Adopting Grace
Anna Jinja, an adoptee from Seoul, Korea, grew up in Iowa and has dedicated her life to advocating for others through various nonprofit roles. Through her own adoption journey and professional challenges, Anna shares insights on worthiness and belonging, inspiring others to embrace their inherent value. Anna’s debut novel, Adopting Grace, follows 39-year-old Grace, a Korean American adoptee confronting her husband’s betrayal and the pressures of family and career. As she unearths deep-seated issues tied to her adoption, Grace’s journey reveals the complex meaning of family, identity, and resilience in a heartfelt narrative.

SAMANTHA JO │ Salem, OH
Vessel: Bonded Earth Book One
Samantha Jo is an award-winning author with dreams of becoming an undeniable voice in the world of fantasy. Inspired by her love of nature and storytelling, she graduated from Youngstown State University with a degree in biology and many creative writing courses under her belt. Her passion for the natural world shines through in her alt-Appalachian series, The Bonded Earth Trilogy. Samantha lives in Ohio with her co-nerd and husband, their four semi-feral children, and a barnyard menagerie.

E.M. JONES │ Kettering, OH
The Darling Killer
E. M. JONES grew up in the rustic Ohio countryside. When he’s not working on his next book, he’s with his family, or busy exploring every local bookstore and library. If there is a creepy basement full of books, he will find it and spend too much time there. His short fiction has appeared in Mock Turtle Zine. The Darling Killer is his first novel, and is a psychological thriller about a serial killer in a small town.

JAY KALAGAYAN │ Cincinnati, OH
MeSseD Comics Vol 1: Follow the Flush
Jay B. Kalagayan is a Filipino-American creator and director of Creative Mussel, publisher of MeSseD Comics and The Intrusion. Creative Mussel, established eight years ago, aims to support diverse artists, promote creators, and make untold stories accessible. Jay’s work has been featured in publications such as Corpse Flower Press, Sol-Con Anthology, Columbus Scribbler, Xavier University Newswire, Citybeat, and The World Toilet Organization.

JORDAN KING │ Marion, OH
White Oaks
Jordan King holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Miami University. He is an active member of a writing group in Columbus, volunteers at his local library, and serves on the library friend’s group board. Jordan teaches writing classes at the library and mentors young writers. He enjoys writing in various genres such as horror, science fiction, and fantasy. Additionally, Jordan is a photographer, painter, and collage artist.

LAUREN KISER │ Lorain, OH
Reclaimed Roots
Lauren Kiser is making the contemporary romance genre a little bit sweeter—and a whole lot steamier. Navigating life from the driver’s seat of her minivan, this Midwest mom of two transforms the daily grind into sizzling adventures, capturing the hearts of readers who like their love stories with a side of sass.

BHARAT KRISHNAN │ Dublin, OH
Posterity
Bharat Krishnan is a professional storyteller and amateur cook who views writing as a form of social activism. He aims to create inclusive worlds where everyone can see themselves, reflecting both the current world’s flaws and a future we can shape together to uplift all voices.

BELINDA KROLL │ Hilliard, OH
Sir Hubert’s Handbook for the Recently Haunted
Belinda Kroll writes and illustrates no-spice historical fantasy romance for adults. The Hesitant Mediums series follows a group of Victorian spinsters with a ghost problem, and the sweet men who love them. Depending on the weather, you can find Belinda dressed in Victorian garb.

DARIN MILLER │ Grove City, OH
Equilibrium
Darin Miller is the BookFest award-winning author of the Ohio-based Dwayne Morrow Mystery series. With equal parts action, humor, suspense and mystery, the Dwayne Morrow series features characters you’re sure to love—and in some cases, loathe. His horror release, Equilibrium, has been favorably compared to Stephen King.

MICHELLE LEIGH MILLER │ Jackson, OH
Evelyn
Michelle Leigh Miller has been a writer for as long as she can remember, with a background in journalism. In January 2016, she dusted off a completed novel that was gathering dust on a flash drive and published it on Amazon. This reignited her passion for writing, leading to the publication of three more books: Reconstructing Evelyn, Evelyn, and The Cottage in Maple Hill. When not writing, she enjoys reading, learning new things, and indulging in romantic comedies.

