Skippack Local Author Book Fest Attendees

Amy Marie Ayres — Instagram

Amy is an author who writes a variety of genres including comic dark romance, women’s fiction, speculative dystopian science fiction, and magical realism based on Irish folklore. She has a background in poetry and was previously an academic. Amy has experience with voice acting, theater, podcasts, and comedy writing. She lives outside Philadelphia with her husband, stepson, daughter, and cat. Amy’s debut series: Star Sick, a humorous science fiction novel with talking robot dogs, and Star Lost (described as Divergent meets Diary of Anne Frank) are both available on Amazon. 

Author of: Star Lost, Star Sick (Books 1 & 2 of the Luccee Winterscott Series)

Elle Backenstoe — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Elle Backenstoe lives in Eastern Pennsylvania with her husband, son, and dog. She grew up with her nose buried in a book and sometimes emerges long enough to write some of her own. She writes fantasy and romance, often together. Elle runs on pop punk music and Coke, and will always choose sweet over salty. When she's not reading or writing, you can find her at her at her home away from home, the dance studio. 

Author of: Of Curses and Beauty, the Sacrifice and the Spare, a Vow of Shadows 

Lisa E. Betz — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Lisa E. Betz is an engineer-turned-mystery-writer, entertaining speaker, and speaking coach. She inspires others to become their best selves, living with authenticity, and purpose, and she infuses her novels with quirky characters who thrive on solving tricky problems. Her Livia Aemilia Mysteries, set in first-century Rome, have won several awards, including the Golden Scroll Novel of the Year. 

She and her husband reside near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with Scallywag, their rambunctious cat—the inspiration for Nemesis, resident mischief maker in her novels. Lisa directs church dramas, hikes the beautiful Pennsylvania woods, eats too much chocolate, and spoils her grandsons. 

Author of: Livia Aemilia Mysteries, books 1-3: Death and a Crocodile, Fountains and Secrets, An Ode to Poison

Diane Billas — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Diane Billas is the author of the YA sapphic contemporary romance novel DOES LOVE ALWAYS WIN?, featured in Parents Magazine, and the YA superhero novel SUPERFICIAL, both with Creative James Media. Her sapphic short story, THE PROM DO-OVER, will be featured in the PROM PERFECT anthology, out spring 2025 with Wild Ink Publishing.

Diane Billas lives in Philadelphia with her husband and son. When she's not writing she can be found reading multiple books at once, performing the French horn and piano, or dreaming of the next country she's going to visit. 

Author of: Does Love Always Win? and Superficial

William Borbidge — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

William Borbidge is a retired thirty year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department having served as a Hazardous Device Technician in the Bomb Squad and a diver with the department’s Marine Unit. He is the author of Bombs: Defusing the Threat, a graduate of Penn State and earned a degree in Elementary, Special and Early Childhood Education with Eastern University. Bill and his wife, Jeannie, live in New Jersey where they enjoy boating, travel and sunsets.

Author of: COPY CATS: Genesis

Nancy Braitman — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Nancy Braitman is a retired special educator. The inception of her books were inspired by her dog Milo. The books are geared towards 3-6 year olds. The illustrations are colorful and the rhythmic text aids in language development in young children. 

Author of: Milo Loves the Park, Milo Loves the Seashore, Milo Loves Europe & Milo and Yuki Love the Fall Festival

Kimberly Brighton — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Kimberly Brighton is the author of a three-book Cape May series consisting of The Way to Cape May, A Cape May Kind of Love and Cape May Ever After. These Love-Actually inspired romcom beach reads are set between Philly and the South Jersey shore. Written to put this special Eagles-obsessed, cheesesteak-loving region on the romcom map, they follow the lives of six women over the course of four years, each seeking their happily ever after in love and career. Ms. Brighton is also author of The Shore Blog, a travel website dedicated to the southern Jersey shore, and BlaBlaBlog, a humor website. A former criminal attorney from the Philadelphia area, she studied satirical writing and screenwriting at The Second City, where many comedy writers got their start. When not dreaming up swoony romance plots, she spends the majority of her time waiting for red lights and searching for food expiration labels. Married for 25 laugh-filled years, she’s discovered the key to a lasting marriage: takeout.  

