Schedule
Panels & Author Readings PANEL #1
AUTHOR READINGS #1
2:00 – 2:30PM
2:35 – 2:43PM
Page-Turning History Mystery, Crime & Intrigue Murder, secrets, and scandals aren’t new. Discover how historical fiction writers create suspense in eras without DNA tests, cell phones, or modern forensics. Moderator: Christine Trent Featuring: Beth Ford, Bradley Harper and Katharine Schellman Location: Chuckatuck Meeting Room
PANEL #2 2:50 – 3:20PM
Creatures, Curses & Crime Scenes Solving Crimes in the worlds where any-and anyone-is possible. Moderator: Alanea Alder Featuring: WJ Brendle, Nicole Glover and Hunter J. Skye Location: Chuckatuck Meeting Room
PANEL #3 3:40 – 4:10PM
Love, Fear Magic & Murder Blurring genre lines to create bold, boundarybreaking fiction. Moderator: Julie Moffett Featuring: HM DuVal, Jenn Lessmann and Mark Piggott Location: Chuckatuck Meeting Room
PANEL #4 4:30 – 5:00PM
Dream to Draft to Deal Navigating the Writing Journey. Moderator: John DeDakis Featuring: Dee Armstrong, Moni Boyce and Scarlett M. Honey Location: Chuckatuck Meeting Room
Pamela Brothers Deynes | Poetry The Widow’s Lover Location: Chuckatuck Meeting Room
Barry R. Beck Jr. | Children’s Literature Barry’s Mathemagical Journey Parts I & II Location: “Kid’s Storytime Corner” (Pre-Function Space)
AUTHOR READINGS #2 3:25 – 3:33PM
Lisa Dodson | Romance & Suspense The Bodyguard’s Deadly Mission Location: Chuckatuck Meeting Room Micki Bare | Middle Grade Fantasy Society of The Sentinelia Location: “Kid’s Storytime Corner” (Pre-Function Space)
AUTHOR READINGS #3 4:15 – 4:23PM
Pamela K. Kinney | Horror Nowhere Land Location: Chuckatuck Meeting Room Tasha Haight | Children’s Literature Mermaid Tasha Goes to Camp Location: “Kid’s Storytime Corner” (Pre-Function Space)
Joe Kenda is a retired homicide detective, television personality, and bestselling author best known as the star of Investigation Discovery’s Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda. Over the course of two plus decades with the Colorado Springs Police Department, he investigated hundreds of homicide cases and ultimately retired as Commander of the Major Crimes Unit. Widely respected for his sharp instincts, straightforward style, and remarkable clearance rate, Kenda became one of the nation’s most recognizable true-crime voices. Homicide Hunter ran for nine seasons and aired in 69 countries and territories worldwide, becoming one of Investigation Discovery’s most successful and highest-rated programs. Since retiring from law enforcement, Kenda has continued to share his experiences through television, public appearances, and his writing. His books include Killer Triggers; I Will Find You: Solving Killer Cases; and First Do No Harm; as well as the suspense novel All Is Not Forgiven. Genre: True Crime
Opening Session starts at 1:15PM with Lt. Joe Kenda and
Alanea Alder
USA Today and Wall Street Journal best-selling Author, Alanea Alder loves reading almost as much as she loves writing and can be found at any given moment either in front of the computer lost in her own world or on the couch with her iPad reading some of her favorite authors. She believes that love truly conquers all and that everyone—no matter what—deserves a chance at that love and a place they can call home. Visit alaneaalder.com for more information. Genres: Paranormal/Supernatural
Lynda Allen Lynda Allen writes the Liv Wilde Mysteries in which menopause is a superpower! Since she had to put up with hot flashes daily, she figured she might as well make them useful. Flashes of Insight and Flashes of a Dying Hour are the first two books in the series. She is also the author of four poetry collections and a nonfiction book. Before focusing on her knack for storytelling on writing, Lynda began her career in the video post-production and documentary film-making. Lynda proudly infuses her writing with her Jersey Girl sensibilities and aims to create stories imbued with heart and humor. She lives in Fredericksburg, VA, where her mysteries are set, with her husband, their cat, and the many incredible eagle friends who pay them frequent visits. She serves on the Board of Sisters in Crime Worldwide as a member of the Marketing and Communications Committee. Visit her online at lyndaallenwrites.com. Genres: Cozy Mystery and Traditional Mystery/Detective
Dee Armstrong
Dee Armstrong writes knee-melting romance and mind-bending mystery with a twist of sass and a splash of supernatural. She’s the author of Visions of Emerald, Sleepwalking with Ruby, and Haunted by Amethyst—and launched her award winning JD Wolfe series with Haunted by a Broken Oath, in November 2025 from Outliers Suspense Publishing. A Killer Nashville Top Pick, Dee believes in tough heroines, complicated heroes, and ghosts who seriously need boundaries. Visit deearmstrong.com. Or follow on social media @DeeArmstrongAuthor for sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes chaos, and the occasional ghost story. Genres: Paranormal/Supernatural, Romance, Suspense/Thriller/Action and Traditional Mystery/Detective
Micki Bare Micki Bare is a graduate of NC State University, where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s of Arts. She is the author of the award-winning Zahra of the Uwharries middle-grade magical realism series, which includes Society of the Sentinelia (2022), winner of the 2022 AAUW NC Young People’s Literature Award; Blind Fairy (2023), winner of the 2023 AAUW NC Young People’ s Literature Award; Omega Crag (2024), named a Golden Wizard Book Prize book for 2024; and Kimimila Returns (2025), named a Golden Wizard Book Prize book for 2025 and nominated for the 2025 AAUW NC Young People’s Literature award. The final book in the series, CRIMSON EAGLE, will be released in 2026. Bare was a columnist for 18 years. Her educational career includes service as an administrator, teacher, and marketing director. Bare lives in NC with her husband. She loves to garden, read, cook, travel, and hike. Follow her online at mickibareauthor.com. Genres: Children’s Literature and Fantasy
Barry R. Beck Jr.
