2024 FEATURED AUTHORS
Rachel Allen
Rachel Allen published works in Hags on Fire, Northern Appalachia Review and Long Shot Books. She is a contributing member of the Christians Practicing Yoga Blog and the author of the chapbook, Blessings Beyond Bypass. (Seedhouse Press, 2022).
Blessings Beyond Bypass
Blessings Beyond Bypass is a guide and resource for activists and leaders to bring blessings that both challenge and hold us in these intense times.
D. H. Anderson
DH Anderson is a SW PA native who embraces the equestrian community. Inspired by the birth and early years of Lady Thistle, she became an award-winning author, offering young readers a peek into equine life with authentic stories from her farm.
Lady Thistle, The Horse
In the fourth book of this children’ s series, “Lady Thistle, The Horse”, the young filly finds great danger in her field and is facing her biggest challenge yet; will she be able to trust her family and veterinarian to help her?
Children's Fiction
D. Angel
Through his two memoirs, he chronicles his journey from a life marred by violence, prison and alcoholism, to one of self-discovery, redemption, and a burning desire to empower others. His story offers a message of hope and resilience.
Through the Test of Time
The author takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the growing pains of fixing his life after incarceration. After putting the street life and prison behind him, he was left with the young man, who needed help, long before prison…
memoir
Brian D. Berkey
Brian received his chemical engineering degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1974 and has worked in the chemical industry but has maintained a life-long passion for history.
Through the Test of Time
The impact of World War II on a western Pennsylvania farm family is told through the letters the family received from their sons, the diary entries of their mother, and the headlines from their local newspaper.
nonFiction
Joshua David Bellin
Joshua David Bellin has authored numerous sci-fi and fantasy novels, including Myriad (2023), a time-travel thriller set in his native Pittsburgh. His works are characterized by immersive world-building, intricate plotting, and shocking conclusions.
Myriad
Time travel is murder.
L. Bossi
L. Bossi is an award-winning author, artist and graphic designer. She has 10 years of experience in footwear design and over 15 in graphic design, as well as being a professional artist/illustrator.
The Empirion Project
Step into the world of Aetrelys, home to the energy-wielding Seri. When outside forces threaten to destroy everything, Enpirion must confront his own culture, loyalties and his own deep-seated problems as he struggles to save everything he knows.
Cathy Breisacher
Cathy Breisacher is a school librarian and STEM teacher in Hollidaysburg. She is the author of three picture books as well as a soon-to-be announced title. She is represented by Liza Fleissig. Cathy lives in Central Pennsylvania with her husband.
Chip and Curly
In this pun-filled story about potatoes & teamwork, Chip has his heart set on winning the Annual Sack Race. However, when Curly shows up with a spring in his step, Chip is worried that his dreams of winning the Golden Bushel Award will be mashed.
children's fiction
Dan Conti
Dan Conti is a native of New Castle. Nittany Lion is his first novel. He has written two other books, POWs in 2006 and A Reporter’s Notebook in 2017. Conti is the winner of more than thirty-five news reporting awards from the Associated Press.
Nittany Lion
Nittany Lion is a story about a young family coping with tragedy, a serious illness and economic distress in central Pennsylvania in 1970.
historical fiction
Connie Cousins
Connie Cousins, a retired Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, has written for local newspapers for the past 22 years. Her second children’s book, “Belle and Benito, Living and Learning in Italy” came out in July, 2024.
Belle and Benito
Belle and Benito, two mischievous cats, must learn to behave after being left behind, then transported to Italy where they and owner, Anna, learn from each other.
children's fiction
Rosemary Sue Ellis
Health Journalist Rosemary Sue Ellis presents healthy alternative to help people save themselves from junk food Armageddon.
The Bible Diet
The Bible Diet: 40 Days to Cleanliness is a way to improve physical and spiritual health while reducing the suffering of factory farmed animals and improving the world food supply.
nonfiction
Michael G. Farrell
Michael Farrell, born in D.C., raised in Md. suburbs, then moved to Michigan and became an NCAA Div III football record holder. His memoir finds life’s purpose in humility and utilizing faith, infused with a take on his football accomplishments.