Author of: The Way to Cape May; A Cape May Kind of Love; Cape May Ever After (these three books are part of a romcom/beach read series set between Philly and the South Jersey shore)

Cheryl Cantafio — Instagram

Cheryl Cantafio is a poetry and children's book writer from Norristown, Pennsylvania. When she's not writing, she works in information technology, co-hosts a podcast (You Only Go Once), reads gothic horror or thriller novels, or binge-watches movies and television series. Her book My Stay with the Sisters: Poems was her debut as an author and poet in May 2023. Her book, A Place No Flowers Grow, is a book in verse modern-day gothic tale. Barry and the Big Jump will be her debut children's book, set to release in November 2024. Connect with her on Instagram: @cherylc.writer 

Author of: My Stay with the Sisters, A Place No Flowers Grow, Barry and the Big Jump

Michele Ceron — Facebook

Michele Ceron lives outside of Philadelphia with her cat. She is a colon hydrotherapist and an esthetician by trade. She has always enjoyed creative writing. When she was a child and young adult she liked to write short stories and short plays. She also enjoyed watching daytime soap operas when she was younger and she remembers as a kid wanting to be a soap opera writer.

Recently she returned to writing her original soap opera, Cape Heights, which she used to write over 15 years ago online with a group of writers. The first 6 volumes are published and she is currently working on Volume 7. She hopes you enjoy her soap opera world! You don't have to be a soap opera fan to be able to enjoy her books.

Author of: Cape Heights Volumes 1-3 

Lydia Cohn — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Joan C. Yingling (1930 - 2008), recipient of three literary awards, was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. She was married to Edwin Yingling, another native of Philadelphia, and together they had 7 children. Writing poetry was a hobby of Joan's. "The Story of the Can't That Could" and "The Story of The Curious Elf", published in 2019 and 2021 respectfully, were just two of several poems Joan wrote for her children in the 1960's. Her granddaughter, Jessica Taylor, is credited with the idea of posthumously publishing her grandmother’s poems into children's books. A third book is in the works. Visit www.joanyingling.com to learn more.

Author of: "The Story of The Can't That Could" and "The Story of The Curious Elf" 

Carla Conti — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Carla Conti is a former journalist and award-winning author of CHAINED BIRDS: A TRUE CRIME MEMOIR, released by WildBlue Press in November 2024. The book has earned critical acclaim and continues to win book prizes, including the First Place Gold Award for Feathered Quill’s Debut Author, and being short-listed for Chanticleer’s Nellie Bly Journalism award (winners are announced in April 2025). She supports prison and criminal justice reform and blogs about those things and more at CarlaJeanConti.com. She lives in the Philly suburbs with her husband, who tolerates her true crime habit.

Author of: CHAINED BIRDS: A TRUE CRIME MEMOIR

Victor De Anda

Victor De Anda is a writer in the Philadelphia area who enjoys watching movies and searching for good Mexican food. His fiction has been published in Dark Waters Vols. 1 & 2, Guilty Crime Story Magazine, Mystery Tribune, Shotgun Honey, Yellow Mama, and Punk Noir, with more forthcoming. He is on BlueSky @victordeanda.bsky.social and you can find out more at https://linktr.ee/victordeanda 

Author of: Dark Waters Anthology Volume 1, Dark Waters Anthology Volume 2, Guilty Crime Story Magazine, Issue 10. 

Anna Denisch

Anna Denisch was born and raised just outside of Baltimore City, but she has never called it home. When not traveling around the world or daydreaming about dragons, she spends her time looking at books she wants to read without actually touching them. She received her M.F.A in Creative and Professional Writing from Western Connecticut State University and considers daily if she is just insane enough to take her family’s sometime suggestion of getting a PhD.

Author of: Devotion; Firsthand Research; Strike Three: You're in Love

Andrea Denish

Andrea Denish is the author of The Way We Say Hello with Starry Forest Books and Everyone Loves a Parade!* by Astra Books for Young Readers. Andrea works as a library assistant at her township library where she loves to be the first to crack open a new book, read it and recommend it to patrons - after dressing it with library stamps and stickers, of course! She delights in leading story times and is always on the hunt for fantastic read-alouds.

Author of: The Way We Say Hello, Everyone Loves a Parade!

