Kristie Wolf, author of steamy military romantic suspense and smalltown romantic thrillers, weaves tales about fearless heroes and badass heroines who fight for justice and love while burning up the pages. Kristie’s passion for writing romance ignited during her teenage years when she told her mom she was going to publish a novel someday. She did, and now she can’t stop. When she’s not behind her laptop she can be found: ​ – Walking her Pittie-mix rescues while listening to, yup, you guessed it, romance novels. – Watching cheerleading videos on her phone because she misses being a coach. – Learning everything she can about Elvis Presley because she’s going to write a romance novel based on him someday. – Making space in her closet for another pair of cowboy boots she doesn’t need but desperately has to have.

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E.S. Rosalynn is a dynamic duo that has known each other for over thirty years (and has been writing together for almost all of them). These best friends have seen each other through Barbies and boys and into their contemporary romance series, MIXTAPE. Learn more about the ladies of E.S. Rosalynn at their website!

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J.K. Divia is a dark fantasy and thriller writer from the US. She is a Spoonie and has learned the importance of rest while pursuing her writing dreams. As a child she was often found playing in the woods or reading about world mythology, folklore and ghost stories which have influenced her writing. She has always loved creative writing and once she decided to take it beyond flash fiction writing contests, she found a writing coach and editor to help her achieve her goal of writing a page turning novel. A Sea of Blood and Tears is her debut novel. Some of her favorite books include Jane Eyre, Little Women, Dracula, The Hobbit, Outlander, Girl on the Train When not writing, you can find her spending time with her family, chasing after her kids.

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K. Iwancio has always had her head in the clouds and her nose in a book. With her army of book boyfriends she hopes to conquer the romance world and sit among the greats. Until then, she screams in fangirl over her fandoms which include: Star Wars, Outlander, and Philadelphia sports. (What a great mix, right?) While she would rather be writing 24/7 she also spends her time reading, visiting indie bookstores, crafting, and going to Philadelphia Phillies games.

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John L. French is familiar with monsters. A retired CSI, John worked more than thirty-five years on the mean streets of Baltimore and witnessed more than his share of what horrors one person can inflict on another. Working with patrol officers and detectives, John was involved in putting hundreds of criminals behind bars for very long sentences. He was described by a co-worker as having, “all the enthusiasm of an evil genius.” In 1992 John began writing crime fiction, basing his stories on his experiences on the streets of what some have called one of the most dangerous cities in the country. His latest books include The Wages of Syn, Daylight Comes, When the Devil Drives, and Death on Omega Station.

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Tory Gates has produced books for the Young Adult and Contemporary Fiction world since 2013. He brings to life characters that are complex and relatable, while addressing real-life issues. Tory’s seventh book, “How the Story Ends” marks a return to commercial fiction. He is the author of the Sweet Dreams Series, a trilogy of works that combine time travel, Japanese culture and the power of music. “Searching for Roy Buchanan,” “Call it Love” and “Shake Hands with the Devil” are all available at Sunbury Press Books. He is also the author of two other Sunbury releases, the award-winning “A Moment in the Sun” and “Live from the Café.” Tory’s first book, “Parasite Girls” was released on Amazon and Draft2Digital. A broadcaster of 40 years, Tory is a regional anchor for NBC News Radio, a journalist, presenter, and producer. He hosts “The Brown Posey Press Show,” a podcast on the BookSpeak Network, and produces other network programs. He also produces the “Medical Matters Podcast,” a program that deals with current topics in the world of medicine. A native of Vermont, Tory lives in Harrisburg, PA with a Maine Coon named Kao, and can be found any place that serves good coffee!

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Christiane Knight [she/they] is an artist, musician, poet, and author of the contemporary fantasy series Stories of the Eleriannan. Their books are set in the Fae infused version of their already quirky hometown, Baltimore MD, with a focus on hidden magic in urban spaces, music, found family, and the power of hope. You can also find her poetry in the recently released CAW: A Murder of Writers, edited by Stasha Strange and Hyacinthe Raven.