Embracing Gratitude
Embracing Gratitude. Finding gratitude in small things daily can change your outlook on life. This devotional takes you on a daily walk to look at things you may otherwise overlook. It’s nice to have some help staying on the happy side of things.
nonfiction
Michael Fedor
Michael Fedor crafts political fiction brimming with suspense, thrills, and a dash of science fiction. They are captivating stories of power, intrigue, and the human condition. His first novel is a 2024 International Firebird Book Award winner.
What it Takes to Kill a Bull Moose
Former Sen. Jackson Piper, humiliated by a national defeat, is drawn from his quiet retreat by a plot to hijack the 2044 election. He resurrects the Bull Moose Party to run but discovers it will take more than the most votes to survive the election.
Donald Firesmith
Donald Firesmith is a multi-award-winning author of speculative fiction, including science fiction, fantasy, paranormal horror, and modern urban paranormal novels and collections of short stories.
Hell Holes
When the invasion begins, it will come from below.
science fiction
fantasy
paranormal
horror
children's fiction
philosophy/neuroscience
Michel Lee Garret
Michel Lee Garrett is a noir author, Pennsyltucky poet, and recovering journalist. She writes crime fiction inspired by her small-town Pennsylvania roots and her experiences as a queer trans woman. Find her online at leegarrett.net.
Burning Down the House
Burning Down The House is an anthology incited by the songs of the Talking Heads that blends crime fiction with sci-fi, horror, and magical realism. A charity anthology, all proceeds from the book go to help fight climate change.
Tory Gates
Tory Gates is the author of several works of Young Adult and Contemporary Fiction, including his latest, “How the Story Ends.” A broadcaster of over 40 years, Tory is a network news anchor and podcast host. He lives in Harrisburg, PA.
How the Story Ends
Nationally known reporter Jhana is back in her hometown to search out her past and tell her story. Through flashbacks, encounters and recollections, Jhana learns you can come home again, in the new novel by Tory Gates, “How the Story Ends.”
James Gindlesperger
James Gindlesperger is an award-winning author of nine nationally acclaimed books. Two of his books have become Amazon best sellers. Featured on the Discovery Channel, his achievements have earned him a citation from the Pennsylvania State Senate.
The Medal of Honor at Gindlesperger
Meticulously researched, award-winning author Jim Gindlesperger’s book, The Medal of Honor at Gettysburg, details the history of the Medal and the exciting exploits of the 72 men who earned their Medals during the Civil War’s Gettysburg Campaign.
Kimberly Kurth Gray
Kimberly Kurth Gray is a Baltimore writer of women’s fiction, mystery, and memoir. She is the past recipient of the WilliamF. Deeck-Malice Domestic Grant, a Hruska finalist, and a Wellstone Emerging Writer winner.
To Catch an Elf
Mrs. North and Natalie are on the case again trying to solve the mystery of Coral Cottage. Is it actually haunted or is a disgruntled party trying to scare them off.
women's fiction
Jennifer Haigh
Jennifer Haigh is the author of eight books of fiction. Her first, Mrs. Kimble, won the PEN/Hemingway Award for debut fiction. Her latest, Mercy Street, won the Mark Twain American Voice in Literature Award and was named a Best Book of 2022 by the New Yorker, the Washington Post and the Boston Globe. Born and raised in Barnesboro – now Northern Cambria – she writes often about the landscape of her childhood. Her novels Baker Towers and Heat & Light, and the short story collection News From Heaven, are all set in fictional Saxon County, Pennsylvania, a place local readers will find eerily familiar.
Haigh is a graduate of Bishop Carroll High School, Dickinson College and the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. Her work has been recognized by the Guggenheim Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts and the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and has been published in eighteen languages. She teaches in the graduate program in creative writing at Boston University.