MaryBeth DiNunzio — Facebook

Mary Beth DiNunzio is a multifaceted author, coach, and advocate for personal empowerment. With a career spanning over three decades, Mary Beth has channeled her rich professional experience and personal journey into storytelling that inspires readers of all ages. Her passion for writing began with her beloved children's series, Naratonia Lights, which introduces young readers to imaginative worlds filled with courage, kindness, and curiosity.

Mary Beth's storytelling is deeply rooted in her belief in the transformative power of change and resilience and her life’s mission to empower individuals to embrace inner strength and navigate life’s transitions with grace and purpose. This mission is evident in her blog writing, poetry and a short story she has recently authored, Gossamer Wings and Changing Winds: Nothing Stays the Same.

Mary Beth is the founder of MBD Coaching. She  lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, where she enjoys fostering rescue dogs and contributing to community organizations.

Author of: Sir George of The Bamboo Forest, The Royal Hobbit Tree

Nicholas Dollak

Nicholas Dollak is an author and illustrator currently residing in Jersey City, NJ.

Author of: Children's books: The Boy Under the Bed; The Sailor and the Sea Witch. Middle readers: Four Tales of Wonder; Jenna of Erdovon; Dr. Saturninus Sutton's Marvelous Machine; "Nuckle" Nick & Nannerl (and the Get-Rich-Quick Scheme). Mature readers: Where No Limerick Has Gone Before; The Tragedy of Rocky (the Very Picture of Horror); False Season; Slag; Four Years and Change: An American Decameron; Strikes and Gutters 

Stephanie E. Donohue — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Adequate author

Amateur graphic designer

Awesome cat mom

Stephanie enjoys writing stories that take readers on gritty, exciting and dangerous adventures (with some swoon-worthy romance, of course!)

When she’s not writing, she can usually be found cuddling with her two cats, obsessively re-watching The Office, or rocking out to a Pound Fitness class.

Author of: Children's books: Windsong, Fires of the Forsaken, Hunted by Fire, Ashes of the Earth, Betrayed by Ash (not yet released)

JJ Eckhardt — Facebook

J J Eckhardt has been a fan of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror since the age of twelve. He started writing fourteen years ago when a strengths analysis suggested writing would develop one of his skills, and a new writer emerged.

He has released six novels and a short story collection inspired by his dreams and nightmares.

He was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the setting for his Psychic Storm novels, and now lives in New Jersey.

Author of: The Knightmares, Grace Falls, The Raptor, The Omega, MASKED

G. A. Finocchiaro — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

G.A. Finocchiaro was born and raised in South Jersey. He is a self-described goofball with a taste for bad jokes and good burgers. Finocchiaro currently lives in the Philadelphia burbs with his imaginary friend, Ichabod.

Author of: The Knightmares, Grace Falls, The Raptor, The Omega, MASKED

Lauren A. Forry — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Lauren A. Forry was brought up in the woods of Pennsylvania before moving to New York City to earn her undergraduate degree in Cinema Studies and Screenwriting from New York University. She later earned her MA and MFA in Creative Writing and Publishing from Kingston University in London, England. There she was awarded the Faber and Faber Creative Writing MA Prize for her thesis work, Abigale Hall, published by Arcade. She is also the author of They Did Bad Things, published by Arcade CrimeWise. She is a faculty member at Harcum College in Bryn Mawr, PA and also adjuncts for Southern New Hampshire University’s MFA program. 

Author of: Gemma, The Launch Party, They Did Bad Things, Abigale Hall

J. Q. Gagliastro — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

J.Q. Gagliastro grew up as the new kid, moving from state to state—VA, NY, FL, MA, PA, and CT. At age 16, he was thrown out for being non-binary queer. Despite this, he pushed himself through school and earned a BA in French Literature from Allegheny College. He studied language arts in Northern Italy and Angers, France. In France, he worked at the city hall of Fismes as a FR/EN translator. He then moved to the great city of Philadelphia and returned to his one true passion—literature. Coming from a working-class family of eight, J.Q. always had to support himself. When he couldn't, he became a sugarbaby and ashamedly sold his body. While The Diary of a Sugarbaby is a work of fiction, it is also a horrendous yet bittersweet story about his life and honest experiences as a sugarbaby twisted into a political satire. It is a #1 BESTSELLER in LGBTQ+ Coming of Age Fiction and a 5-Star read according to Readers' Favorite.

