Join us for the Fall Authors Fair on Sunday October 9th, from 2 pm to 4 pm! Find new and interesting reads from local adult and YA authors. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Light refreshments will be served. See you at the fair! Feel free to share the Facebook event page link: https://fb.me/e/29iEsb7Ac
Meet the authors below.
Author - Donna Amburgey
Genres - Literary Fiction
Biography: Donna has a JD from the University of Illinois and a graduate degree in anthropology. She operates her own law firm and has published articles on mental health law, bankruptcy, mortgage real estate law.
Author - Glynn Amburgey
Genres - Mystery
Biography: Glynn Amburgey is a retired electric utility engineer and manager. Glynn started writing after he developed a good plot and realized it would never be written by anyone else. From one plot to another, he has now completed his third book in his RIP series. He and Donna live in St Charles.
Author - TD Arkenberg
Genres - General Fiction & Memoir
Biography: My One Extraordinary Life is the seventh book from T.D. Arkenberg. Independent Publishers, ScreenCraft, Eric Hoffer, and CIPA are among the organizations that have honored his writing. T.D. studied at the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and London Business School. He and his husband live in Arlington Heights along with Puhi, the precocious Belgian tabby who inspired the author’s latest book. Visit www.TDArkenberg.com.
Author - Anita Borgo
Genres - Nonfiction discussion, activity guide, and short fiction stories
Biography: Teachers, home schoolers, and parents will be interested in Anita Borgo’s book set: OPERATION HOPPER AND OTHER TALES and the accompanying discussion and activity guide. Second through fifth graders will enjoy reading this collection of nature themed twelve short stories (many of which Anita had published in RANGER RICK'S and HIGHLIGHTS magazines.) The OPERATION HOPPER reading experience is deepened with the companion discussion guide. The guide contains ten discussion questions and three activities for each story. As a former teacher Anita admires problem solving kids and their creative solutions. Anita called upon her many years of teaching and writing curriculum to create the discussion guide. Visit her author’s website at anitaborogauthor.com.
Author - Karla Brandenburg
Genres - Romance & Suspense
Biography: Karla Brandenburg is an award-winning author of contemporary romance novels which include paranormal elements. Now that her children have settled into lives of their own, she loves to go out into the world on adventures with her husband, from Milwaukee to the French Riviera, but the Chicago suburbs have always been “home.” She is an avid reader across multiple genres and is a card-carrying Cookie-holic (we all have our vices).
Author - Kenneth Brown
Genres - YA Fantasy
Biography: Kenneth Brown is a computer programmer turned writer. Eclipse of the Triple Moons was his first published young adult action-adventure fantasy. He likes to visit America's National Parks, loves to vacation on cruise ships, walked the Camino de Santiago (500 miles) in 2015 and enjoys reading sci-fi, fantasy and mystery novels. Spending time in nature and talking to fans inspires him. His third book in the Mountain King Series is due out at the end of 2022.
Author - Beckie Butcher
Genres - Autobiography/Memoir
Biography: Beckie was born and raised in Elgin, Il and is a 1982 graduate of Elgin High School. In 1997, she graduated from Elgin Community College with an Applied Science Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology. In 2007, she quit her job in the laboratory to pursue a career in Culinary Arts when she was stricken with the misunderstood autoimmune/neuroimmune disease Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Beckie told her story in her book, “My Battle with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome” in 2012, hoping to spread awareness for CFS. Her book is currently in negotiations for a Hollywood film.
Author - Sandra M. Colbert
Genres - Short Stories & Crime Fiction
Biography: Sandra is the author of three short story collections which take place in Chicago. A number of the stories are set in the Back of the Yards area of Chicago in previous decades. She is also writer of a crime fiction series featuring Kate Harrison, a former police officer turned private detection. Sandra is a board member of the Chicago Writers Association. She is also the moderator of their CWA Presents event in which she interviews Chicago area authors.
Author - Adela Crandell Durkee
Genres - Historical Fiction
Biography: Adela comes from a family of storytellers. Being a little more introverted, Adela puts pen to paper. First published at the age of eight, in the “Flint Journal,” the thrill of seeing her words in print never pales. She lives in rural Illinois with her husband, George. Within driving distance are her four children, twelve grandchildren, and the exciting city of Chicago. Add her vegetable and water garden in the backyard, and two cats on the balcony, and Adela says she has it all.
Author - Cici Edward
Genres - Paranormal Romance
Biography: As an avid romance reader for many years, Cici always knew that she wanted to write a romance novel of her own. Once she wrote her first novel, a passion for writing burned inside her and one book was not enough. If you like sweet, steamy paranormal romance, you’ll love her haunting ghost stories with heart. Visit her website to learn more information about the Possession Series at ciciedward.com.