TONYA MITCHELL │ Cincinnati, OH
The Arsenic Eater’s Wife, A Feigned Madness
Tonya Mitchell’s books delve into the lives of bold historical heroines and their dark stories. When she’s not plunging down research rabbit holes for her books, she’s traveling, cooking, and looking for the next great (often little known) heroine to write about. She lives in Cincinnati with her husband, three boys, and an overweight golden doodle.

LOU PADUANO │ Grand Island, NY
Alpha and Omega – Greystone Book Six
Lou Paduano is the author of the Greystone series, urban fantasy adventures inspired by the Dresden Files. Starting his writing adventure as a first-time stay-at-home dad, it has sustained him through a decade of fun. Creating worlds and sharing stories is his passion, fueled by connecting with readers at events.

ELIOT PARKER │ Oxford, MS
Double-Crossed
Eliot Parker is the author of five thriller novels and two collections of short stories. His newest thriller, Double-Crossed, features a gay cop solving murders in the heart of Appalachia. How do you track down a killer when the main suspect is a set of numbers?

JANE PLATINUM │ Centerville, OH
Born of Silicon
Jane Platinum is a self-published author with a rapidly expanding online following. She began writing as a way to cope with her partner’s hospitalization, leading to her debut novel, Born of Silicon. Her passion for writing has since flourished, and she is now striving to make it her full-time career.

NIKKI ROBB │ Toledo, OH
The Undying
Nikki Robb is the author of the Verihdian Wardens romantasy enemies-to-lovers series and the “Nameless” vampire why-choose romance series. Known for writing powerful women, LGBTQ+ characters, and empowering narratives, Nikki crafts stories that celebrate love, resilience, and self-discovery in fantastical worlds.

AUTUMN SHAH │ Dublin, OH
Elements: An Anthology
Autumn Shah writes in the suburbs of Columbus with her writing group, Dublin Creative Writers, a 501(c)(3) organization that provides a supportive and constructive environment for writers of all genres and experience levels. Her fiction has won local awards, and her creative nonfiction has been published in literary journals.

TASHA SHEIPLINE │ Lima, OH
Blood in the Chapel Royal and Yorkshire Rose
Tasha Sheipline, a native of Wapakoneta, is the author of The Whisper Series, a collection of historical fiction novels. The series follows Adelia Grey, a college professor, as she becomes entangled in solving ancient cold cases. Tasha, an educator, started writing as a creative outlet and is passionate about creating strong characters who navigate historical settings while embracing their knowledge and flaws. Her books are available locally and globally, reaching readers in over twenty countries.

STEVEN W. SIMON │ Arlington Heights, IL
ENDOTRIZI
Steven W. Simon is an American author best known for his novellas and poetry. From plane crashes to fracking accidents, his writing focuses on outsiders, misfits, and those who have never really fit in.

A.V. SMITH │ Dublin, OH
Madison “Upon This Rock”
A. V. Smith is an athlete turned Author who writes in various genres. Each published book has earned a number one best seller status per Amazon rating scale. Whether crime fiction, romance drama or fantasy, his stories are vivid and relevant.

AMY TACKETT │ Springboro, OH
Secret Santa
Amy Tackett is a thriller writer who enjoys exploring dark themes and concepts in her work. When she’s not moonlighting as an author, you can find her playing with her (wild) lovable kids, hiding book purchases from her husband, and rambling way too much on her Instagram stories.

ALEXANDER THOMAS │ Canal Winchester, OH
The Titan’s Gambit
Alexander Thomas is an author, game designer, and karaoke enthusiast known for his Titan City Chronicles series. He combines gaming, superheroes, and mythology to create epic stories set in a progressive 1920s world. He is thrilled to share his vision with readers.

AMANDA UHL │ North Royalton, OH
Healing Kiss
Amanda Uhl is the author of paranormal and contemporary romance. Her books are set in Cleveland where she currently lives. She has published several award-winning novels, including the Mind Hackers series. Her writing is praised for its unique blend of genres that keep readers glued to the pages.

JOSH VIDMAR │ Columbus, OH
Striker V: The Bleeding Blue Sky
Josh Vidmar is the author of Striker V, a superhero series for those who are burnt out and trying to make it to the end of the week. More human than super, the Striker books are easy reads that explore serious topics, all while maintaining realism and humor. Josh also has a professional background is in both events and community planning.