Author of: “The Diary of a Sugarbaby” by J.Q. Gagliastro 

Stephanie Julian — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Stephanie Julian is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of steamy contemporary romance and romantasy. 

Author of: Invite Me In, Spell Bound, Fast Ice, Rowdy Hearts, An Indecent Proposition, Redtails Hockey, Divine Desires at Dawn, Kiss of Moonlight, Magical Seduction

MP Kidd — Instagram

MP Kidd is a SciFi and Fantasy writer residing in Conshohocken with his wife Tori and son Michael. When MP isn’t writing, he is catching a Phillies game, walking his dog Lady, or burying his head in a comic book. 

Author of: They’re Not Here to Save Us

Ryan Kiscaden

RYAN KISCADEN is an author, an HVACR and plumbing marketer, and is employed by a major plumbing manufacturer. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration and an MBA from Elizabethtown College. He lives outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with his wife and two young sons. 

His experiences include working for an HVACR and plumbing wholesaler, running a non-profit focused on recycling thermostats and major plumbing equipment and plumbing category manufacturers. More information on his professional background is available on LinkedIn. 

Author of: The Air Came To A Stop, The Water Came To A Stop

Andrew Kibe — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Andrew Kibe is a horror/thriller/suspense writer from Philadelphia, PA. His earliest memory of writing is from he was in 6th grade. He tried to write a horror novel with the help of his grandfather. The premise was a serial killer hunting high school students while wearing an Abraham Lincoln mask. Telling stories has been a passion for his entire life. From middle school all the way into his mid-twenties he and his friends would write scripts and act them out on camera. Which has led to this... 

He got serious about writing during Covid, looking to self-publish a collection of short stories. He went out, hired a writing coach and got to work. One year later he released FIVE. It debuted at #1 for "Hot New Release" for the horror anthology category on Amazon. 

Author of: Deception, Decay, FIVE

Amy M. Kokoles — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Amy Kokoles is a Reiki Master Teacher, Certified Angel Guide, International Best-Selling Author, and Motivational Life Coach. With a deep passion for guiding others, Amy creates and holds sacred, safe spaces for women through her empowering workshops and coaching sessions. Her unique approach blends energy healing, spiritual guidance, and personal transformation, helping women align with their highest potential. 

Amy is a proud recipient of The President's Volunteer Service Award for her volunteer work in her community and has been interviewed for numerous articles and podcasts. Amy is married to her best friend John, and they live in the suburbs of Philadelphia Pa with their much-loved and spoiled fur babies.

Author of: Wild Woman's Book of Prosperity; Wild Woman's Book of Alchemy 

Jennifer M. Lane — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Jennifer M. Lane is the author of historical, contemporary, and women's fiction. She has a master’s in museum studies from the University of Delaware where she wrote her thesis on the material culture of roadside memorials. She is a member of the Authors Guild and the Historical Novel Society, and her first book, Of Metal and Earth, won the 2019 Next Generation Indie Book Award for First Novel and was a finalist in the 2018 Independent Author Network Book of the Year Awards in the category of Literary / General Fiction. 

Author of: Of Metal and Earth, Downriver, Stick Figures from Rockport, and The Collected Stories of Ramsbolt Series

Piper Malone — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Piper Malone’s award-winning novels enchant readers with heartfelt, authentic romances. Her stories include a cast of unforgettable characters in a variety of romantic pairings. With snappy one-liners and witty banter, Piper wants her readers to laugh, swoon, and enjoy a well-deserved vacation.

Author of: The Reign Series (spicy), The Beachside Boys series (sweet with a little heat), Fabulously Tanked (sweet)

Anna Maria Manalo — Instagram ▪️ Website

Anna Maria Manalo is the author of supernatural thrillers based on real events. Award-winning artist in residence, Chateau d’Orquevaux 2025, author of bestseller Haunted Heirlooms, and she is a former screenwriter of sci fi and horror. 

Author of: Against The Forbidden Darkness; The Infernal; Haunted Heirlooms; Unholy Structure; The Way Through The Woods; and The Night Visitants.

Susan L. Markloff — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Susan L Markloff is the multi-award-winning author of the young adult/new adult The Human-Born Era series. She studied writing at Houghton College, where her passion for storytelling was strengthened and encouraged to grow. Over the past ten years, she has been actively working on refining and defining the big picture of the Tilion universe, and how her characters fit into it. When she isn't writing, she can be found traveling or snuggling with her dog, Kaldok

Author of: The Rise of the Raidin, The Ties That Bind, The Reflection of the Raidin, The Human-Born Chronicles novellas (6 total titles), The World of Tilion Coloring Book.