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Harper Cross writes award-winning Romantic Suspense. She spends most of her time reading, writing, and binge-watching great stories, especially those full of romance and adventure. 

When she’s not immersed in fictional worlds, she pursues physical challenges like studying Krav Maga and trying to achieve the perfect crow pose. She also drinks too much coffee, not enough red wine, and just the right amount of bourbon.

Harper lives with her fabulous family, which includes her demanding overlords collectively known as The Cats.

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Meg has been writing for years but has recently taken the leap into publishing. She likes her characters to feel real and situations to feel outlandish. She lives in Maryland with her three cats, an adorable dog, husband, teenager, and Roomba that can never make its way home. Her novels have won awards, including Twin Tale Publishing’s Romance of the Year 2022. She is on the board of directors of the Maryland Romance Writers. She has written under the Pen Name for Meg Fitz where she writes Young Adult and New Adult romance. She also writes under the pen name Meg Fitzpatrick where she writes the Four Families Series, a mafia rom com. Both of her kickstarters were funded in under 11 minutes.

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J.S. Living writes character-driven books that will excite you with their fresh lore and slow-burn romance. Originally from Georgia, this Southern Belle now resides in Maryland and enjoys reading, watching TV and movies, spoiling her cat, and writing like her life depends on it. Connect with her at any of the links below.

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Award-winning YA author L.E. DeLano has a deep love of snarky men, fierce women, clever plot twists, quirky supporting characters, and fantastical places. Her 2021 novel, BLUE, received six literary awards and was named Teen Book of the Year by the Reader Reviewer’s Choice Awards. Her debut novel, TRAVELER, was a Keystone State Book Award Finalist. When not writing YA, L.E. masquerades under her alter-ego as Romance author Britt DeLaney, with more than thirty titles in both paranormal and contemporary romance. In her spare time, she eats too much refined sugar and tries to thwart her cat’s plans for world domination. This has been unsuccessful on every level. Though mostly raised in New Mexico, she now makes her home in Amish country, Pennsylvania.

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We are a husband and wife duo creating original content graphic novels for all ages. We have a few ongoing graphic novel series such as Roll Your Way (an interactive graphic novel requiring you to roll a d4 die to advance the story at certain points), Bounty (a sci-fi adventure about a customer service rep who dreams of becoming a bounty hunter), and the Perils saga (Neil, an anxious dungeon janitor troll is forced to out of his comfort zone by some invading adventurers). We also have some collaboration titles with other writers and artists such as Green Knight Street Fight (think Arthurian legend meets the Goonies with a little bit of the Terminator mixed in) and Ignis the Mighty Dragon (a children’s book about a pet bearded dragon who dreams of becoming a real dragon). We currently live in Maryland supervised closely by our dog Pixel, bearded dragon Ignis, crested gecko Cinder and axolotl Blizz.

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Sarah Branson writes fast-paced feminist speculative fiction filled with action, adventure, romance, and revenge. Before turning to writing full-time, she spent nearly thirty years as a midwife, welcoming babies into the world at homes, hospitals, and birth centers. Her work is deeply rooted in the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Her debut novel, A Merry Life, launched the Pirates of New Earth series and earned multiple honors, including the 2022 Connecticut Adult Fiction award and the Kindle Book Award for Science Fiction. She’s also the author of the YA adventure Unfurling the Sails, a finalist for both the Foreword Indies and Independent Author Network awards, and the middle-grade novel A Pirates’ Pact, a Page Turner Best Cover winner. Her newest novel, North Country: A Kat Wallace Adventure, is available now. Sarah’s love of adventure started early, when her family sailed aboard a freighter to Australia. She’s traveled the world, raised her family in Northern Michigan, and taught and lived in Brazil and Japan. Now she makes her home in Connecticut with her husband, always dreaming up her next big story.