JAY WILLIS │ Portsmouth, OH
Guardians of the Sphere: The Sphere Saga Book Five
Jay S. Willis is a fantasy author and practicing attorney. Growing up in the 80s, he was an avid Dungeons & Dragons player and a fan of Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark, which influenced his love for fantasy and science fiction. Jay aims to inspire readers of all ages with his fantasy writing.

FELICITY WILSON │ Xenia, OH
Built on Bones & Ruins
Felicity Wilson is a romantasy author, who enjoys writing books about strong female characters, found family, magical worlds, and swoon-worthy love interests with a little bit of spice. The Norvailian Chronology combines heart-pounding trials, deep love stories, and good humor in a world of vicious fae kingdoms and elemental magic.

JJ WINSTON │ Lyndhurst, OH
The Revelation
JJ Winston is an award-winning author, a licensed Independent social worker and an attorney. She leverages her expertise in behavioral health and law to craft compelling novels that shed light on important issues such as behavioral health, human trafficking, and sickle cell disease. Winston’s works include The Anniversary, The Commemoration, and the non-fiction book The Anniversary Behavioral Health Guide and Workbook.

JESS WISECUP │ Dayton, OH
Between Fear and Favor
Jess Wisecup is the author of emotional fantasy romance and paranormal romance. Her books feature body diversity and characters in their late 20s and 30s. If Jess isn’t busy reading, she’s busy creating in some way.

SIGNE DAMRON │ Columbus, OH
French Door to Foyer
Signe Damron is an author with over 25 years of experience and the owner and founder of Signe-ture Publishing. Her first book, French Door to Foyer, a collection of poetry and prose, was published in spring 2022, and she has a new book scheduled for release in spring 2025. Signe is dedicated to crafting captivating narratives that evoke a range of emotions through vivid imagery and sensory details.

RALPH HOLLIS │ Pittsburgh, PA
Countdown to Launch!; Rockets, Computers, and Coming of Age in the Cold War
Ralph Hollis is Professor Emeritus at Carnegie Mellon University where he currently does research on robots that balance and move about on a single spherical wheel. He also has a home workshop where he does woodworking projects, makes metal parts, and builds electronics. Lately, He’s been spending effort wrangling his new robot lawnmower.

JEN RICHCREEK JONES │ Coshocton, OH
Autism, Apples and Kool Aid – A Lifetime of Love and Lessons Living with Autism
In her book Autism, Apples, and Kool Aid, Jen Richcreek Jones chronicles her experiences as a mother of two adults with autism. She shares her family’s journey from their early years to the present, aiming to bring laughter and hope to other families facing similar challenges. Through her stories, Jones sheds light on the daily realities faced by families living with disabilities, hoping to raise awareness and support.

KIP KNOTT │ Delaware, OH
A Mob of Kangaroos
Kip Knott is a seventh-generation Appalachian writer of stories, poems, essays, plays, and screenplays, whose roots are a regular subject of his work. He is the author of eleven collections of poetry and the recipient of grants from the Ohio Arts Council for poetry and playwriting. His most recent book is A Mob of Kangaroos.

LAURA MEYER │ West Allis, WI
The Halloween Collection: Costume and Cosplay Techniques
Laura Meyer, a Midwest-local costumer and author, believes in makers helping makers. Her books, The Victorian Collection: Advanced Costuming Techniques and The Halloween Collection: Costume and Cosplay Techniques, offer gorgeous photographs and amusing stories, alongside useful costuming tips and strategies from the creation of more than 30 cosplays and Victorian-inspired costumes!

FRED RUTTER │ Lithopolis, OH
Hitting the Road Without a Map . . . and other miscalculations
Fred Rutter resides in a rural village on the outskirts of Appalachia in Ohio, where he draws inspiration for his writing. His non-fiction work focuses on memoirs, travel, and historical topics, infused with insight and gentle humor. In addition to his book, his work can be found in his blog, literary journals and history-related magazines.