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. Check out Barry’s website at mathemagical_journey.com. Genres: Graphic Novel and Children’s Literature
Janet Morris Belvin
Janet Morris Belvin is a storyteller at heart and a lifelong southern, born in the peachloving town of Gaffney, South Carolina. A former schoolteacher, she writes for magazines and newspapers and lives in Colonial Williamsburg with her husband. She spends her days crafting tales about people she’d like to meet, places she dreams of visiting and ideas that won’t let her go. Follow her on Facebook @ Janet Morris Belvin, Author Genres: Historical Fiction and Romance
Anne Bennett
Anne Bennett is a passionate scuba diver who has explored the Galápagos, Costa Rica, Socorro Islands, and the Caribbean. She often dives her beloved Bonaire, where all her books are set, and brings the underwater world to life through her heartfelt women’s fiction. Her stories blend adventure, friendship, and hope, inviting readers to laugh, dream, and explore as they journey to Bonaire through the lives of her characters—no passport required. Check out Anne’s website at annebennettauthor.com. Genre: Women’s Fiction
Olivia Blacke
Olivia Blacke (she/her) is the Anthony Award-winning author of the Ruby and Cordelia Mysteries, as well as the cozy Record Shop Mysteries and the Brooklyn Murder Mysteries. She had her first ghost encounter when she was five, but wasn’t involved with an active crime scene until much later, when she accidentally stepped into a chalk outline on a Manhattan sidewalk. Armed with a Criminology degree, she channels her love of the supernatural and passion for writing into darkly humorous supernatural mysteries. She wants to be a unicorn when she grows up. Visit Olivia at oliviablacke.com. Genres: Cozy Mystery and Paranormal/Supernatural
Bonnie Blevins
Bonnie Blevins is a mom, U.S. Army Veteran and author of military, sci-fi, romances. Hailing from a small Virginia town with a big dream to serve her country, Bonnie embarked on her own adventure when she enlisted in the U.S. Army as a military police officer at seventeen. Throughout her tenure, she penned a collection of short stories that ultimately laid the groundwork for her first novel that she independently wrote and published, Virgil Team, with many more in the pipeline. When she isn’t writing, Bonnie enjoys horseback riding, photography, and video games. Follow along on her website at authorbonnieblevins.wixsite.com/bonnie-blevins-books Genres: Paranormal/Supernatural, Romance, Suspense/Thriller/Action and Military
T.B. Bond
T.B. Bond is a storyteller with a keyboard, a sketchpad, and an unshakable love for pixels. When she’s not writing swoon-worthy scenes, doodling fantastical worlds, or making websites look fabulous, she’s probably buried in a book or binging anime like it’s a full-time job. Certified Nerd Extraordinaire—she’s a proud Whovian, Trekkie, Otaku, and likely a few other fandoms she forgot to mention (but would totally argue passionately about at a convention). Visit her website at bondgirlblue.com. Genres: Fantasy Romance, Paranormal Romance and Contemporary Romance
Jacqueline Boulden
Jacqueline Boulden is a multiple award-winning author whose novels are a mashup of mystery/ suspense/women’s fiction. Her stories focus on strong independent women overcoming life’s challenges. Her first novel, Her Past Can’t Wait, won gold from Independent Press Awards, Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY), Global Book Awards, and was named a finalist in several other contests. Her second book, Family Ties Family Lies, the first book in the Lake Amelia Mystery series, was named one of the Best 100 Indie books of 2024 by Kirkus Reviews, which gave the novel a starred review. It also won several first place and finalist awards including from BookFest, Discovery Indie Reader, and the National Indie Excellence Awards. Lies Lost and Found, book two in the Lake Amelia Mystery series, was released in July 2025. A Journalism and Public Relations graduate of Utica University, she’s won Emmy awards for her TV news reporting and Telly awards for writing and producing educational and documentary videos. She lives in upstate New York with her spouse and rescue dog, who’s teaching them how to speak Beaglish. See her website at jacquelineboulden.com. Genres: Suspense/Thriller/Action, Traditional Mystery/Detective and Women’s Fiction
Moni Boyce
Moni Boyce is a USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance, a filmmaker and a poet. After working in the film industry for fifteen years, helping others bring their visions to life, she now creates worlds of her own, full of diverse characters with heat, heart and happily ever afters. She considers herself a bookworm, film buff, foodie, music lover and an avid world traveler having visited 36 countries and counting. She currently lives in Virginia but considers Los Angeles her hometown. Visit Moni’s website at moniboyce.com. Genre: Romance
WJ Brendle
Dr. W.J. (Bill) Brendle has spent a lifetime pursuing the mysteries that refuse ordinary explanations. A paranormal scholar and historian of the unseen, his fascination with cryptids, witchcraft, and what he calls “realms of high strangeness” began in childhood after personal encounters that defied rational understanding. Brendle holds a Ph.D. in Metaphysical Humanistic Science with a specialization in parapsychology. He is a cryptozoologist, paranormal investigator, and practicing folk-magick witch. As a member of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons and a long-time student of occult traditions, he has studied and practiced disciplines ranging from Tarot and scrying to esoteric Masonry and ceremonial magick. This breadth of experience allows him to approach the unexplained with both lived practice and historical research, offering readers a unique perspective on folklore, witchcraft, UFO phenomena, and other intersections of culture and mystery. He is the author of “The Cryptids & Monsters of North Carolina” and “Heretics of the Harvest Moon: The True Story of the Witch Trials.” He is also the writer, producer, and co-host of the 4 Ever Paranormal podcast, where stories of the strange are brought to life with atmosphere, scholarship, and an eye toward truth. Follow WJ’s on his website wjbrendle.com. Genres: Non-Fiction, Paranormal and Supernatural
Ellen Butler
Ellen Butler is the international bestselling author of the Karina Cardinal mystery series. Her experiences working on Capitol Hill and at a medical association in Washington, D.C. inspired the mystery-action series. Publishers Weekly called the Karina Cardinal mysteries, “intelligent escapism.” Butler also writes the Ariadne Winter historical mysteries as well as historical spy fiction. The Brass Compass has won multiple awards for historical fiction including: a Speak Up Talk Radio Firebird Book Award, Indie Reader Discovery Award, and a Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal. The second book in the duology, Operation Blackbird: A Cold War Spy Novel, is inspired by true events, and won a Next Generation Indie Book Award gold medal for historical fiction. Discover Ellen’s website at ellenbutler.net. Genres: Cozy Mystery, Historical Fiction, Suspense/Thriller/Action and Traditional Mystery/ Detective
Bre Coleman
Bre Coleman is originally from Alabama and moved to Virginia in 2018 while serving in the military. When she transitioned out in 2021, she decided to remain in Virginia and start her next chapter. A lifelong fan of books and storytelling, Bre finally gave in to her passion and hasn’t looked back. Her writing lives at the edge of thrill and temptation, blending gripping suspense with seductive intensity. In 2025 she debuted as an independent author with two psychological thrillers, Deception and The Sixth Couple, that pull readers in dark secrets, twisted minds and dangerous desires. Welcome to the worlds of Bre where nothing is as it seems... and no one gets out untouched. Visit Bre’s website at authorbrecoleman.com. Genres: Suspense/Thriller/Action
Mollie Ann Cox
Mollie Ann Cox is the author of several popular mystery series, also writing under the pen name Maggie Blackburn and Mollie Cox Bryan. Her books have been selected as finalists for an Agatha Award and a Daphne du Maurier Award and as a Top 10 Beach Reads by Woman’s World. The Eliza Hamilton Mysteries is the first time she’s combined her passion for history and mystery. She lives in Charlottesville, Va. Visit Mollie’s website at molliecoxbryan.com. Genres: Cozy Mystery, Historical Fiction and Historical Mystery