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Juliette Caruso writes fantasy romance novels full of optimism, found family, and devoted heroes. She is the author of the ongoing Knights of Enar series and Minor Works of Meda, a standalone novel. Juliette lives on the east coast of the US, practicing law on weekdays and frantically writing as much as possible on weekends. She has a spouse who loves to garden and a dog who loves to bark.She has been reading fantasy since she was a small child and it has taken over much of her brain.

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Megan L. Adams is a new fantasy romance writer. She was born and raised in Georgia and is the oldest of seven siblings. She’s enjoyed reading and writing since elementary school, but just recently picked up her pen to write her first novel, Shadows Within the Fire. The sequel, Bound by Earth and Ice, is now available. Megan currently lives in Washington, DC with her husband, her two children, and her golden retriever-husky mix, Toma. In her spare time, Megan enjoys drinking coffee, exploring local bookstores, and tending to her collection of orchids.

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Atlas Creed made his debut in 2024 with Armitage, the first book in the Children of Arcanum series. A husband and father of three, he writes around family life, aiming to create immersive worlds with deeply resonant characters. Influenced by authors like Stephen King, Ursula Le Guin, and Brent Weeks, Atlas also won an award for a short horror story featured on Vocal.

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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 words of her own. She writes fantasy and romance, often together. Her first two books, Of Curses and Beauty and The Sacrifice and the Spare, are available now. 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 home-away-from-home, the dance studio.

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Sarena Straus is a multi-award-winning science fiction novelist. Her REINCEPTION trilogy has won more than ten awards including an IBPA Ben Franklin Award for “Best Audiobook-Fiction” across all categories as well as CIBA Cygnus and Pencrafts First Place Awards for Science Fiction. Book Three in the trilogy will be out fall of 2025. In the spring of 2025, Sarena is launching her first sci-horror short story, PATCHWORK MAN, at Stokercon as part of the “All Roads Lead to Hell” anthology from Winding Road Stories. She also published a true-crime memoir, BRONX DA: TRUE STORIES FROM THE SEX CRIMES AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE UNIT. In 2010, BRONX DA sold as a TV Pilot to CBS/Paramount. Sarena has been an adjunct professor in New York and Zambia and had a multi-year career as a talking head, appearing on more than 100 TV and radio shows. She has been a panelist and podcast guest sci-fi expert at the Nebula Conference, Readercon, Arisia, Boskone, Norwescon, HeliosphereNY, Ravencon, “Live From The Bunker,” “The Author’s Corner,” and many, many more.

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Shawn Amick is an author focused on epic fantasy that captivates readers craving complex moral landscapes, intricate world-building, and morally ambiguous characters for those who enjoy deep, philosophical storytelling.

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Andrew Hurd is an author deeply rooted in the exploration of history, mythology, and the human experience. With a passion for storytelling that spans generations, Andrew’s narratives transport readers to worlds both ancient and contemporary, where the echoes of the past resonate with the challenges of the present. Inspired by his love for Celtic lore and heritage, Andrew’s debut novel, “The Path of the Celts,” marked a significant milestone in his literary journey when it was released in 2022. Through meticulous research and a keen eye for detail, he weaves a tapestry of adventure, mystery, and cultural richness that captivates readers from all walks of life. Beyond his literary pursuits, Andrew finds solace and inspiration in his cherished family. Married to his supportive wife, Maggie, and blessed with a son named Liam, Andrew’s personal experiences infuse his writing with a profound sense of humanity and connection. Whether delving into the depths of history or exploring the complexities of family dynamics, Andrew’s storytelling resonates with authenticity and emotional depth. As he continues to explore the vast tapestry of human experience, Andrew Hurd invites readers on a journey of discovery, where the past and present converge in a timeless dance of imagination and insight.