Joanne McLaughlin — Instagram ▪️ Facebook

Joanne McLaughlin’s novels include "Chasing Ashes," a crime thriller, and "Never Before Noon," "Never Until Now," and "Never More Human," a darkly romantic vampire trilogy. "A Poetic Puzzle," a romantic mystery, is coming in early 2025. Her latest short fiction appears in "Ruth and Ann’s Guide to Time Travel, Volume 1;" "Peppina’s Sweetheart" and "Grass and Granite" are available as ebooks on Amazon. An editor of prize-winning news and features for newspapers (Philadelphia Inquirer) and public media, (WHYY), Joanne also is a former VP of a musicians-management firm. She lives in Philadelphia, where she indulges her love of design and walking in the local arboretum. Joannemclaughlin.net

Author of: "Chasing Ashes," "A Poetic Puzzle," "Never Before Noon," "Never Until Now," and "Never More Human" 

Briyanna Michelle  — Instagram

Briyanna Michelle is a 20-something Philly native whose love for books started as a young girl looking to escape her reality. She loves to write contemporary romance stories with characters who experiences are relatable, funny, and a little bit of broken. She loves to laugh until she can barely breathe, staying up until 3am reading books, and simply enjoying life.

Author of: Finding My Way Outta Darkness, Finding My Way To You, Remember Us This Christmas, Maybe I Need You, Twenty-Four Hours, Maybe I Love You 

Alexis Rose Miller — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Alexis is a military wife and mom of two kids. She loves a good green smoothie and always has her nose in a book! She loves sci-fi, romance, memoirs, and personal development. She's also studying French and loves croissants. Alexis enjoys inspiring others to live to their fullest potential. She lives with her family in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania.

Author of: The Miller's Angel Baby - A Memoir of My Alcoholic Father’s Secret Life

Mercy Mize — Website ▪️ Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Mercy Hansen Mize has taught elementary school for 22 years and has been an animal lover her entire life.  In April 2015, Mercy and her husband Brian adopted Samson from the DAWGS Prison Program and there began her passion for dog adoption and animal rescue. Since then she and her husband support DAWGS  by fundraising, volunteering, and fostering dogs. In 2022, they adopted one of their fosters and now Samson has a little brother named, Willy. Samson’s Tail was inspired by this amazing program and Mercy’s desire to educate and promote its worthy cause. Therefore a portion of the proceeds from the sales of Samson’s Tail will go to support the DAWGS Prison Program. 

Author of: Samson's Tail

Cassandra Moll — Instagram

I am a hockey wife, and girl mom to three little ladies, five and under, who were the inspiration behind the imprint name - Three Bows Books.  When I am not chasing them around, I love to be outside, lift weights, and read, which is actually what started me on my journey to become a writer.  After falling back in love with reading, and hearing other authors’ stories, I was inspired to finally write my own.  As a child, I always wanted to write a children's book but when I put pen to paper, or rather fingers to keyboard, to start telling this story, the words just flew out and Beautifully Broken was born.  When I'm not writing, I am working as an assistant principal at a local school in King of Prussia.

Author of: Beautifully Broken

Matthew Moyer — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Matthew Moyer is a Nationally Distinguished Principal and Pennsylvania Principal of the Year.  He is an elementary school principal with over 20 years of experience in administration, and over 25 years of experience in education. In addition to his job as principal, he is an Author,  National Speaker, Adjunct Professor, and Educational Consultant. Matt started his career as a 5th-grade teacher in the Spring-Ford Area School District. He earned a Masters degree and Principal's certificate. He then spent 3 years as an assistant principal at Schuylkill Valley Elementary School in Leesport, Pennsylvania. From there he moved to his current position as principal of Rupert Elementary School in the Pottstown School District. 