Nikki Davenport
Nikki Davenport is an award-nominated contemporary romance author and the creator of the Crown & Heart series-where Wakanda meets Bridgerton in a lush, Black-on-Black world of swoony romance and unapologetic joy. At the heart of her stories is royal romance reimagined, blending high-stakes emotion, deep friendships, and characters who fight for love and legacy. Her bestselling debut, International Incident, was selected as a 2023 finalist for the Audio in Color Award and launched a universe where readers can’t wait to return. She works in the education field by day and paddles with a dragon boat racing team of fellow breast cancer survivors in her off time. Nikki is head-over-heels in love with showing Black love in a positive light-and isn’t stopping anytime soon. Follow Nikki on her website at nikkidavenport.com. Genres: Multi-Cultural, Romance, Suspense/Thriller/Action and Women’s Fiction
John DeDakis
Award-winning novelist John DeDakis (pronounced dee-DAY-kiss) is a former editor on CNN’s “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.” DeDakis is the author of six traditionally published novels in the Lark Chadwick mystery-suspense-thriller series. In his most recent novel, Enemies Domestic, Lark is a White House press secretary forced to make her extremely personal abort-or-not-to-abort decision in a highly toxic and polarized political fishbowl when abortion is a crime and a dictator becomes president. Enemies Domestic won the Pencraft, Killer Nashville’s Silver Falchion, and Feathered Quill book awards and received the Grand Prize for Chanticleer’s Clue Award for Best Suspense/Thriller. DeDakis is a podcaster, one-on-one writing coach, manuscript editor, and regularly teaches novel writing at literary centers and writers’ conferences nationwide and abroad. Visit John’s website at johndedakis.com. Genres: Non-Fiction, Suspense/Thriller/Action and Traditional Mystery/Detective
Pamela Brothers Denyes
Pamela Brothers Denyes’ award-winning poems are published in many Virginia journals, The Galway Review, Barstow & Grand V, in collections by Wingless Dreamer and The Poet Magazine, MindFull Magazine, Vallum Poetry, Black Moon Magazine, Tangled Locks Journal and others. Pamela’s books, The Right Mistakes and The Widow’s Lovers (2022, Kelsay Books). She published a chapbook that year, too, As I Lay Dreaming. All are available from your favorite bookseller. Pamela’s career-based writing has included contract nonfiction, instructional design and manuals, developmental and copy editing, and writing for her regional newspaper and internet gateway. She is also a musician and singer, and has worked professionally in that arena, too. A mother and grandmother, Pamela resides in eastern Virginia but travels all she can. You can reach her and see her work at pbdenyes.com. Genre: Poetry
Drema Deòraich
Drema Deòraich is an award-winning author of speculative fiction that sometimes asks big questions. Her debut novel Entheóphage is a medical sci-fi/climate fiction novel that explores the question, “What would it take to make us stop destroying our ecosystems?” “Phagey” (as it is affectionately known by its fans) has become a subject of book club discussions in many places. Her trilogy, The Founder’s Seed (Fallen, Book 1; Broken, Book 2; and Driven, Book 3), is a science fantasy trilogy exploring what it means to be a misfit, and the challenges involved in finding one’s niche. Her novelette “Deer in Headlights” follows researcher Cait as she faces unexpected consequences of her ecosystem-damning actions and is faced with a life-altering choice. Her novelette “Jane Doe #7” follows Dr. Kyle Wicks, who’s built his career on the comatose--until one patient fights back. Two short-story collections and a science fantasy trilogy follow-up to The Founder’s Seed are in the works. Follow along on her website at dremadeoraich.com. Genre: Sci-Fi
Lisa Dodson
Lisa Dodson is an award-winning, national, and Amazon #1 bestselling author of more than nineteen books across clean romance, romantic suspense, inspirational, Christian fiction, and nonfiction. A proud Washington, DC native now based in Raleigh, NC, Lisa writes emotionally rich stories that explore love, faith, family, and second chances—with a signature blend of heart, hope, and honesty. Known for compelling multicultural characters and vivid storytelling, her books celebrate unshakable family bonds, meaningful connection, and the kind of love that leaves a lasting imprint. Whether crafting small-town romance or high-stakes suspense, Lisa’s stories keep the bedroom door closed and the emotional stakes wide open—delivering on her promise of Clean Romances with Heart, Hope, and Happily-Ever-Afters. Visit Lisa’s website at lisadodsonbooks.com. Genres: Romance, Suspense/Action/Thriller and Clean Reads
HM DuVAL
HM DuVal is a mother, Kinesiologist, and author of the Dream Walker series. She has always had a passion for good stories: telling them, sharing them, and getting lost in them. Fiction and fantasy genres, with a healthy dose of romance, are her favorite. She loves the incredible power they have to spirit us away from the mundane and into the sensational, and believes that shift in perspective helps us find the magic inside our own lives. She hopes that while reading her work, you are similarly transported. HM DuVal lives in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley with her husband, children, and assorted fur babies. Adopt, don’t shop! Follow HM online at linkte.ee/hmduval. Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal/Supernatural, Romance, Sci-Fi and Dystopian
Kim Ellis
Kim Ellis is an author, illustrator, teacher, and homeschool mom. Born in South Korea and adopted as an infant, she grew up living in Japan and across the United States as part of an Air Force family. She earned her degree in children’s book illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Kim is the author of four children’s books-Butterflies for Rory, Zach’s Family, Annyeong, Korea!, and Penny’s Treehouse Triumph. She was honored as Suffolk News-Herald’s “Best Local Author’’ in both 2021 and 2022, and was nominated again in 2023 and 2025. Since 2008, Kim has homeschooled her blended family of seven children, who now range in age from 9 to 25. She lives in Suffolk, Virginia, with her husband and five of their children. In addition to her creative work, Kim serves on the Suffolk Public Library’s Advisory Board and is President of the Genieve Shelter’s Board. When she isn’t writing or illustrating, she loves reading, gardening, beach days, long walks, collecting stickers, and experimenting with new vegan recipes. Follow Kim along on social media @KimEllisCreates. Genres: Children’s Literature, Multi-Cultural and Auto Biography
Diane Fanning
Diane Fanning is the Edgar-finalist, best-selling author of fifteen true crime books and 12 works of crime fiction. She is a recipient of the Defender of Innocence award from the Innocence Project. She has served as a consultant to 48 Hours, was a regular presence on 14 seasons of Deadly Women, and appeared on the Today Show, 20/20, Forensic Hies, Snapped, the Biography Channel, Investigation Discovery, E! and the BBC as well as numerous podcasts. Raised in Baltimore County, she moved to Virginia, then south Texas, then she moved back to Virginia and is living in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Bedford, Virginia. Follow Diane online at dianefanning.com. Genres: Historic Fiction, Traditional Mystery/Detective and True Crime
Beth Ford
Beth Ford is a historical fiction author living in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. She is the author of the novels In the Times of Spirits, Love Between Times: A Time Travel Romance, and After the Spirits Come: A Continuation of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. She also writes the Cassie Woods, Reporter historical mystery romance novella series. Her work has also appeared in a variety of literary journals. Visit Beth’s website at bethfordauthor.com. Genres: Historical Fiction and Romance
Nicole Glover
Nicole Glover is the author of the acclaimed historical fantasy series, Murder and Magic, which includes The Conductors (2021), The Undertakers (2021) and The Improvisers (2024) and The Starseekers (2026). Her books have received rave starred reviews for their unique blend of mystery, history, and fantasy, and have been featured in NPR and local media, En Forme and the Virginian-Pilot. She’s been a Library Reads pick, made the Locus bestseller list, and most recently won The Webster Award. She lives and works in Virginia plotting her next fictional murder. Visit Nicole’s website at nicole-glover.com. Genres: Cozy Mystery, Fantasy and Historical Fiction