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E.R. Munley has been crafting stories since she was able to tell them. An avid reader and advocate, she has been working for over a decade to build young readers as a high school English teacher in Wild and Wonderful West Virginia. All things considered, becoming a published author herself was almost inevitable. Having grown up in the Baltimore Metro Area, she is an avid fan of the Orioles and Ravens, no matter the number of heart attacks or heartbreaks. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys traveling with her husband (though she is a devoted indoor cat) or snuggling up with her dogs.

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Ruth Sanger is an author that writes both fantasy as well as contemporary romance. Ruth is an avid reader, and is excited to bring more stories to the world to share with others!

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Erin P.T. Canning always wanted to be an author. For 20 years, she worked as an editor and book coach, teaching other writers how to untangle their jumbled ideas and finish their stories with confidence. After postponing her own dreams, she finally took herself off the shelf and turned her author dreams into reality. For as long as she can remember, her imagination has been her safe place—a never-ending adventure of traveling to far-off lands, finding people who believe in her potential, and being the hero. By giving herself permission to be imperfect, she finished her own draft and released Ruins and Redemption, the first in her fantasy romance series, in 2023. Now, she spends her days helping other writers become authors and her evenings crafting a blend of fantasy, adventure, and romance as her characters explore other cultures, forge unlikely friendships, and discover their hidden strengths. She earned her BA in Literature from The American University and MA in Writing from Johns Hopkins University, and she lives with her husband and their two boys in Maryland.

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Tim grew up in Syracuse, New York. He currently resides in Maryland where he teaches English, Creative Writing, Film, and Theatre. At the insistence of his own students, he began writing seriously in 2014. He credits his love for story to his mother, who spent countless hours reading to him and his siblings when they were growing up. Growing up, he devoured the literary words of C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, Piers Anthony, and many others. Mysteries, thrillers, and fantasies are among the genre he most frequently reads. When he’s not writing, he’s reading, teaching, camping, or enjoying a live music concert.

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Nicole M. Wolverton is a fear enthusiast and Pushcart-nominated writer of 50-plus works of short fiction, creative nonfiction, and pop culture essays, as well as two novels—including young adult horror novel A Misfortune of Lake Monsters (July 2024, Camcat Books). Additionally, she served as Editor of Bodies Full of Burning (2021, Sliced Up Press), the first-ever short fiction anthology that centers horror through the lens of menopause. She lives in the Philadelphia area, where she earned a masters in horror and storytelling from the University of Pennsylvania.

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Christine, also known as Xenatine, wholeheartedly believes there is no place as comfy as the pages of a well-loved book. She’s addicted to buying books, reading books, and writing books. With her dining room transformed into a library, bookshelves installed in her bedroom, and a secret room behind a bookcase…books are her life. Christine is from Forest Hill, Maryland where she lives with her husband, three kids, and her library of chaotically organized books.

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Born in a rural town along the Hudson River. A child who practically lived in an old library. A woman who wanted more than to read books and decided to write them. Sheri Queen is a graduate of the MFA Writing Popular Fiction program at Seton Hill University. Her stories feature kick-ass women, strong female friendships, found families, and steamy romances.

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Dr. Gary Sprouse is a retired primary care physician who practiced in Maryland for 38 years. He graduated from George Washington University Medical School in the top 10% of his class & is a member of Mensa. He is committed to helping people improve their mental health. He has taken everything he has learned about stress reduction and crafted his book, Highway to Your Happy Place: A Roadmap to Less Stress. Reading just one chapter can change your life! Best-selling author and motivational speaker Jack Canfield reviewed the book and said: “In getting to know Dr. Gary Sprouse & reading his book, I’ve been introduced to many new concepts and ideas. His ideas and models for stress reduction are life-changing. You will absolutely love this. A must-read.” Dr. Sprouse is extremely passionate about bringing happiness into people’s lives through humor, compassion, and understanding. He has a unique perspective on stress that no one else is talking about & uncovered a groundbreaking way to define where most human stress originates. This new insight and the tools he developed to deal with stress are changing lives. Dr. Sprouse also collaborated on a book with Jack Canfield. Mindset Matters is a best-seller.