Author - Julie M. Gentile
Genres - Health and Wellness
Biography: Julie M. Gentile helps busy people create better self-care habits as a yoga teacher (RYT 500), author of two award-winning books: 108 Yoga and Self-Care Practices for Busy Mamas and How to Stay Calm in Chaos: An Everyday Self-Care Guide, and creator of the Stand Up for Your Self-Care blog and YouTube Channel. Connect with her on Instagram and Facebook @JulieGtheYogi, and sign up for her monthly self-care newsletter Nourish Note at www.JulieGtheYogi.com.
Author - Adam Gibbons
Genres - Nonfiction (history)
Biography: Adam D. Gibbons is a native of Buffalo, New York, and received his BA from Northwestern University. He completed his MA at Wake Forest University and was employed as a fact-checker and researcher by a large Chicago-area publishing company. He is a former Princeton Review tutor, and he taught Advanced Placement U. S. History and European history for seventeen years. Gibbons has been a private tutor since 1998. Previous books, all of which received local recognition and awards, include "Wasco, Illinois: A History," "An Illustrated History of Campton Township, Kane County, Illinois" (2 volumes); "Founders and Early History of Geneva, Illinois" and "An Ornament in Prosperity: A History of St. Charles Township's Rural Schools." He lives in Geneva with his wife and two children.
Name - Patty Hall
Genres - Poetry
Biography:Patty Hall has written two books. Once…A Journey Through Life, is a poem accompanied by a collection of artwork and dragonsong is more of the same. Patty is currently working on her third book, Life in Layers. Her books are easy reads with a deeper meaning. Patty is a mixed media artist. She enjoys drawing, painting (oil, acrylic, and watercolor), photography and digital imaging. Nature plays a large role in most of her artwork, though most of her creations have a surreal tone. You can find out more about Patty and see more of her works at pattyhallart.wordpress.com.
Author - Edward Herdrich
Genres - Suspense, Thriller, and Nonfiction
Biography: Edward J. Herdrich was a licensed Private Detective for over 20 years, which included investigations ranging from criminal defense to bank fraud to adoption searches. He is the author of a non-fiction book for entry-level investigators which is used by three local community colleges in their private investigation courses, as well as the author of several non-fiction short stories and articles on private investigations. His recently completed full-length novel, An Unreasonable Amount of Trouble, follows nine novellas and music centered around the protagonist, Samantha “Sam” Rose Johnson, Licensed Private Detective (and her crew).
Author - Dennis Higgins
Genres - Time Travel, Mystery, and Romance
Biography: Award-winning author, Dennis Higgins is a distant relative of Davy Crockett, king of the wild frontier. He has traveled the world over, collecting story ideas. As a native of Chicago, Illinois, Dennis Higgins has a passion for things that are gone but not forgotten, a romance with the past. For him, time-travel is the answer. Author of Pennies From Across the Veil, Parallel Roads, the Time Pilgrim series: Steampunk Alice, The Old Scrapbook, The Writer’s Apprentice, Christmas Returns to Pottersville, Confessions of an Internet Scammer, Goes to Eleven, The Automated Wife, The Adventures of Black Lace, and The Vacant Lot.
Author - Julie Kendrick
Genres - Mystery
Biography: Julie Kendrick started her writing career as a journalist with The Daily Herald. Later, she was managing editor of a scientific and engineering journal and served on the boards of directors of several not-for-profit organizations. She is writing her third novel in the Bramble series and also edits manuscripts for other authors.
Author - Diane Lincoln
Genres - YA Nonfiction Science-History
Biography: Diane Lincoln is the author of "Science Discovery Files," a non-fiction science-history book published by World Scientific. She is a former science teacher with two decades of experience bringing fascinating science stories to life for her students. She holds a Doctorate in Education and has taught graduate level courses in science education to teachers wanting to hone their skills. Diane has also written for online media outlets such as "LiveScience" and "Science News for Students." A collection of her poems, many of which were published in magazines or have won awards, is entitled, "Mechanical Bell Sunrises."
Author - Ellen Jo Ljung
Genres - Memoir
Biography: An Illinois Master Teacher, Ljung has published her teaching memoir and two textbooks, dozens of articles, and professional development materials for TeacherMatch. Ljung developed and taught a Problem-based Learning course that became a model for a state innovation program. A co-founder of the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance [www. https://www.ilsafeschools.org], she helped bring Gay/Straight Alliances to her school district. When she isn’t busy reading and writing in her home office, Ljung and her husband of 54 years create art glass sold in galleries and travel the world to kayak. You can read her blog at www.imwriter.com and reach her at imwriter@imwriter.com.