David Gorman
David Gorman is a middle grade author who writes exciting mystery adventures for kids. He spent his childhood summers at Waldameer & Water World, the amusement park his family owns in Erie, Pennsylvania. Now, he spins stories from those childhood memories to bring the joy of roller coasters, waterslides, and cotton candy to readers. David’s Waldameer Mystery Files series follows siblings Seth and Julia as they solve mysteries at the park, from identifying the prankster in the haunted house ride to searching for stolen jewels in the food stands. His latest book, The Hidden Heirloom, is the seventh in the series. David’s work as a middle school counselor inspires him to include positive themes and a multicultural cast of characters in each book. He enjoys speaking at schools to inspire students to read and write. He lives in Richmond, Virginia. Check out his website at davidwritesbooks.com. Genre: Children’s Literature
Tasha Haight
Tasha Haight is a published children’s book author, professional mermaid, and passionate ocean advocate whose whimsical, conservation-themed stories inspire young readers to care for the planet. Featured on Netflix’s MerPeople, she has transformed her love of the sea into magical tales with real-world impact, blending imagination with environmental stewardship. In addition to her writing and performing, Tasha is an active member of the Association of Ghostwriters, the Maryland Writers Association, and the Eastern Shore Writers Association. She regularly visits schools, libraries, and festivals, where she encourages children and families to dream big, protect our oceans, and discover the magic of storytelling. Follow Tasha online at authortashahaight.com. Genre: Children’s Literature
Andrew J. Hall
Andrew J. Hall is an author and illustrator with a heart for sparking imagination and adventure in kids of all ages. With four children’s picture books and a sixty-page coloring book already published, stickers, and a plushie set (with plenty more stories on the way), Andrew is quickly building a world full of humor, heart, and creativity. His Bartholomew Babbitt series is where it all began, following a wildly imaginative boy whose adventures turn ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys. From sailing the seas in Bartholomew Babbitt’s Bathtime Bonanza, to blasting off into space in Bartholomew Babbitt’s Bedtime Blastoff, to riding through a backyard Wild West in Bartholomew Babbitt’s Bicycle Bronco, each story captures the joy of creativity and play. The companion coloring book, Bartholomew Babbitt’s Running Wild, invites readers to join in and bring the stories to life in their own way. Follow along for new releases and behind-the-scenes art on Instagram: @andrewjhallart. Genre: Children’s Literature
Bradley Harper
Bradley Harper is a retired US Army pathologist. His debut novel, A Knife in the Fog, involves a young Doctor Conan Doyle in the hunt for Jack the Ripper. It was a finalist for a 2019 Edgar Award for Best First Novel by an American and is a Recommended Read by the Arthur Conan Doyle Estate. Knife won Killer Nashville’s 2019 Silver Falchion as Best Mystery. The audiobook won Audiofile Magazine’s 2019 Earphone Award for Best Mystery and Suspense. His second novel, Queen’s Gambit, which involves a fictional assassination attempt on Queen Victoria, Won Killer Nashville’s 2020 Silver Falchion Award for Best Suspense and Book of the Year. Dr. Harper earned an Associate Degree in Creative Writing in 2018 at Full Sail University and an MA at Napier University in Edinburgh, Scotland, in August 2022. His most recent novel, Maiden Voyage, involves an art heist aboard the Titanic, and was his thesis project at Napier. Visit Bradley’s website at bharperauthor.com. Genres: Historical Fiction and Traditional Mystery/Detective
Erin Hayden
Erin Hayden loves writing stories for both kids and adults, bringing warmth, humor, and heart to everything she creates. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing and a PhD in Literacy Education, and she is passionate about inspiring a love of reading through stories that readers can connect with in meaningful ways. As a mother of four, including a child with Type 1 Diabetes and celiac disease, she understands the challenges families face and reflects those experiences in her books. In 2024, she founded BraveryBooks to share stories that celebrate resilience, friendship, and the everyday courage that makes life meaningful. Check out Erin’s website at erinhayden.com. Genres: Non-Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Romance and Young-Adult Fiction
Jeffrey James Higgins
J effrey James Higgins is a retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays. He has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. Jeffrey received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. CNN, Fox News, and The New York Times have interviewed him, and he’s appeared on CNN Declassified, National Geographic’s Narco Wars, and ABC News. He’s a #1 Amazon bestselling author who’s won the Claymore Award, PenCraft’s Best Fiction Book of the Year, and a Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal. His debut novel, Furious, is Black Rose Writing’s bestselling thriller, and The Forever Game was selected as one of the best medical thrillers of the 21st century. In 2025, Severn River Publishing launched The Havana Syndrome and The Khorasan Retribution, the first two books in the Nathan Burke international-espionage thriller series. Jeffrey owns Elaine’s Literary Salon in Alexandria, VA, where he counsels writers, interviews authors, and hosts a podcast. Follow along on his website at jeffreyjameshiggins.com. Genres: Suspense/Thriller/Action
Tim Holland
Tim Holland is the author of four Sidney Lake Lowcountry Mystery Novels, including The Rising Tide, The Murder of Amos Dunn, Deception, and December Rain. His new series Matt Donovan Investigates is being launched in the fourth quarter of 2025 with An Impulse for Murder. What the Mirror Doesn’t See is a stand-alone mystery featuring Tony Carenza. He is a past director of the Williamsburg Book Festival, and Chesapeake Bay Writers, a member of Mystery Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime. He has received Keating and Golden Nib awards for his short fiction. Over the years, his freelance articles have appeared in a wide variety of newspapers and magazines, as well as having written book reviews and literary criticism for Recorder Publishing’s eight newspapers in New Jersey. Learn more at tim-holland.com. Genres: Traditional Mystery/Detective and Cozy Mystery
Scarlett M. Honey
Scarlett M. Honey is a romantic fantasy author based in Northern Virginia. Scarlett has cultivated a passionate worldwide readership through her engaging presence on social media and successful local author events. When not writing about fierce heroines and enchanting realms, she enjoys cheering on her four kiddos at their numerous sporting events, reading anything she can get her hands on, running the W&OD trail, and attempting to perfect the illusive yoga handstand. Visit her website for details at scarlettmhoney.com. Genres: Fantasy and Romance
Teresa Inge
Teresa Inge is an award-winning mystery author whose work appears in First Comes Love, Then Comes Murder, Coastal Crimes, Virginia is for Mysteries, Mutt Mysteries and Murder by the Glass. She belongs to Sisters in Crime, Short Mystery Fiction Society, and Virginia Writer’s Club, and contributes regularly to blogs Sand in our Shorts and Writers Who Kill. Influenced by Nancy Drew, Teresa writes crime fiction and works for a global financial firm in roles including administrative assistant, corporate reporter, and notary administrator. In addition to writing, she participates in car shows with her 1955 Torch Red Thunderbird and resides in Southeastern Virginia with her husband A.J. and their shepherd dog Luke. Follow along on her website teresainge.com. Genre: Cozy Mystery
Jacqueline T. Johnson
Jacqueline Johnson is an award-winning author and seasoned editor. She is best known for her five-book fantasy series, Sons of Meir, which explores themes of loyalty, power, and transformation. Jacqueline’s editorial expertise spans developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading across fiction, nonfiction, and academic genres. She has collaborated with publishing houses and independent writers to elevate content while preserving each author’s unique voice. Visit Jacqueline’s website at jt-johnson.com. Genres: Children’s Literature, Suspense/Thriller/Action, Fantasy and Young-Adult Fiction