Baker Towers
Baker Towers is a family saga and a love story, a hymn to a time and place long gone, to America’s industrial past and the men and women we now call the Greatest Generation. This is a feat of imagination from an extraordinary new voice in American fiction, a writer of enormous power and skill.
historical fiction
contemporary fiction
Hilary Hauck
An Italian-speaking Brit, Hilary Hauck writes historical and fantasy fiction. Her novels’ accolades include the HFC Award of Excellence, the Eric Hoffer Book Award finalist, and nomination for the WCoNA Book of the Year Award.
The Things We'll Never Have
Everleigh’s arrival in a small Italian town unearths a web of secrets, shame, and unexpected honor in this gripping blend of mystery and psychological drama.
Mark Hendricks
Mark Hendricks is an award winning photographer, writer, and author. He is also a faculty member at Towson University. His images and essays have been featured in National Geographic, The Guardian, The Washington Post, Living Bird, and many others.
The Central Appalachians
Beautiful & majestic; the Central Appalachians is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. Author Mark Hendricks spent years documenting the region’s flora, fauna, and people in his latest book The Central Appalachians: Mountains of the Chesapeake.
Nonfiction
M. C. Hillegas
MC Hillegas is an IPPY award-winning author. As a former SAR K9 Handler, she writes from experience and the heart. She crafts children’s books under Maria C. Hillegas. Residing in MD, she enjoys her dogs, riding and traveling with her husband.
The Canine Handler Setback
Sarah’s dark past continues to reveal itself as her life heads in a different direction. The shadowy trail of evidence has separated her from everything meaningful in her life including her closet friend and her search and rescue dogs, Gunner and Sam. And what about the handsome trooper, Dave, did he have more in mind than just friendship? Now she needs to let go of everything she’s worked so hard to achieve and put the fate of her future in the hands of others.
Brian C. Johnson
Brian C. Johnson writes about historical events and history of colonial American slavery in hopes to shed light on the hidden stories of American slaves. His novels often focus on issues of difference and race. Johnson holds a PhD in Communications.
God's Not Finished With Me Yet
In GOD IS NOT FINISHED WITH ME YET Bobby J is a youth pastor who confesses to his congregation a twenty-year addiction to pornography. Maybe he should have told his wife first.
historical fiction
Bronwyn Katdaré
Library Director by day. Coach and Healer by night. Bronwyn Katdaré, author and hypnotherapist, empowers midlife women to rediscover joy and purpose, transform mind-body health, and heal trauma. Animal lover living peacefully with her dogs and cats.
Lonely Caldwell Crow
Lonely Caldwell Crow transforms his world by crafting a dazzling nest from found treasures, overcoming rejection from other birds, and finding an unexpected friend in a little girl named Cassie in this heartwarming tale of friendship and creativity.
children's fiction
Michael Kelso
Michael Kelso’s book, ‘Misadventures of a Cryptid Hunter’ is his first Horror/Humor novel. He wrote ‘Dark Tales of Cryptids’ and ‘Fragments of Fear’ series of short horror story collections among other books. He lives in Pennsylvania with his family.
Misadventures of a Cryptid Hunter
If you love reading horror with a side of humor and a heapin’ helpin’ of cryptids, then this book’s for you.
Isaac Kester
Isaac Kester is seventeen years of age and lives with his parents and dog Bear. He has to live with cerebral palsy, from birth complications. Because of this, he has found there is a lot of technology that can help with many things
Derek's Super Ultra Action Team
When the Dolphin comes to town the Super Ultra Action Team and their cyborg husky are ready to save everyone.
children's fiction
super hero disability
Drey Kharem
Drey Kharem, a retired educator, shares a rich journey of inspiring students for decades. Passionate about history and diversity, Drey now writes to continue educating and empowering young minds, bringing stories of cultural significance to life.