Author of: The Adventure of David and Donald, The Fractured Flower Pot; The Adventures of David and Donald, Basketball Bewilderment; Kiera Is Kind; Sunday Night Words Of Wisdom

Donna Huston Murray — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Real life doesn’t always offer a satisfying outcome, but Donna Huston Murray’s mysteries do. STRANGER DANGER, the third in her female sleuth, crime/thriller series was awarded the Global Book Awards’ Silver Medal for thrillers and became a Finalist in the National Indie Excellence Awards. The first two novels in the series received Honorable Mentions in genre fiction from Writer’s Digest. Her cozy Ginger Barnes whodunits feature an amateur sleuth much like herself, a DIY headmaster's wife with a troubling interest in crime. The eighth, FOR BETTER OR WORSE, became a Finalist in the National Indie Excellence Awards. When she isn’t plotting mayhem, Donna assumes she can fix anything until proven wrong, calls trash-picking recycling, and, even though she should know better by now, got a new puppy. Check her socials and you’ll understand. Donna and husband, Hench, live in Gwynedd, PA, USA.

Author of: The Lauren Beck Crime Series, The Ginger Barnes Mystery Series, and Dying for a Vacation.

Suhaiba Neill — Facebook ▪️ LinkedIn

Suhaiba Neill is an author, speaker, consultant, and certified behavioral assessment specialist. Her book, Like A Girl: 22 Leadership Lessons for Women on the Rise is based on her own experience of growing up with all brothers and working in all male-dominated industries for over twenty-five years. She shares her lessons to encourage and empower other women on the rise to life authentically based on their own personal definitions of leadership. 

Author of: Like A Girl: 22 Leadership Lessons For Women on The Rise 

Nicola Nibbs / Victoria Fletcher - Linktree

Multi-genre author of Confessions, Treacherous Intentions, poetry, romance and urban fiction. I reside in Philadelphia with Caribbean roots. My life experiences have shaped my writing and the stories I have to tell the world. I want to share them with the people who need them the most.

Author of: Confessions Series, Treacherous Intentions Series, Chrysalis, Rumor Has It,  Love, Actualized  

Shelly M. Patel — Instagram ▪️ Website

Shelly M. Patel is a mystery writer, as well as a children’s book writer. Her debut children’s book, Jake Has Dyslexia, was nominated for the Reader’s Choice Award in 2021.

She holds a master’s degree in Clinical Trials and Drug Development and a Ph.D. in Pharmacology-Clinical Research, earning recognition from Phi Kappa Phi honor society.

Shelly lives in Virginia Beach with her husband, their three children, and their dog, Teddy.

Author of: A Broken Reflection, When Secrets Kill, The Perfect One

Paul Popiel — Instagram ▪️ Facebook

Paul Popiel is a writer, editor, photographer, and gamer from the Philadelphia suburbs. He earned his MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. 

Paul has written and published two novels, 13 Acres of Hell: Our Little Corner of the World, and 13 Acres of Hell 2: What Hell Awaits, with a third in progress.

He's had short stories published in Fantastic Futures 13, and Soul Scream Antholozine: Monstrous Hearts.

When not facilitating one of his many critique groups, he can be found running sessions of D&D, Call of Cthulhu, or Vampire the Masquerade.

Author of: 13 Acres of Hell: Our Little Corner of the World -- Slasher horror novel; 13 Acres of Hell 2: What Hell Awaits -- Slasher horror novel; Possibly novel #3 of the 13 Acres series; Soulscream Antholozine: Monstrous Hearts -- Quiet Horror Anthology

Dr. Teri Rouse — Instagram ▪️ Facebook

Dr. Teri Rouse is a 9x #1 international best-selling author, international speaker, early and behavior interventionist, reading and autism specialist, parenting coach, and the creator of Snuggle Bunny Book Club™. Leveraging her 30+ years of experience as an educator working with children, parents, teachers, and organizations, Dr. Teri facilitates improved communication, effective conflict resolution, and peaceful environments where everyone is respected. 

Dr. Teri is renowned for her ability to connect with audiences globally and to leverage her personal experience as a stepparent to a child with significant behavioral and academic challenges. Her empathetic, compassionate, relatability coupled with her experience as both an educator and parent/stepparent, allows her to effectively work with families and organizations alike to create Positive Behavior systems. 

She is regularly featured in top media outlets including NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, CNN, Discover, Bravo, The Success Network, and Female Entrepreneur Magazine, to name a few.