Sara E. Johnson
ara E. Johnson is a New York Time’s Readers’ Pick author of the Alexa Glock Forensic S Mysteries set in New Zealand. The sixth book in the series, Bone Chilling, was published in October, 2025. Sara lives in Durham, North Carolina. She is a graduate of Durham Citizen Police Academy, is past president of Triangle Sisters in Crime, and belongs to the North Carolina Writers’ Network. She teaches mystery classes for NC State and Duke OLLI. Her work-in-progress, Cold Shores, was a 2025 Killer Nashville Claymore Award finalist for Best Unpublished Mystery. Visit Sara’s website for more details at authorsarajohnson.com. Genres: Traditional Mystery/Detective
Abigail Keam
Abigail Keam is an award-winning and Amazon best-selling author who writes the Josiah Reynolds Mystery Series about a Southern female beekeeper turned amateur sleuth living in the glamorous world of oak-cured bourbon, antebellum mansions, and Thoroughbred farms. Besides loving history, Kentucky bourbon and chocolate, Abigail loves honeybees and for many years made her living by selling honey at a farmers’ market like her protagonist, Josiah Reynolds. Miss Abigail has taken her knowledge of beekeeping to create a fictional beekeeping protagonist, Josiah Reynolds, who solves murder mysteries in the Bluegrass. While Miss Abigail’s novels are for enjoyment, she discusses the importance of a local sustainable food economy and land management for honeybees and other creatures. Visit Abigail’s website at abigailkeam.com. Genre: Cozy Mystery
Nicole E. Kelleher
Author of the epic fantasy romance Heart & Hand Series, Nicole E. Kelleher’s books have won a Golden Quill Award for Best Fantasy Romance and a National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award. Nicole resides in Virginia with her family and their new puppy, Lucy. When she is not writing or working at her day job at a local university, she volunteers at a local organization helping the less fortunate. She encourages her friends and readers to do the same. Nicole recently released Thrice Bound, a Romantic Paranormal Suspense, and is now working on book five in her Heart & Hand series—an epic medieval romantasy. Follow Nicole online at nekelleher.com. Genres: Fantasy, Romance and Paranormal/Supernatural
Mary Kendall
Mary Kendall is first a reader of books across genres and, second, a writer of fiction. She brings her background in history-related fields mixed with Celtic story-telling genes to her writing. Fueled by black coffee and a possible sprinkling of fairy dust, she finds inspiration in odd places, sometimes while kneading bread dough. Her published novels include The Spinster’s Fortune, Campbell’s Boy, Bottled Secrets of Rosewood and The Accidental Heiress. Additionally, she has short stories published in dark fiction magazines. Check out her website at marykendallauthor.com. Genres: Suspense/Thriller/Action, Historical Fiction and Folk Horror
Thomas Kies
Thomas Kies is the Edgar-nominated author of five Geneva Chase mystery novels. He has a long history of working for newspapers and magazines in New York, New England, and North Carolina. In addition to journalism and writing mysteries, he’s a college creative writing teacher, playwright, actor and environmentalist who lives with his wife, Cindy, on a barrier island on the coast of North Carolina. He’s the father of three grown children, four grandchildren, and the dog dad to a Shih-tzu named Annie. Visit Thomas at thomaskiesauthor.com. Genres: Suspense/Thriller/Action and Traditional Mystery/Detective
Pamela K. Kinney
Pamela K. Kinney gave up long ago ignoring the voices in her head and has written horror, fantasy, science fiction, a children’s fantasy picture book, poetry, nonfiction ghost books, and a nonfiction shapeshifters/indigenous mythology book (2nd place in Book Fest Award 2025.) ever since. Her horror short story, “Bottled Spirits,” was runner-up for the 2013 WSFA Small Press Award and considered one of the seven best genre short fiction for that year. Her poem, “Dementia,” in the HWA Poetry Showcase Vol VII, got her a mention in Best Horror of the Year, Vol 13. Her faerie children’s picture book, Christmas Magic, took second place in the Children’sHolidays category of the Book Fest Awards, Spring 2024, and her new YA dark fantasy novel, Demon Memories, first in the Moon Ridge, Virginia trilogy, took second place in YA Fantasy for the Book Fest Awards 2025. She also has various short stories and poetry published. Her newest release is Nowhere Land, a horror novel, plus, her urban fantasy novel, How the Vortex Changed My Life, is now published by Dreampunk Press and no longer self-published. Visit Pamela’s website at pamelakkinney.com. Genres: Sci-Fi, Non-Fiction, Horror and Fantasy
Carrie Ann Knox
Carrie Ann Knox is the author of the Sonic Sleuths series, a modern cozy mystery series about a bookish audiologist, Quinn, who gets enticed into the quiet little hobby of private investigating by her fiery new friend, PI Sloan McKenzie. Fun and adventure–along with their hunky sidekicks–follow them wherever they go. As an audiologist by day and fantasy amateur sleuth by night, Dr. Knox inevitably realized writing was an excellent way to combine her two passions. The adventures of Quinn and Sloan are the vicarious pursuit of a long-time mystery lover. She lives in southeast Virginia with her husband, daughter, and their two Boston Terriers, Gizmo and Zelda. Visit Carrie’s website at carrieannknox.com. Genre: Cozy Mystery
Eleanor Kuhns
Eleanor Kuhns is the 2011 Minotaur/Mystery Writers of America winner for first mystery novel, for A Simple Murder. Since then, she has gone on to write eleven more Will Rees/Shaker mysteries and two Bronze Age Crete mysteries. An avid hiker, she has a strong connection to Maine. Eleanor lives in New York with her husband and her dog. See Eleanor’s website at eleanor-kuhns.com. Genres: Traditional Mystery/Detective
Jackie Layton
Jackie Layton is the author of cozy mysteries with Spunky Southern Sleuths. Her stories are set in Texas, Georgia, and South Carolina. She lives on the coast of South Carolina, where she enjoys walks on the beach and golf cart rides around the marsh. Reading, gardening, and traveling are some of her favorite hobbies. Jackie always keeps a notebook handy to write down ideas for future stories. Many of her ideas come from people watching and watching Dateline and American Greed. See her website at jackielaytoncozyauthor.com. Genre: Cozy Mystery
Jenn Lessmann
Jenn Lessmann writes more snark/less dark urban cozies and witchy mysteries. She is the author of the Cate Corey’s Unmagical Life trilogy, including Unmagical: a witchy mystery, Unforgivable: an urban cozy, and Unbelievable: a suburban legend. You can find her nonfiction work in Indie Author Magazine. A former barista, stage manager, and high school English teacher with advanced degrees from impressive colleges, she continues to drink excessive amounts of caffeine, stay up later than is absolutely necessary, and read three or four books at a time. Follow along on Jenn’s website jennlessmann.com. Genres: Cozy Mystery and Fantasy
Allie Marie
ward-winning author Allie Marie grew up in Virginia. Her favorite childhood pastime was A reading Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden mysteries, but she never expected to grow up to be a real-life police officer herself. Eventually worked her way up through the ranks, Allie retired -four times-as her experiences kept leading her to other law enforcement adventures in the US as well as overseas. After her final “retirement,” Allie soon embarked on a quest to fulfill a long-time dream-to write mysteries and crime thrillers. Her plans were derailed when she found colonial ancestors in her family tree, which inspired The True Colors Series. This paranormal mystery series with modern local settings and colonial history has garnered multiple awards and leads to a planned spin-off collection, The True Spirits Trilogy. The first book released in the trilogy, Barley and Lace, will be followed by Rye and Thistle and finally Chardonnay and Oak. Her standalone historical mystery, Return to Afton Square, bridges the two series. For more details, visit Allie’s website at alliemariebooks.wordpress.com. Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Cozy Mystery, Short Fiction/Anthology and Paranormal Supernatural