RICK SCHNEIDER │ Lancaster, OH
Simple Human Compassion
Rick Schneider’s work offers refreshing perspectives on hospice care, aiming to dispel any negative connotations associated with the term. Drawing from his 27 years of experience as a hospice volunteer, Schneider shares insightful stories that highlight the beauty of embracing life’s natural end. Through his books, he emphasizes the importance of living fully until the very end, rather than focusing on avoiding death.

CANDACE WALSH │ Athens, OH
Iridescent Pigeons
Candace Walsh is a queer/Latinx author of poetry, creative nonfiction, and fiction. She holds a PhD and an MFA in creative writing. Her chapbook Iridescent Pigeons is blazing with queer love poems. She also wrote the award-winning memoir Licking the Spoon: A Memoir of Food, Family & Identity.

LISA ARCONA │ Blue Ash, OH
From Grey
Lisa’s debut novel, From Grey, is a YA science fiction adventure inspired by the real heroes and events of the Underground Railroad. It is the first book in a duology, professionally edited and proofread, with cover design, illustrations (included in the hardcover version only), and layout done by the author, who is a professional graphic designer.

SCOTT BACHMANN │ Yellow Springs, OH
The Case of the Wandering Math Test
Scott Bachmann’s graphic novels and fiction center around superheroes in the Midwest: a heroic mom, her powered children and a normal dad. It’s funny and as down to earth as can be for people that can fly. Some of the books are all ages, some are more mature, and all are LGBTQ+ inclusive. Bachmann is also a successful playwright with works performed in Yellow Springs and the Dayton Playhouse.

ADELYN BELSTERLING | Mansfield, OH
I Wish I May
Adelyn Belsterling writes fairytales and happily ever afters. She grew up on a steady diet of Disney VHS tapes, fantasy books and musical theater. Her debut novel is a hope-filled cozy contemporary fantasy set in a version of our world with wishes, wands, and rival magical STEM schools.

JANICE BROYLES │ Winston Salem, NC
Broken: Hannah’s Story
Janice Broyles is an author of historical fiction and family sagas that captivate readers. In addition to having many works under her given name, Janice also creates compelling YA mystery and suspense novels under the pen name Shay Lee Giertz. Books are her passion!

MICHELE CASTLEMAN │ Tiffin, OH
Stolen Hearts
Originally from Grand Rapids, MI, Michele Castleman has been calling rural Ohio home for over a decade now. She received her MFA in writing for children from Chatham University and earned her doctorate in Education from The Ohio State University. She is a professor at Heidelberg University and can’t resist a good mystery, a cat or an eerie setting.

GABRIELLE S. CLARKE │ Columbus, OH
Vanessa is Not a Victim
Gabrielle S. Clarke is a high school senior, vice president of her school’s Thespian Society and a College Board National African American Recognition Awardee. She has been published in the anthology Black Girl, White School: Thriving, Surviving and No, You Can’t Touch My Hair and the Thurber House literary journal Flip the Page.

E.A. HENDRYX │ Columbus, IN
Falling Through the Black
E. A. Hendryx is an author, book cover designer, photographer, and podcaster specializing in action-packed YA science fantasy. With a childhood love for Star Trek and Nancy Drew, she believes every idea is better in space. She released her debut novel, Suspended in the Stars, in 2023, garnering multiple awards.

LYNK NOIR │ Blanchester, OH
Embers of Dragonflame
Lynk Noir (She/They) is a YA/NA Fantasy author and folklore enthusiast who writes stories filled with dragons, fairies, and irreverent humor. Lynk’s narratives feature LGBTQ+ characters who embark on quests and adventures, supported by deep, long-lasting friendships that drive the plot. Expect magical shenanigans and at least one dragon in every fantastical tale!

ELLE NOLAN │ Columbus, OH
The Divide
Elle Nolan is an up-and-coming science fiction author who discovered her passion for writing at a young age. Inspired by strong female characters, she creates her own empowering female protagonists who show strength in many ways beyond the physical. When she’s not writing, Elle enjoys hiking, trying out new recipes and spending time with animals.

COURTNEY GRACE POWERS │ Sabina, OH
Resonate
Courtney Grace Powers has been telling stories since she was six years old, sometimes with music, sometimes with costumes, sometimes with photos and art…but always with her first love, the written word. She believes ferociously that storytellers of every medium are the sculptors of history and culture, with powers that should be leveraged for good. A Dungeon Master, Rebel Legion member and mom, she lives with the Kanan to her Hera among the Ohio cornfields.