Author - Diane Macey
Genres - Historical romance
Biography: Diane Macey came to believe in the power of the written word at age eleven when her first poem apparently inspired her father to stop smoking. Though the truth proved otherwise, she never gave up her dream of touching others through writing. A retired educator, she is the author of two historical romance novels, A Change of Heart and Journey to Love. She's also published a collection of short stories and poems, Tangerine Trees. She has been featured in several national anthologies and magazines.
Author - Jamie Lynn Miller
Genres - LGBTQ Gay Romance
Biography: Jamie Miller has been writing since childhood and finally decided to take the plunge and go pro, finding to her amazement that people truly enjoyed her love stories. She is a romantic at heart, and her tales reflect the desire we all have to find “the one,” persevering through trials and heartache for that happy ending. Jamie has a degree in fine arts and have spent the last twenty years working as a graphic designer. If Jamie is not writing, you can find her at a sci-fi convention, in front of a furnace glass blowing, or on a mat twisted into a yoga pose.
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Author - Hugo V. Negron
Genres - Fantasy
Biography: Author of the epic award-winning fantasy book series Forging of a Knight, Hugo Valentin Negron is an avid fan of myths, legends, and folktales. Growing up in Illinois, he achieved an M.A. in organizational psychology, and enjoys reading, biking, and walking winding trails through darksome forests, searching out the magical beings that reside within.
Author - Maralee Parker
Genres - Memoir, Mental Illness, Parenting, and Faith
Biography: In addition to UNEXPECTED, Maralee Parker is the author of two children's books and hundreds of published devotionals. She serves on the Board of Directors for a local NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) affiliate. She's happily married to Greg for 45 years, mom to Chad and Beth, and grandma to Abby, Lexi, and Ethan. Her career in included years at David C Cook as an Editor, and at Judson University as a Marketing and Enrollment Manager. She's now happily retired, enjoying coffee every morning in her sunroom, watching the birds with Greg and their two dachshunds, and thanking God for His faithfulness.
Author - Gary Peterson
Genres - Drama and Theatre
Biography: Gary Peterson is the author or co-author of 29 published plays and musicals, including adaptations of The Great Gatsby, Little Women, The Importance of Being Earnest, Charley's Aunt, and Pygmalion (called Mayfair Lady). His original titles include Klondike Kalamity, Hank Cinque, and The Edge of Noir. Peterson is a retired, Emmy-winning video editor for Disney/ABC in Chicago. He has worked on numerous television productions including the Oprah Winfrey Show and Eyewitness News. He received a national Emmy Award for his video editing work at the Los Angeles Summer Olympics in 1984.
Author - Mark Plonick (writer) & Jim Summaria (photographer)
Genres - Music/Photography
Biography: Our book "Classic Rock Photographs from Yesterday & Today" written by Jim Summaria and Mark Plotnick is about classic rock artists from the 1960's and 70's that Jim photographed back then and those still performing today. The book contains over 200 photos accompanied with bullet points of fun facts about the musicians. Jim was the staff photographer for the rock concert promoter Flip Side Productions in the 1970's. Today he is staff photographer for the Arcada Theater in St. Charles, IL enjoying the same freedom he had back in the 70's. He also photographs at other venues.
Author - India Powers
Genres - Fantasy Romance
Biography: India Powers won the adult fiction category of the 2021 Soon to Be Famous Illinois Author Project with her novel Demon’s Bane. Her book also won Best First Book in the 2021 Prism Awards Contest. India writes fantasy romances set in England. Demon’s Bane is the first entry in her Mageblood Chronicles series. India is a member of the Alliance of Independent Authors, Regency Fiction Writers, and Romance Writers of America. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and son and enjoys home improvement projects, sewing, and watching sci-fi/fantasy shows and movies.
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Author - Georgann Prochaska
Genres - Mystery
Biography: Georgann Prochaska studied literature at Illinois State University and taught high school students for 34 years. She is the author of seven mysteries and one memoir. Her two fictional grandmother sleuths, along with a Vietnam veteran and a bloodhound, solve cold cases in small towns filled with secrets. Her most recent mystery is Death of an Old Codger.
Author - L. A. Ross
Genres - Plays
Biography: L. A. Ross' plays have been done as productions, workshop productions, programs, and staged readings in Chicago and suburbs, LA, Florida, and New York. "Survivors" has received the most critical attention. It was first produced by The Playwrights' Center (in Sept./Oct. 1992). "Survivors" was listed by "New City" as one of the top five plays of 1992 and was noted by L. Boomer as a "Critic's Choice" for "The Reader". "Survivors" was also a semi-finalist in the Siena College Playwrights' Competition and a finalist in The Ann White Theatre's New Playwrights' Competition), It was also performed at College of DuPage and Cafe Voltaire.