Eris Marriott
Eris Marriott is a fantasy author living in Orange, VA. She writes YA fantasy, romantic fantasy, and is a fan of tropes like enemies-to-lovers, “who did this to you?” and forgotten memories. When she’s not writing, she can be found tending to her small “zoo,” as she has several pets. She also, obviously, loves to read. Eris currently has five books published, two of which are in her vampire romantasy series, the Tales of the Shadow folk, and three of which are in her YA grimdark fantasy series, the Tales of the Selyento. Read more about Eris on her website erismarriottauthor.com. Genres: Fantasy, Romance and Young-Adult Fiction
Amy Patricia Meade
Author of the critically acclaimed Marjorie McClelland Mysteries, Vermont Country Living Mysteries, and Tish Tarragon Mysteries, Amy Patricia Meade is a native of Long Island, NY, where she cut her teeth on classic films and books featuring Nancy Drew and Encyclopedia Brown. After serving as a technical writer for a management coaching firm and composing catalog copy for the Vermont Country Store, Amy relocated to southwest England, where she was a featured author at Agatha Christie’s Annual Greenway Literary Festival. Amy now resides in Upstate New York with her musician husband and her two cats and serves as Vice President of the Upper Hudson Chapter of Sisters in Crime. See Amy’s website at amypatriciameade.com. Genres: Traditional Mystery/Detective
Megan Michelle
Megan Michelle writes dark romance for the fearless women who are ready to reclaim their power and confront the shadows of their past. Her stories blend the raw emotions of military life, the strength of feminism, and the passion of forbidden love, all while guiding readers on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Through dark romance, she explores the complexity of love, power, and identity. Her stories invite you to dive deep into the hearts of women who don’t just survive—they thrive, reclaiming their power and rewriting their stories on their own terms. Check out her website at megan-michelle.com. Genres: Romance and Suspense/Thriller/Action
Julie Moffett
Julie Moffett is the bestselling author of the long-running, geeky Lexi Carmichael Mystery Series that USA Today says: “…runs a riveting gamut from hilarious to deadly, and the perfectly paced action in between will have you hanging on to Lexi’s every word and breathless for her next geeked-out adventure.” Julie also writes the young adult White Knights spin-off series featuring a cool, teenage hacker girl. Julie’s been publishing books for 25 years, but writing for a lot longer. She writes in the genres of mystery, young adult, historical romance and paranormal romance. Discover more about Julie on her website at juliemoffett.com. Genres: Comedy, Cozy Mystery, Historical Fiction, Paranormal/Supernatural, Romance, Short Fiction/Anthology, Suspense/Thriller/Action and Young-Adult Fiction
Stacie Murphy
Stacie Murphy grew up near Nashville, TN and began writing her first novel, A DEADLY FORTUNE as a way to keep herself off Twitter in the evenings. It was published by Pegasus Crime in 2021, and its sequel, THE UNQUIET DEAD, followed in 2022. Both novels received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, which called her “a historical writer to watch.” Her most recent book, THE WITCH’S SECRET, was published in 2024. Murphy lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, daughter, and a very demanding grey cat. Follow Stacie online at staciemurphy.com. Genres: Paranormal/Supernatural, Historical Fiction and Traditional Mystery/Detective
K.L. Murphy
K.L. Murphy is the author of The Great Forgotten (November 2025) as well as the awardnominated Her Sister’s Death, a January 2023 Once Upon a Book Club Pick. Of Her Sister’s Death, Publishers Weekly said, “Murphy keeps the tension high...” and “readers will eagerly turn the pages” and Library Journal called the book “[A] riveting tale...” In addition, she is the author of the Detective Callie Forde Mysteries: Last Girl Missing and The Murderer’s Girl (August 2025), as well as the Detective Cancini Mystery Series featuring A Guilty Mind, Stay of Execution, and The Last Sin. Find more information about K.L. on her website kellielarsenmurphy.com. Genres: Historical Fiction and Traditional Mystery/Detective
Sarah Newland Sarah Newland is a licensed veterinary technician and award-winning young adult fiction author based in Virginia. Her debut series Extant is an edge-of-your-seat sci-fi/fantasy thriller that features several Virginia landmarks, including the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and Eastern Shore. As a vet tech, her books will always feature an animal sidekick and, as an avid reader, more than one plot-bending twist. Find more details at sarahnewlandbooks.com. Genres: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Young-Adult Fiction and Suspense/Thriller/Action
P. B. Obeng
P.B. Obeng, is the author of the sci-fi political thriller Vigil. His inspiration for writing the novel came from his love of politics and comics. Growing up he yearned for stories that touched on themes of power, family and responsibility. He writes for readers who long for layered storylines featuring diverse characters that you can care about. He also grew up with a love of movies which featured characters of color who were represented in a positive and intelligent light. His aim is to provide an exciting cinematic reading experience. See P.B.’s website for more information at pbobeng.com. Genres: Sci-Fi, Multi-Cultural and Suspense/Thriller/Action
Nan O’Berry Nan O’Berry loves good books. She spends her free time writing historical romantic adventures with Texas Rangers, pony express riders, and heroic cowboys or writing sweet contemporary romances set in small towns. She wants her heroes to be bigger than life and a heroine to match. When not writing as Nan, she slips into her pen name, Tessa Berkley for something with a bit more spice and sometimes casting a paranormal twist. Whatever your choice is be aware her stories are a bit smexy with a lot of cannoodling. See Nan’s website at nanoberryauthor.com. Genres: Romance and Historical Fiction
TJ O’Connor
Tj O’Connor is the award-winning author of The Whisper Legacy, The Dead Detective Casefiles, and other thrillers and mysteries. The Whisper Legacy is the first in a new thriller series and Dying With A Secret is Book IV of The Dead Detective Casefiles. Tj is an international security consultant specializing in anti-terrorism, investigations, and threat analysis—life experiences that drive his novels. Tj’s work has been recognized with: The American Legacy Award for Political Thrillers; the American Fiction Awards for Political Thrillers & Mystery/Suspense; Gold Medal from the Independent Publishers Book Awards (IPPY) for mysteries; Gold Medal Winner—Military Writer’s Society of America; Gold Medal Winner—Readers Favorite Book Awards; Bronze Medal Winner from the Reader’s Favorite Book Awards; and a finalist for The Silver Falchion Award Finalist for Mysteries and Thrillers; Foreword Reviews’ INDIEFAB Mystery Book of the Year; and the Deadly Ink’s David Award Finalist for Best Mystery/Thriller. He was raised in New York’s Hudson Valley and lives with his wife in Virginia where they raised five children who are providing a growing brood of grands. Follow TJ’s website for more information at tjoconnor.com. Genres: Suspense/Thriller/Action, Paranormal/Supernatural and Cozy Mystery
Adrienne Palma
riginally from New Jersey, Adrienne Palma, Ed.D., now lives on Roanoke Island in O North Carolina. She is the author of two novels and the Under the Sea and Wildlife children’s series. She loves to swim in open water, bicycle ride, and read, of course! She is presently working on her next novel and additional books in both children’s book series. See Adrienne’s website at adriennepalma.com. Genres: Romance and Children’s Literature
Denise LaJuan Peters
Denise LaJuan Peters writes tales where history and fantasy collide. This creates a world where the overlooked find their voice and he outcast discover belonging. Dragonshifters steal their way into her writing. But Denise’s favorite novels are Lvanhoe and Jane Eyre. Her deep appreciation for these classic keeps her work grounded in the human experience rather than a genre conventions. See Denise’s website at denisepetersauthor.com. Genres: Fantasy and Historical Fantasy
Ron Peterson Jr.