Lucylu Learns About Juneteenth
“Lucylu Learns About Juneteenth” is a delightful children’s book that teaches young readers about the history and significance of Juneteenth. Join Lucylu as she discovers the importance of freedom and celebrates this key moment in American history.
children's historical fiction
nonfiction
Michael Kiel
Michael Kiel is a rehab specialist, advocate and author. His memoir, Challenge the Moment, is about his journey before, during and after a life altering spinal cord injury.
Challenge the Moment
Through a unique blend of storytelling, reflections on life and poetry, Michael Kiel’s memoir Challenge the Moment provides a brutally honest, yet often humorous, peek into the life of a 19-year-old left paralyzed from the neck down from a gunshot.
memoir
Jamie Lackey
Jamie Lackey lives in Pittsburgh with her husband and their cats. She has had over 200 short stories published in places like Apex Magazine and Escape Pod. In addition to writing, she spends her time reading, playing tabletop RPGs, and hiking.
Toil and Trouble
Lizzie and Mary Bennet’s mother traded them to a witch to ensure that her next child would be a boy, but after disaster strikes, they find themselves in Longbourn, where they must weather polite society while they struggle to find a way to go home.
Michael Lockett
Michael Lockett has an MFA in Creative Writing from Carlow University. His stories have most recently appeared in Quarter Press, Appalachian Lit, and Still: The Journal. His debut collection of shorts is In the Cut (Sunbury Press, 2023).
In the Cut
Life in Appalachia is like a kid standing in the center of a seesaw. Folks her live somewhere between the balance and the fall. But it’s not hardship that defines us. Rather, it’s our resilient nature that gets us by.
Cathleen Lykens
Cathleen Lykens is a junior high teacher who channeled her love of art and writing into creating children’s books. She lives in central Pennsylvania with her husband and four small dogs who have inspired ideas for future books.
Jack's Magic Flashlight
When a young boy imagines monsters in the darkness of his bedroom, his mother helps him conquer his fears with a special flashlight.
children's fiction
Tyra Lynn
Tyra Lynn is a passionate writer from a small town in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Through her writing, Tyra hopes to transport readers to new and exciting realms, where they can lose themselves in the magic of a well-told story.
Homesick
Forced back to her hometown, Wren Campbell must navigate old wounds and new desires with the man who broke her heart, as they work together to help her family’s farm and possibly their future.
romance
Ken McCarthy
Ken McCarthy lives in Harmony, Pennsylvania with his wife, Chris, and two cats. They also have four grown children. To Fill The Void is his third novel. Ken has been sober since 2007.
To Fill the Void
The character: An empty-nest couple. The character’s goal: Maintain the marriage. The antagonistic force: temptation.
contemporary fiction
family drama
Jessica McConnell
Jessica works as a therapist for a local social service agency. She has a Master’s degree from Mount Aloysius College. Jessica lives in Patton PA with her husband Jay, and their 3 sons.
Keeping Harper Healthy
Harper experiences some mental health struggles and learns that taking care of her mental health is just like taking care of her physical health.
contemporary fiction
family drama
Corey McCullough
Rust on the Allegheny is a cozy historical fiction novel told through the shifting perspectives of multiple generations. It tells the story of one family’s messy and at times dysfunctional relationship with their declining Pennsylvania hometown.
Rust on the Allegheny
Rust on the Allegheny is a cozy historical fiction novel told through the shifting perspectives of multiple generations. It tells the story of one family’s messy and at times dysfunctional relationship with their declining Pennsylvania hometown.
Linda Medwig
While in college, the class was assigned to create a book for young children. Linda turned to her mother, an accomplished artist , to do the illustrations. The professor thought the book was good enough for publication.
The Big Sneeze
A charming story of two bunny friends with a problem and how it was solved.
children's fiction
Liz Milliron
Liz Milliron is the Shamus-nominated author of The Laurel Highlands Mysteries series and The Homefront Mysteries. Liz is a member of Pennwriters and Sisters in Crime. Liz lives in Pittsburgh with her husband and a spoiled retired-racer greyhound.