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Paul Hylenski is a Marine Corps veteran, executive coach, and the founder of Vet Mentor AI, a pioneering platform that helps veterans win their VA disability claims using AI tools like the Virtual Veterans Officer and Denied Claims Assistant. He also leads Quantum Leap Academy, where he trains leaders to automate workflows, master communication, and scale through AI-driven systems. Paul is the author of five books, including two bestsellers: Culture Change through Environment Change, Error-Proofing Humans, The Secret Code of Influence, The Evolution of Leadership and Coaching for Growth. His work blends emotional intelligence, practical strategy, and cutting-edge tech to unlock human and organizational potential. With four TEDx Talks and a decade of experience leading high-performing teams, Paul is known for his bold thinking, mission-driven mindset, and ability to turn complexity into action—whether in the fielHumd, the boardroom, or the startup world.

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Liza Achilles is the author of Two Novembers: A Memoir of Love ’n’ Sex in Sonnets (Beltway Editions, 2024). Her writing has appeared in Exacting Clam, Tofu Ink Arts Press, Beltway Poetry Quarterly, and Washington Independent Review of Books, among other publications. The Blog for the Discerning Reader at lizaachilles.com features great modern books. She lives near Washington, DC, and works as an author, book editor, literary speaker, blogger, and web designer.

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Melissa, a true country girl at heart, grew up in the heart of Iowa. Her childhood was shaped by adventures in the Midwest countryside and long summer days working in the fields. A proud Iowa State University graduate and dedicated Cyclone fan, she later moved to Harford County, Maryland before settling in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where she now lives with her husband and four children. In January 2020, Melissa stepped boldly into the world of writing, publishing her first novel and discovering her niche in mystery romance. Since then, she has written five standalone books, each rich with captivating plots, subtle clues, and emotional depth. Her stories draw readers in with their blend of suspense, heart, and small-town charm. Melissa’s passion for writing stems from a lifelong love of reading, which she credits as the foundation for her storytelling. She describes writing as “revealing a secret, one page at a time,” a philosophy that guides her work and connects her with readers who love a good mystery wrapped in romance. Whether she’s crafting a new plot or cheering on the Cyclones, Melissa brings warmth, heart, and a bit of Iowa grit to everything she does.

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Courtney is a devoted wife, loving mother, and passionate advocate for shelter dogs. Inspired by the special bond between her son and their rescue pup, she authored a heartwarming children’s book celebrating the love and friendship between kids and their pets. Through storytelling and advocacy, Courtney aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of both animals and children.

Nate Whiting is an accomplished poet, and musician born and raised in Beverly, Massachusetts, now residing in Glen Burnie, Maryland, with his wife, Jo, and his sons, Leif and Clay. Nicknamed “The Accidental Poet,” Nate has written hundreds of poems to entertain friends and family with his “Whimsies.” Nate Whiting holds a Master’s degree in Teacher Education from West Virginia University. As an elementary school teacher in Fort Washington, Maryland, he started writing children’s poems for students and fellow teachers. Nate has 5 published books available, including the first 4 of a new series entitled “Whimsies Of An Accidental Poet”. He continues to write poetry and play music full-time in the Annapolis area. Nate’s literary works have been described as a playful mixture 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. His journey into publishing began in 2018 when Jo first heard Nate read his poem, “The Tale of The Christmas Wish Crackler,” to his boys on Christmas Eve. The beloved story has now become a cherished family holiday tradition. Nate has several more books planned for 2025 and beyond!