Ron Peterson, Jr is a Virginia-based true crime author who has written five books covering compelling true-life mysteries, unsolved murders, and missing person cases. His 2019 book, ‘Under the Trestle,’ was selected as one of the top 100 true crime books of all-time and is in development as a documentary movie with Mactavish Pictures. The television and film rights to his 2020 book, ‘Chasing the Squirrel,’ was optioned to Los-Angeles based Urban Legends Film Company, with a pilot TV episode produced and screened, currently in negotiations with major television streaming services for airing. Peterson’s 2024 book, ‘In the Wind,’ was acquired by OXYGEN television network, and a one-hour episode on OXYGEN debuted in August 2025, based on the book and featuring Peterson’s narration. His new book, ‘Runaway Groom,’ released on November 4, 2025. Ron earned a bachelor of journalism degree from Radford University and lectures at colleges and universities throughout the country. Follow along on Ron’s website at ronpetersonjr.com. Genre: True Crime
Mark Piggott
Mark Piggott, a native of Phillipsburg, N.J., enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1982, beginning a 23year career. He self-published several fantasy and steampunk novels since 2009, including the first three books of the FOREVER AVALON fantasy book series – FOREVER AVALON, THE DARK TIDES, and THE OUTLANDER WAR – and a new dystopian fantasy series, THE LAST MAGUS: A CLOCKWORK HEART, and THE MOONLIGHT BLACK CAT TAVERN, a collection of short stories. In 2021, Mark signed with Curious Corvid Publishing, and has published several more novels, including THE RIVER OF SOULS, CORSAIR AND THE SKY PIRATES, THE LAST MAGUS: DRAGONFIRE AND STEEL, and THE PROMETHEUS ENGINE. In November 2025, his 11th book, A DANCE OF DARKLINGS AND DEMONS will be published as he continues his journey as an independent author. Mark has won several prestigious book awards, including the Firebird Book Awards, the BookFest Book Awards (1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards), 2022 AMG Indie Book Awards Grand Prize for Fiction, 2023 AMG Book Award for Steampunk, a finalist in the Golden Wizard Children Book Prize 2024 Book of the Year, the Canadian Book Club 2024 Book Awards, 2024 BBNYA Book of the Year, and the 2024 Book Excellence Book Awards. Learn more about Mark and his books at authormarkpiggott.com. Genres: Fantasy, Steampunk and Historical Fiction
Patti Gaustad Procopi Patti Gaustad Procopi is a former army brat who lived all over the world including many years in Germany. She joined a local writing organization and a critique group and she finally figured it out. Patti’s writing is about emotional connections, friendship and family. She was thrilled when Blue Fortune Enterprises published her first novel, Please…Tell Me More in 2020. Her second novel, I’ll Get By came out in 2022 and her third, Stop Talking, came out in 2023. Her first mystery, The Murderer You Know was just released. She’s also written stories for a Christmas and Halloween anthology. Patti has had stories printed in literary journals and one produced on a podcast and has won several awards. She has been featured on Launchpad and Writers over 50. She writes articles for Next Door Neighbors Magazine and has presented talks on writing at area libraries, as well as the Virginia Writer’s Club symposium. In her spare time she likes to garden, do yoga and enjoys nature photography. See more on Patti’s website at pattiproauthor.com. Genres: Women’s Fiction and Cozy Mystery
Kayla Rutherford
A passionate reader turned young novelist, Kayla Rutherford is inspired by a love for compelling storytelling and the wonder of imagination, debuting an enthralling YA Fantasy/ Sci-Fi trilogy. Blood of Power introduces Ray Jackson, a grieving 19-year-old college student thrust into a supernatural conflict of refuge aliens and a race seeking their capture and return. The saga continues with Blood of Destruction, where Ray faces darker forces and deeper struggles as she navigates this perilous new life. The final installment, Blood of Revival, completes this trilogy with Ray’s ultimate confrontation with destiny, teetering a line of morality for those she loves, and seeking an end of the injustice to the planet she now calls home. Because she clearly doesn’t have enough on her plate between time with friends, two crazy pups, kickball, work, and writing, she opened up a small business for all the bookies out there looking for something a little special. Enchanted Realms Co, LLC was founded in 2024 by Kayla Rutherford to provide her readers with an immersive experience within her stories, creating an online store selling soaps, candles, beaded jewelry, stickers, and bookmarks along with her published works. Follow Kayla on her website at enchantedrealmsco.com. Genres: Fantasy, Sci-Fi and Young-Adult Fiction
Katharine Schellman
Katharine Schellman is an award-winning author of historical crime fiction, including the Nightingale Mysteries and the Lily Adler Mysteries. Her novels, which reviewers have called “worthy of Rex Stout or Agatha Christie,” have been named one of Suspense Magazine’s Best Books of the Year, a Library Journal Best Crime Fiction of the Year, and a New York Times editors’ pick. A former actor, onetime political consultant, and graduate of William & Mary, Katharine lives and writes in the mountains of Virginia. Follow along on her website at katharineschellman.com. Genres: Historical Fiction, LGBTQIA and Traditional Mystery/Detective
Carol M. Scott
Carol Maloney Scott is a happy and productive wife, empty nest mom, and wiener dog fanatic. She is a lover of donuts and eye shadow palettes, and is failing every day in her quest to become a morning person. She writes fast-paced, humorous fiction, filled with snappy banter, quirky characters, and real life dramedy. Follow Carol on her IG @CarolMScott15. Genres: Comedy and Romance
Mary Bush Shipko
Mary Bush was born into an aviation family in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 1949. From the time she was a toddler, she hung around the airport; and she started her formal flight training just before her 16th birthday. She flew a variety of aircraft out of both Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International and Miami International Airports, in the Northwest corner infamously known as both “Cockroach Corner” and “Corrosion Corner.” Mary flew World War II transport planes, as well as the Constellation and DC-6, to many exotic destinations. She was hired in 1976 as Hughes Airwest’s first woman pilot. She flew the Fairchild F-27, the DC-9, and B-727 at the airline. In 1981, Mary took a leave of absence due to post-traumatic stress symptoms caused by sexual harassment. With courage and support from family members, she has been able to rebuild her life and find joy and happiness. Her story of courage and overcoming setbacks is sure to inspire. Genre: Non-Fiction
Hunter J. Skye
Is the darkness calling you? If so, come sit by me. I’m Hunter J. Skye, award-winning author of dark fantasy and monster romance. I was born with a rare nightmare disorder and raised in a haunted Victorian home. Those two factors predestined me to write about what lurks in the steamy night. Stop by my table for shadows & spice and everything not-so-nice! Follow along on Hunter’s website at hunterskye.com. Genres: Paranormal/Supernatural, Fantasy and Horror