Saving the Guilty
Sally Castle must present an appeal for a convicted murdered, but is the man a victim of sloppy procedure or did he truly kill his wife?
mystery
George G. Moore
George G. Moore worked on the International Space Station project in the late ‘80s. Since then, he created computer systems and managed projects for BoatUS and Geico, from which he retired in 2021.
The Music of Mars
When Gretchen learns she’s blackballed from archaeology, she travels to Mars to reveal an ancient energy source before her employer’s competition murders her and steals it.
science fiction
Shannon Morris
The author, Shannon Morris(RYT 200) is a busy mother of four. After the loss of her beloved oldest daughter Falon she was inspired to write this book in her honor, which encourages children to be a catalyst for hope and peace in our world.
Let Your Heart-Light Shine
“Let your Heart-Light Shine” is a fun, beautiful interactive children’s book that teaches children the importance of kindness and compassion.
children's fiction
Ben Moyer
Ben Moyer’s latest book, Smoke to See By, is the Writers Conference of Northern Appalachia’s 2024 Book of the Year. He is a recipient of the Outdoor Writers Association of America’s Enduring Excellence Award, recognizing a lifetime body of work.
Smoke to See By
Through the 21 collected essays in “Smoke to See By,” readers will encounter remarkable natural wonders in a region often characterized as “industrially abused.” Ben Moyer’s words bring these marvels to life for those who would know them up close.
nonfiction
Jay Orlando
Jay Orlando is a trans, queer, folk punk poet who seems to reclaim Appalachian identity and religious language in his work. When not writing he enjoys karaoke and reading comic books.
A Tangled Lineage
A Tangled Lineage is a book about reconciling identities and embracing heritage despite grief and familial expectations. It is a declaration of belonging and a loving tribute to the author’s Appalachian roots.
memoir
poetry
lgbtq+
Philip Padgett
Philip Padgett examines history by applying skills developed during 40 years of national security analysis. A Navy veteran, he resides in Kensington, Maryland. “Advocating OVERLORD” is his first book.
Advocating Overlord
In 1943, did agreement to the D-Day strategy and cooperation on the atomic bomb converge in a quid pro quo? Advocating Overlord is a history of that intense time and winning Allied agreement to the D-Day strategy.
Kevin Patrick
Kevin Patrick has been writing about the American landscape since the late 20th century. His books explore aspects of the built environment, interpretations of place, and the interaction between humans and nature, especially in Pennsylvania.
Near Woods
Geographer Kevin Patrick goes into the woods on the edge of town to learn about nature and uncovers a deeper story revealing how every community is intimately tied to their adjacent patch of nature.
nonfiction
Susan C. Ramirez
Susan C. Ramirez is the author of The Fairytales of Lightfall Hollow, 21 allegorical and folkloric wonder tales set in an Alleghenian woodland hollow. Susan is also the author of True Stories of Wonder, a blog about life in PA’s Allegheny Mountains.
Dusty Wonders
Dusty Wonders is an ordinary girl who is charged with the extraordinary task of revealing to humankind the life experiences and lessons learned by magical creatures from a secret realm who want to save Earth before it is too late.
E. S. Rosalynn
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 debut YA series, MIXTAPE.
Mixtape Volume Three
A sixteen-year-old musical prodigy navigates the chaos of high school, fraught relationships, and dark secrets, relying on her “inner divas” and musical talent to face down a dangerous quarterback and save her new life from unraveling.
John G. Sabol
John Sabol is a professional archaeologist/anthropologist. He has appeared in more than 35 movies, TV shows, documentaries, and commercials. He has written 64 books. He has spoken at numerous conferences and seminars, both abroad and in the USA.
The Presence of the Past in a Contemporary Hotel Setting
My latest book is about the history of tourism and tourist experiences at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort, focusing on the unique guest experiences offered by the resort through time.
nonfiction
Judith Redline Coopey
About the Author: Judith Redline Coopey, author of 9 novels set in Pennsylvania, is a life-long student of history, which she taught for 20 years. A graduate of Williamsburg High, Penn State and Arizona State, she lives in Arizona with her husband.