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Barry R. Beck Jr., hailing from Danville, VA, has a profound passion for mathematics that has driven his long and successful teaching career. His enthusiasm for numbers began in Virginia and has since inspired countless students, thanks to his engaging and skillful teaching methods. Barry excels at making math enjoyable and accessible, helping students understand complex concepts with ease. ​ As an author, Barry aims to extend his love for learning beyond the classroom. Through his writings, he seeks to illuminate the magic of math for students, parents, and teachers alike, encouraging a deeper appreciation and understanding of the subject.

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My name is Damere R. Holloway, B.S., M.S., ABA, RBT, and I am an in-home Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). I provide Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy services to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). On the other hand, I suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Research shows that OCD is found in those on the autism spectrum, which is where my connection comes from. I wanted to bring awareness to something other than OCD because of my passion for ABA. Omar The Owl creates a compassionate environment that brings awareness to ASD. Omar The Owl is just the beginning, the introduction of an amazing character. The next book in the series is where the learning begins.

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H.L. Brooks is a silver-haired vixen and hopeless romantic with a penchant for fairy tales. She likes smoldering kisses and for the good guys to win. She lives in Maryland with her favorite romance inspiration and a few cats. Her moodiest and most thoughtful posts are on her blog and Instagram.

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Mark Dantzler is a retired elementary school teacher who lives with his family in Montgomery County, Maryland. He is the author of numerous award-winning books for children, including Mr. Fox Sells Pockets, Gremlin Night, and the popular Lester Zester series. Mark’s stories are whimsically-funny and share positive messages about friendship and courage. Look for his newest picture book, The Extraordinary Life of Elliott Duck, available soon everywhere!

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Randee Dawn is the bestselling author of the “funny as hell” pop culture fantasy novel Tune in Tomorrow. She has three novels out in 2025: Dark Celtic musical fantasies The Only Song Worth Singing and Leave No Trace (ArcManor/Caezik) and the next funny foray into the “Tune-iverse,” We Interrupt This Program (Solaris Nova). Her short fiction has appeared in numerous anthologies, including most recently Dark Spores: Stories We Tell After Midnight, Vol. 4. She is the co-author of The Law & Order: SVU Unofficial Companion, and hosts a course called How to Be Interviewed through Creative Coaching Partners. A veteran entertainment journalist for The LA Times, Variety and Today.com, Randee lives in Brooklyn.

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Sherri Cook Woosley holds an M.A. in English Literature with a focus on comparative mythology from University of Maryland and is a SFWA member. Her debut novel, Walking Through Fire (Talos Press 2018), was long-listed for both the Booknest Debut Novel award and nominated for Baltimore’s Best 2019 and 2020 in the novel category. Mother’s Instinct (eSpec Books 2024) is part of the cryptid series Systema Paradoxa. Sherri’s first children’s book, Postcards from a City of Monsters was released by Improbable Press in 2024 and soon won the Mom’s Choice Gold Award. She also publishes the Mesopotamian contemporary fantasy series under the pseudonym Searby Gray. Find her on Instagram @Sherri.Woosley, TikTok: @SearbyGray or online at www.searbygraybooks.com

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C.B. Noy was born and raised in Northern Harford County Maryland. She lives ten minutes from the house she grew up in with her husband and two of their five children. She’s an avid romance reader, extreme lover of coffee, and a self-proclaimed Amazon shopping addict. Becoming an author was never even a blip on her radar until an idea came to mind one Saturday morning. With the encouragement and support of some amazing friends and family, she found a new dream to explore.

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James Styers is an environmental engineer whose work supports Congress in Washington, DC. He earned a bachelor of science in chemical engineering from Bucknell University and holds a professional engineering license with the Commonwealth of Virginia. He lives with his surviving son in Virginia.

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S.J. Lee is the award-winning author of the Altered Earth speculative fiction series (character-driven dystopian military science fiction). Drawing on her expertise as a security specialist and her experiences living and working in Iraq, Mexico, Chile, India, Brazil, and Guyana, Lee brings a raw and realistic edge to her storytelling. When she’s not writing, she enjoys photography, video gaming, and spending time with her spouse and dog.

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