Suzanne Snowden Suzanne Snowden is a former FM radio DJ, Radio Communications teacher and current Library Specialist for the Chesapeake Public Library. She loves her current job because it allows her to conduct several book clubs for the community including one for incarcerated individuals and one that reads the top 100 classic books of all time. But her favorite books are romances and that’s what she writes now, paranormal women’s fiction full of witches, magic and heroines over forty! Visit Suzanne online at suzannesnowden.com. Genres: Romance and Paranormal/Supernatural
Ravynn K. Stringfield Ravynn K. Stringfield is a former academic and young adult author originally from Suffolk, Virginia. Her titles include Love Requires Chocolate (2024) and the recent digital epistolary novel, Love in 280 Characters or Less (2025). Ravynn holds a PhD in American Studies from William & Mary and her creative nonfiction has appeared in publications such as Shondaland, ZORA, and Catapult Magazine. She can often be found haunting coffee shops in search of the perfect hazelnut latte, knee deep in art supplies, or telling anyone who will listen about her Lois Lane obsession. Connect with Ravynn on Instagram (@RavynnKaMia) or via her website, ravynnkstringfield.com. Genres: Romance and Young-Adult Fiction
Leslie Eva Tayloe Leslie Eva Tayloe is an award-winning children’s picture book author of The Attic Door, a 2024 Story Monster’s Approved Award, and 2025 Literary Titan Gold Book Award; Save the Trees, a 2024 Moonbeam Bronze Medalist, and 2025 Longlisted for the Green Earth Book Award; and I’m Fishing with Pop-Pop Today. She’s a former analyst, worked as a substitute teacher and holds a Master’s degree from the University of Maryland. Leslie lives in Virginia, with her partner, Michael, two cats, and a dog. She loves to fish on the Rappahannock River, do crafts, read, and take long walks with her black lab, Frankie. See Leslie’s website at leslieevatayloe.com. Genre: Children’s Literature
Callie Thomas Callie Thomas is an indie author who loves all things fairy tales—including twisting tales of her own. Her favorite stories have a mix of sweet romance, laughter, and a pinch of magic. When she’s not writing, she enjoys playing board games, reading at the beach, and traveling the world with her husband and two boys. Since she can’t live at Disney World, you’ll find her near the historical battlefields and lush woodlands where her family lives in Fredericksburg, VA. She recently published her Backward Fairy Tales series, A Forest of Stolen Memories & A Sea of Golden Chains, and has more stories on the horizon. Check out Callie’s website at authorcalliethomas.com. Genres: Fantasy, Romance and Young-Adult Fiction
Christine Trent
Christine Trent is the author of the Lady of Ashes historical mystery series, the Royal Trades historical fiction series, the Florence Nightingale Mysteries, and the new Heart of St. Mary’s County series set in her Maryland hometown. The most recent book in the series, The Madness of Moll Dyer, fictionalizes the life of a legendary Maryland witch. Learn more at ChristineTrent.com. Genres: Traditional Mystery/Detective, Historical Fiction and Women’s Fiction
Heather Weidner
Through the years, Heather Weidner has been a cop’s kid, technical writer, editor, college professor, software tester, and IT manager. She writes the Pearly Girls Mysteries, the Delanie Fitzgerald Mysteries, The Jules Keene Glamping Mysteries, and The Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe Mysteries. Her short stories appear in the Virginia is for Mysteries series, 50 Shades of Cabernet, Deadly Southern Charm, Murder by the Glass, First Comes Love, Then Comes Murder, and Crime in the Old Dominion, and she has non-fiction pieces in Promophobia and The Secret Ingredient: A Mystery Writers’ Cookbook. She is a member of Sisters in Crime: National, Central Virginia, Chessie, Guppies, and Grand Canyon Writers, International Thriller Writers, and James River Writers, and she blogs regularly with the Writers Who Kill. See more details on Heather’s website at heatherweidner.com. Genres: Cozy Mystery, Short Fiction/Anthology and Traditional Mystery/Detective
Lorilyn White
Lorilyn White, a retired corporate finance manager and public school teacher, currently calls the charming coastal city of Virginia Beach her home. Raised in the suburbs of New York City, Lorilyn discovered her passion for creative expression through poetry and short stories as a young student. With her retirement from the corporate world and her teaching career, Lorilyn White finally had the opportunity to fully indulge in her lifelong passion for writing. Her first novel, She Wouldn’t Wait, published in October 2023, quickly hit the Top 20 on Amazon’s Best-Selling List for Black and African American Mysteries, Thrillers, and Suspense Fiction. She published her second novel, No Big Easy Love, the sequel to She Wouldn’t Wait, in February 2024, and she released her latest novel, The Devine Case, in February 2025. Lorilyn writes stories featuring AfricanAmerican characters and complex, dynamic family relationships, with a dash of mystery and romance. She is currently working on her fourth novel. Visit her website at lorilynwhite.com. Genres: Traditional Mystery/Detective, Romance and Women’s Fiction
R.F. Whong
From a young age, I cultivated a profound love for reading and writing. I would spend hours at the library, devouring every book on a single shelf before moving on to the next. Currently, I work for a small biotech company and have published 120+ scientific books and papers. As a latecomer to the world of creative writing, I’ve released several books under different pen names. Fiction titles were published under R. F. Whong, while non-fiction books were published under Ruth Wuwong. I’m delighted to share that I’ve been named a 2025 Featured Author by the Minnesota Anoka County Library, and my book, Echoes over Stormy Sea, won several awards, including being chosen by readers as a winner in the 2025 HOLT Medallion Contest. Follow along R.F.’s website at ruthforchrist.com. Genres: Historical Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Multi-Cultural and Romance
Kathryn Louise Wood
Kathryn Louise Wood was born in Washington, North Carolina, with deep ancestral roots in her home state stretching back to the 17th century. She received her BS in Education from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia and, as a life-long learner and wearer of multiple hats, has worked as a teacher, social worker, television re-enactment actress, nationally certified massage therapist, writer, and award-winning photographic artist. She and her husband live in the lovely, historic town of Edenton, NC, sharing their quirky, little 1895 cottage with their two dogs, and the memories of loved ones with whom they have shared their lives. Kathryn is the author of the Zephyr Stone middle-grade supernatural mystery series published by Blue Ink Press. Visit Kathryn’s website at kathrynlouisewoodauthor.com. Genre: Children’s Literature