Author of: Untamed Chaos A Parent's Guide to Improving Communication, Resolving Conflict and Restoring Peace in Your Home; REAL Reflections Inspiring Quotes for Empowered Living a Journal

Cassandra O'Sullivan Sachar — Instagram ▪️ Facebook

Cassandra O’Sullivan Sachar is a writer and associate English professor in Pennsylvania. She holds a Doctorate of Education with a Literacy Specialization from the University of Delaware and an MFA in Creative Writing with a focus on horror fiction from Wilkes University. She is the author of the Regal Summit Book Award-winning dark suspense novel Darkness There but Something More (Wicked House Publishing), the short horror story collection Keeper of Corpses and Other Dark Tales (Velox Books), the middle-grade mystery The Hidden Diary (Bone Chillers), the horror novella Close the Door (Unveiling Nightmares), and the young adult mystery Lake of Secrets (Horrorsmith Publishing). She is the editor of Wicked Universe: A Wicked House Publishing Anthology (Wicked House Publishing).

Author of: Darkness There but Something More, Keeper of Corpses and Other Dark Tales, The Hidden Diary, Close the Door, Lake of Secrets, and Wicked Universe: A Wicked House Publishing Anthology

Brianna R. Shaffery — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Brianna R. Shaffery is a speculative fiction author known for her award-winning young adult fantasy trilogy, the Heirs of Tenebris. Always looking toward her next project, Brianna has also written several novellas that can be read on her website, BRSwrites.com. Aside from her love of literature, Brianna can often be found listening to music while engaged in some kind of craft or whipping up one of her favorite desserts.

Author of: Fire & Flight (Heirs of Tenebris Trilogy #1); Embers of Eternity (Heirs of Tenebris Trilogy #2); Winds of War (Heirs of Tenebris Trilogy #3)

Linda Speckhals — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

From the time she was a little girl, Linda Speckhals knew that she wanted to write. This passion remained at the center of her life and helped to guide her choices, as she worked in libraries, bookstores before becoming an English teacher. 

Author of: Fortune Takes a Coffee Break; Strand Theory; Poetry of the Soul; Sterling Hearts; Zombies Anonymous 

Hillary Sussman — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Hillary Sussman is a children's book author, physical therapist, and advocate for kindness, acceptance, and celebrating differences. Her passion for inclusivity was inspired by both her profession and her beloved dog, Roxy, a three-legged rescue who underwent several surgeries. Hillary is the author of the Adventures of Roxy series, which follows Roxy and her friends as they teach valuable lessons about resilience, empathy, and embracing differences. Her work includes two books, a three-legged stuffed dog, stickers, and wristbands with the message "It's okay to be different." She conducts author assemblies for K–5th grade students, and collaborates with pediatric hospitals, prosthetic, and orthotic clinics to provide resources for children with limb differences, helping them feel empowered and seen. She lives in Ambler, PA with her husband and their dog, Mae. 

Author of: Roxy and Maliboo, It's Okay to Be Different; Roxy and Tully, Words Matter 

Thirty West Publishing House — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Literature with a landscape. Debutant haven. Community troubadours. Eternal underdogs. 

Established in 2015. Hand-made chapbooks, broadsides, novels, short story & poetry collections. Reading our books outside—or indoors—will be the best thing that you do today.

M.B.Turchick — Instagram

M.B.Turchick is a behavioral therapist and nursery school teacher working with children in all settings. Her goal is to write books that are fun for both little ones and their adults. She is an avid gardener, grandmother, and animal lover. She lives in Bucks County, PA with her husband Peter and their two golden retrievers.

Author of: Under the Hydrangea, My Butterfly Garden with Grandma, ACHOo!

Phoenix Ward — Website

Phoenix Ward is an indie black writer, and educator from Philadelphia. He has worked in the field of education for over five years, teaching all grades Mathematics and English. When he’s not writing, he is composing music using Logic Pro X, or tutoring children on subjects they struggle in. Currently, he lives in Philadelphia with his dog and cat.

An avid world-builder, Phoenix has created many stories from youth to adulthood, but none have captivated him as much as his latest work Sins of the Fire, which combines his passion for storytelling with his deep understanding of human nature. He draws inspiration from the vibrant city life of Philadelphia and his own experiences as an educator, infusing his narratives with authenticity and depth.

In addition to his work as a writer and educator, Phoenix is committed to supporting young creatives in their journeys. He actively encourages students and adults alike to seek a way to create their own stories. Everyone has a message to share, and doing so in story is the best way to do so.