MONTREZ SMITH │ Columbus, OH
Once Upon a Realm : Remixed Fairy Tales by Diverse Voices
Montrez is an award-nominated author who writes super-powered urban fantasy and near dystopian, romantic sci-fi. She also works as Editor-In-Chief of Konkret Comics, a multi award-winning, Black-owned independent comic book company, If you love character-driven stories with heart and heroics, recharge for your own life adventure with her stories.

MARIAH STILLBROOK │ Monument, CO
Hall of Shadows
Mariah Stillbrook writes about love, magic, diversity, and the things that go bump in the night. She lives in Colorado with her white German shepherd, husband, and little girl. She spends most of her days writing, reading, and enjoying the occasional hike. A proud pansexual witch, she writes horror and fantasy with LGBTQIA+ characters in both adult and YA.

M.L. WHITE │ Warsaw, IN
Shifter Awakened
M. L. White is a fantasy and romance author with a passion for all things fantasy. Her books transport readers into a world of captivating characters and thrilling adventures. Perfect for fans of shifters, dragons, and romance, her stories are like movies in your mind that you won’t be able to put down.

BRIEANNA WILKOFF │ Westerville, OH
I’ll Be There for You
Brieanna Wilkoff is an award-winning author of YA stories that tug at the heartstrings. Her debut, I’ll Be There for You, celebrates theatre and ’80s rock. Beyond the Bucket List, about a teen with cancer, explores how to make the most of our lives, especially when time is running out.

JADE AMEZ │ St.Paul, MN
Where Am I From?
Jade Amez, a Taiwanese-born author raised in the USA, shares her adoption journey in her children’s book “Where Am I From?” Inspired by her own experience, the book explores themes of international adoption, identity, and family dynamics. Jade aims to offer support and new perspectives to individuals and families impacted by adoption. Outside of writing, she enjoys traveling, sports, and trying new food trucks, particularly those with dumplings.

HEIDE B. BEASLEY │ DeSoto, TX
Tori Youngblood, Private Investigator: Twists & Turns
Heide Beasley is a professional English Language Arts and Reading interventionist with over 22 years of experience. She began her writing career in 2017 and has been dedicated ever since. Her favorite genre is mystery, as it creates an engaging experience for readers. Additionally, she is an avid reader.

JERZY & ANNE DROZD │ Columbus, OH
The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue
Jerzy Drozd is a cartoonist and teaching artist. He wrote and illustrated Science Comics: Rockets with his wife, Anne Drozd, and is one of the artists of The Warren Commission Report graphic novel adaptation. Jerzy leads cartooning workshops for children, teens and for teachers who want to bring comics to the classroom. Anne is the Exhibition Coordinator at OSU’s Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum and co-authors the upcoming Facing Feelings: Inside the World of Raina Telgemeier.

DEBORAH EILAND │ Columbus, OH
Jalen Becomes a Big Brother
Deborah Eiland, M.Ed, is a semi-retired Early Childhood Educator, a mother of four and grandmother of eight. BEE Careful is her third book, preceded by The Girl with the Ebony Locs and The Three Bears, The Princess and the Black-eyed Pea. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and traveling.

MESHA GRIFFITH │ Hilliard, OH
The Bedtime Mantra
Mesha Griffith, a Columbus-based children’s book author and mother of a 4-year-old, wrote The Bedtime Mantra as a reflection of her own family and life. She emphasizes the importance of diversity in children’s literature and aims to convey the message that children are always loved and safe even if their parents are steps, rooms or miles apart.

ELAINE HAMILTON │ Columbus, OH
It All Started in the Garden Adventures with Benny and Beth
Elaine Hamilton is a children’s book author who specializes in portraying the experiences of individuals with Autism and ADHD. Her books offer valuable insights and practical tips for parents while telling engaging stories. Elaine is dedicated to inclusivity and has a passion for the environment, as seen in her series of children’s books that promote science and kindness among young readers.