Author - Susan Schubert
Genres - Memoir
Biography: Susan Schubert has written and published two memoirs about trips to Europe. Her first story is “The Way I Remember It, Memoir of a Trip to Europe 1971” where she hitchhikes across Great Britain and Europe studying William Blake. Then back to Scotland and Ireland in “My Place of Dreams, A Love Story “where she looks for the bonnie Scotsman from her first memoir. Impressionistic detail with added poetry and photos, Susan keeps you riveted to her adventures. Susan lives in St Charles, IL.
Pen Name - Denae Terese
Genres - Poetry & Nonfiction
Biography: Denae Terese Hintze is a writer and photographer based in the United States. She is a self-taught linguist and publisher who uses creative logic to compliment the complexity of the mind and heart. Striving through transformation and adaptivity, she became drawn to the healing of words and magic of imagination. She sees potential that shines brighter than the defaults of this reality and spends her time trying to become how it makes her feel. Seeking solace in her writing, here is a woman who believes in a future where we are all more connected, not only to each other but with the very grounds we walk on, Mother Nature.
Author - Susan Wells
Genres - Mystery & Detective
Biography: Susan Wells work has appeared in EveryDay Fiction and Reedsy Prompt. Her debut novel Secret Lives features veteran Detective Waller and her new partner discovering the dark sides of suspects intertwined in the life of a missing West Chicago suburban woman. Susan is a member of Facebook’s Mystery Writers. Susan is a graduate of Citizen’s Police Academy, completed ride along with several patrolmen, and participated in a police station open house in April 2022. Now Susan is taking Introduction to Forensic Science courses to add even more believability and tension to her writing.
Author - Dorothy Winsor
Genres - YA Fantasy
Biography: Dorothy A. Winsor writes young adult and middle grade fantasy. Her novels include Finders Keepers (Zharmae, 2015), Deep as a Tomb (Loose Leave Publishing, 2016), The Wind Reader (Inspired Quill, 2018), The Wysman (Inspired Quill, 2020), and The Trickster (Inspired Quill, 2021). At one time, Winsor taught technical writing at Iowa State University and GMI Engineering & Management Institute (now Kettering). She then discovered that writing fiction is much more fun and has never looked back. Visit Winsor's blog at dawinsor.com or chat with her on twitter @dorothywinsor.
Author - Diana Yearman
Genres - Historical fiction
Biography: Diana Yearman has lived nearly all of her life in the Fox River Valley, in either Elgin or Aurora. She graduated from Larkin High School and Bradley University in Peoria. She began writing when a little girl, but none of her early works survived her mother’s house cleaning. Many of her later works remained unfinished, but she has completed lots of poems, two plays and the historical novel, “Sanctus Spiritus,” about a monk during the early 12th century in England. Diana admits to being an uncontrollable researcher and fell in love with that period of history.
Author - Carole Young
Genres - Memoir
Biography: In 2019 Carole Young published her first book, “Smile Because it Happened, a Guide to Living the Rest of Your Life.” She was inspired to write this book for several reasons after the passing of her daughter Stacey. She explains, "Stacey had a delightful way of telling about her day-to-day life in her e-mails to me. Her life and its challenges have turned out to be an inspirational message to all going through similar circumstances. Events after her passing seemed to be too amazing to be just coincidence and I hope they will give comfort to others who have lost loved ones."
Author - R.G. Ziemer
Genres - Fiction & Poetry
Biography: Born and bred on the south side of Chicago, R. G. Ziemer has worked in construction, practiced genealogy and taught English from junior high school to college. He writes poetry and fiction, including the novel The Ghost of Jamie McVay. Ziemer participates in writing groups, open mics, and reading venues in the Chicago area, and edits Rivulets, the journal of the Naperville Writers Group. He may often be found hiking local trails or paddling his canoe on the West Branch of the DuPage River near his Warrenville home. More available at https://rgziemer.com.
Author - Joanne Zienty
Genres - Multiple: Literary fiction, Dystopian/Science fiction
Biography: Joanne Zienty grew up on Chicago's South Side. She spent her youth wandering in libraries. And reading, of course! And writing, too! Joanne's first success came in 5th grade, when she completed a 70-page novel - an homage to Walter Farley's Black Stallion series. She's been writing ever since. In 2014, Joanne won the first Soon to Be Famous Illinois Author contest for her debut novel, The Things We Save. She was a finalist for the 2016 BookLife Prize in Fiction sponsored by Publishers’ Weekly and in 2017 was named an “Emerging Voice” in fiction by the College of DuPage.