Author of: Sins of the Fire

L. R. Weltmann — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Lydia has been creating wild stories her entire life. She was heavily inspired by Eragon, Avatar the Last Airbender, and Percy Jackson. Her books feature found family, copious amounts of tea, and at least one dragon. 

Author of: The Street Rat's Guide to Spells and Royalty; The Prince's Guide to Brothers and Rituals; The King's Guide to War and Family; The Epoch of Dragons Complete Trilogy

Amber L. Werner — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Amber L. Werner loves to write about magic, monsters and mythical creatures. She lives in Norristown, PA with her husband and two children. The Palisade Trilogy is her debut series. 

Author of: Shadows That Bind Us, Muses That Align Us, Lines That Drew Us, Bloodfeather Lullaby, Bloodfeather Heartsong, Bloodfeather Symphony 

Nate Whiting — Facebook

Nate Whiting is an accomplished Poet, Singer, and Songwriter born & raised in Beverly, Massachusetts, and now residing in Glen Burnie, Maryland with his wife Jo Gilley and his two sons, Leif and Clay. Nate was nicknamed “The Accidental Poet” because, although he has written hundreds of poems, he never wrote them with the purpose of publishing, only to entertain friends & family with his “Whimsies”.

Nate’s literary works has often been described as a fun and playful amalgam of the poetic stylings of Shel Silverstein and Dr. Seuss. His stories delight children and adults alike with humor, heart, and a dash of magic. 

Nate Whiting holds Bachelor’s & Master’s Degree in K-12 Teacher Education, Health, & Physical Education from West Virginia University.  He was an Elementary School Teacher for over a decade in Fort Washington, Maryland, which is where he first started writing children’s poems for his students and fellow teachers. Nate continues to write poetry and play music full time in the Baltimore / Annapolis area.

Author of: The Tale of The Christmas Wish Crackler, Burplefizz Philosophizzm, A Squirrelly Breakfast, Shy-rannosaurus Wrecks, If Whispers Could Wonder

Nicole M. Wolverton — Instagram

Nicole M. Wolverton is a fear enthusiast who grew up in the rural hinterlands of northeast Pennsylvania, wondering what lurked in the cornfields outside her bedroom window. Today, Nicole is a Pushcart-nominated writer of (mostly) speculative and horror fiction for adults and young adults. She is the author of A MISFORTUNE OF LAKE MONSTERS, a young adult speculative novel (July 2024), and THE TRAJECTORY OF DREAMS, a 2013 adult psychological thriller. She was Editor of the 2021 anthology of short fiction BODIES FULL OF BURNING, exploring horror through the lens of menopause—the first of its kind. Her short fiction, creative nonfiction, and essays have appeared in over forty anthologies, magazines, and podcasts. She lives in the Philadelphia area and still wonders what creeps in the dark. 

Author of: A Misfortune of Lake Monsters (2024), The Trajectory of Dreams (2013), Bodies Full of Burning (2021) 

Katie Zaber — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Alternate universes, lost worlds, and prophesied pregnancies—these are the stories Katie Zaber loves to tell. When she’s taking the day off from writing, she’s baking, going on adventures, and tasting wine. She lives in North new Jersey with her boyfriend. 

Author of: Dalya series (Ashes and Blood, Below Dark Waters, Stranger Shores) DNA Demons N Angels series (What to Expect When You're Expecting Something Different, Raising Hell) 

Gary Zenker — Facebook

Gary Zenker is a marketing strategist and copywriter who also creates flash fiction tales that cross genre and focus on revealing facets of human nature. His stories have been selected for various print anthologies and web sites, including Chicken Soup For The Soul: Laughter. 

Gary founded two writers groups in southeastern PA, and after fifteen years continues to run The Main Line Writers Group, assisting writers to develop their skills and achieve their writing goals. He runs the annual Noir at a Bar benefitting the Oxford PA Public Library, spotlighting local authors. He is also the creator of Writers Bloxx, a flash fiction storytelling game. 

Be careful what you say in front of him: you may end up in his next story.

Author of: It's Not What You Think; Chicken Soup for the Soul: Humor; Says Seth; More Says Seth; Gummy Bears From Hell; Noir at a Bar - Oxford; Writers Bloxx - Party game and writers prompts