ANGOLA HONE │ Columbus, OH
The Canid Chronology Book One: A Journey’s Beginning
Angola Hone, a homeschool graduate, draws on his scrappy roots in his debut novel, The Canid Chronology. This first installment of a fantasy series for middle-grade and young adult readers is also inspired by beloved childhood classics like Redwall and Narnia. Hone aims to inspire the next generation with fresh yet familiar stories of fantasy, adventure, and selfless love.

BONNIE KOSTAN │ Lakewood, OH
Put the Phone Down, Mary Lou
In addition to being an award-winning children’s book author, Bonnie Kostan is a registered nurse and mother of three. One of her favorite things is teaching patients in ways that truly click for them, and she pours that same energy into crafting stories that help kids learn and grow.

JASON R. LADY │ Beachwood, OH
The Pure Shore Club
Jason R. Lady is the author of fantasy adventure books for middle grade readers. His Magic Pen Adventure series has been featured at the Ohioana Book Festival and the Kentucky Book Festival. His second book, Super Problems, was a finalist for the Maxy Awards and is IndieReader approved. Outside of writing, Jason enjoys 1980s pop culture, follows the Cleveland Guardians, and aims to visit all MLB baseball stadiums. The Pure Shore Club is his fourth novel.

TERREL LEFFERTS │ Redmond, WA
A Tail of Twirls
Terrel Lefferts’ Once Upon a Dance inspires young readers to twirl, leap, and dream with whimsy and wonder. Whether your child enjoys unicorns, bats, zombies, or cats, Once Upon a Dance has a Dance-It-Out! story to get them moving. For more information about their 37 delightful books, visit www.OnceUponADance.com.

JAMIL MCGHEE │ Columbus, OH
Penny and Friends
Jamil McGhee is a native of Philadelphia, PA, and a pastor, with a passion for serving and helping others. His first book, Zaniness at the Zoo, was published in 2008. Jamil was inspired to write Penny and Friends because of his interest in helping children have an enjoyable and exciting experience while learning.

MELISSA MOORE │ Columbus, OH
Cocoa for Two
Melissa Moore is a children’s book author and illustrator who self-publishes whimsical picture books to ignite young imaginations. Her mission is to bring the joy of reading to children and take them on adventures into new worlds. Her stories inspire creativity and connect with children’s experiences.

COURTNEY MORSTATTER │ Liberty, MO
Puff and Spotzie Adventures Ancient Olympics
Courtney Morstatter, a former preschool teacher, draws inspiration from her history-loving upbringing to create engaging stories for children. Her book features the adventures of Puff and Spotzie, characters based on two stuffed animal cats that accompanied her in childhood and continue to do so today. Through their escapades, children can explore history in a fun and imaginative way, fostering a love for learning and creativity.

MISAKO ROCKS │ Lockbourne, OH
Sew Totally Nala
Misako Rocks is a Japanese manga comic artist and the author of Bounce Back book series and How to Draw Kawaii Manga series. Besides making books, she teaches manga drawing lessons at her online school, Learn Manga with Misako!

JADE RUSH │ Mentor, OH
A Recipe to Recycle
Jade Rush is an author and founder of Green Adventures Publishing, which focuses on environmental issues. Her eco-friendly books, including Evelyn the Environmentalist Takes on Climate Change and A Recipe to Recycle, emphasize that everyone can contribute to making a positive impact on the planet.

AMANDA SWIFT │ Galloway, OH
Girls Aren’t Just Girly
Amanda Swift is a children’s picture book author and illustrator. She’s illustrated eight books for authors as well as her own debut book, Tickle, Tickle, Tickle, Spot!. Amanda combines her love of children’s books and passion for art and illustrating to create fun, cute, and beautiful characters and scenery that reflect a traditional hand drawn look.

K.L. THOMPSON │ Tucson, AZ
Around the Globe
Since having children and encouraging them to chase their dreams, K.L. Thompson decided to chase one of her own as a children’s author. Each of her stories are inspired by her two little ones’ vivid imaginations. She lives in Arizona where she helps to run a family business and loves spending time with family and friends.

MORGAN YOUNG │ Pittsburgh, PA
Morgan Wants to Build
Morgan Young is an award-winning homebuilder in Pittsburgh, PA who revels in the creative process of turning dreams into reality – including her latest children’s book! When she is not in the field or with her kids or a client, Morgan is mentoring and inspiring future generations to pursue a career in trade.