Mighty Stonewall
A coming-of-age novel of a boy who, raised by eccentrics between World War II and Vietnam, goes to war and returns with PTSD and a need for a clear understanding of who is who and what is what. Turns out those nut-jobs who raised him had it figured.
historical fiction
L. Shannon
L. Shannon always loved reading. Writing PNR became a first line of defense in the battle against insomnia. Over the past 20 years her writing steadily grew into a full-out war on reality. Her friends kindly say reality never stood a chance.
Father of the Wolf
Fourteen battered souls survived the nightmare they called Black Dawn when their clan was destroyed and rendered the next thing to extinct. Knowing how precious life is, these Valàfrn wolf shifters protect each other while seeking their mates.
paranormal romance
Rhonda Sickles
Rhonda lives in Nanty Glo, PA with her husband Jerry. They have a son and daughter. She tells her breast cancer story in her newly-published book, “Be A Butterfly”. She is also the author of a children’s book, “Baseball Fear”.
Be a Butterfly
Take time to smell the flowers! I realized that I didn’t do enough of that. God had a plan to fix that. I will tell you my breast cancer story and hope it inspires you a bit. May we tell our stories!
nonfiction
children's
poetry
Thomas Slatcoff
Thomas Slatcoff writes with a unique creative perspective so the reader can quickly escape reality. Or is it a mental picture of a future or anticipated event? An escape from reality or a prospect? The reader will decide. Enjoy the read!
The Curse of No Christmas Kolaczki
Tomasz knew more than his three older brothers about the curse No Christmas Kołaczki (koh-WAHTCH-kee). So he authorized himself to solve the mystery of the family’s missing Christmas Kołaczki to save his family and himself from the old country curse.
nonfiction
children's
poetry
Marianne Spampinato
Marianne Spampinato, former communications director for American Red Cross Blood Services for nearly 34 years, is a correspondent for Somerset Magazine. She holds a BA in Journalism from Pitt-Johnstown and Masters degree from Duquesne University.
Betsy the Border Collie
Betsy the Border Collie enjoys life on a farm with Mr. Fred and Mrs. Sue. She works. She plays. She’s part of their family. Then one day, a tragic accident changes their lives forever. Betsy’s life is in danger. Who will help her and keep her safe?
Anne Marie Lucci-Stahl
Anne Marie, an author of Fantasy and Faith-Inspired books, invites readers on a journey of self-discovery, weaving tales that resonate with hope, courage, and the enduring power of belief. She is the recent recipient of the PenCraft Book Award.
The Diary of a Dragonfly
“The Diary of a Dragonfly” is a unique devotional that provides readers with a fresh perspective through personal stories and uplifting messages. Join me on a journey of self-discovery to understand the deeper meaning and purpose of our lives.
nonfiction
ya fiction
Shirley Stuby
Shirley Stuby is a retired banker who loved to write in her spare time. She has published several short stories and four children’s books. Shirley lives in rural Pennsylvania with her husband Lyle.
Jake, the Fire Company's Mascot
Jake is a miniature donkey with a slight flaw in his bray which caused him to sound like a fire engine. After hearing him two little boys set out to make him their fire company’s mascot.
children's fiction
T. L. Watson
Terry Lee Watson, founder of Strategies for Justice BWMP LLC, has been presenting on the topics of bias, discrimination, and justice for more than twenty years.
Welcome to the Sick Mind of a Sane Person
As a Black Man in America, how have I contributed to the sustainability of white supremacy? Welcome to the Sick Mind of a Sane Person provides insight into what it takes to go from racial harm to healing.
nonfiction
poetry
Kristie Wolf
Kristie Wolf writes romantic suspense novels about fearless heroes and badass heroines who fight for justice and love while burning up the pages.
Knife to the Heart
What happens when duty and desire collide like an avalanche?
