Anne E. Beall, PhD, BarbaraJo Tripp Bowers, Karla Brandenburg, Aidan Branss, Ken Brown
Beckie Butcher, JJ Celli, Tracy Chabrier, Jeffrey Crosby, Adela Crandell Durkee
Mim Eichmann, Lance Erlick, Katie Frendreis, Tara N Grabys, Kate Gingold, Lucy Girolamo, Emma Golding
John M. Greco, Candace D. Green, J.M. Guilfoyle, Patty Hall, Dennis Higgins
Tommy J./ Thomas Johnson, V.M. Ledesma, Ellen Jo Ljung, Neil Loewe, Maggie Lynn
Samuel A. McAdams, A. Mississippi with Lisa Dobry, Lauri Novak, Kasia Nowak, Michael Pickard
Ed Piotrowski, Mark Plotnick, India Powers, J. Daniel Reed, Doug Riebock/Duncan Bock, L.A. Ross
Ben Sheperde, Pam Singleton, Barb Spaulding, Jim Summaria, Edwin Tazelaar, Gwen Tolios, J9 Vaughn
Jamie Lyn Weaver, Diana Yearman, Susan Zeiser (Schubert), R.G. Ziemer, Joanne Zienty
Anne E. Beall, PhD
Nonfiction - Psychology
Anne E. Beall, Ph.D., is an award-winning author and social psychologist who writes about the emotional undercurrents that shape our lives. She’s written eight nonfiction books, including Cinderella Didn’t Live Happily Ever After and Only Prince Charming Gets to Break the Rules, which reveal the hidden messages inside classic fairy tales. Her work has appeared in People Magazine, the Chicago Tribune, Toronto Sun, NPR, NBC, and WGN.
Anne is the founder and editor of Chicago Story Press Literary Journal, and she holds a Ph.D. in social psychology from Yale—so yes, she can absolutely over-analyze your childhood.
BarbaraJo Tripp Bowers
Nonfiction - Devotional/Inspirational
BarbaraJo lives in Elgin with her husband George. Both are semi-retired. She has a B.A. degree in Bible from Columbia International University in South Carolina. She also teaches piano. In addition, she enjoys reading, gardening, and especially interacting with 16 grandchildren! Of interest, BarbaraJo spent just under eight wonderful years in India teaching Music and English at a small college.
Karla Brandenburg
Fiction – Romance - Paranormal
Karla Brandenburg is an award-winning author of contemporary romance novels which include paranormal elements, as well as ghost stories and witches. 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).
Learn more at www.KarlaBrandenburg.com
Aiden Branss
Young Adult - Fiction
Aiden Branss is a young author and publisher from Chicago, known for 2020! From A Teenager’s POV and The Legend of Evil Murphy. He founded Aiden Branss Books to spotlight young writers and promote creative storytelling.
Jahkel Madison is the author of The PyroManiac, a YA novel about grief and fire-wielding powers. Published through Aiden Branss Books, his debut explores trauma, revenge, and resilience.
Learn more at www.aidenbranssbooks.com
Ken Brown
Science Fiction & Fantasy
Kenneth Brown has been published since 2018. He has eight published novels in the action adventure fantasy genre. When he's not writing, you can find him working in his backyard, singing at church, or hiking America's National Parks.
Learn more at www.kenbrownauthor.com.
Beckie Butcher
Nonfiction – Memoir, Health & Wellness
Beckie Butcher worked as a Lab Technician in various hospitals and laboratories for twenty years until becoming ill with the serious neuroimmune disease chronic fatigue syndrome in 2007. She has written several articles about the illness and is the recipient of ten accolades for outreach to a forgotten population. Her book has been considered for a Hollywood film and will soon be under negotiation. Beckie resides in her hometown of Elgin, IL.
JJ Celli
Poetry - Memoir
JJ Celli is a queer spoken word poet and survivor of intimate partner gun violence. She speaks at state and national conferences as an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, sharing personal insight shaped by both trauma and resilience. JJ recently retired after 23 years in law enforcement, where she specialized in criminal investigations. Her performances challenge stigma, inspire healing, and confront the experiences that haunt us—so we can stop ghosting ourselves.
Love Letters & Pocket Knives, her debut poetry collection, was released in May 2025 with
Central Avenue Publishing.
Learn more at www.jjcelli.com
Tracy Chabrier
Poetry
Tracy Chabrier has been writing since she was a child. Her closest childhood friends were books stacked in the corner, always near and comforting. At the age of 10, Tracy received a gift of a camera from her parents and has not been out of arm’s reach of one since. Tracy draws from her real-life experience with heartbreak to take her readers through an emotional rawness, and soothes with the balm of her photographs. She will have you crying one moment and laughing the next. Tracy is down-to-earth and personable which will contribute to her being a favorite of her fans for years to come.
Jeffrey Crosby
Science Fiction & Fantasy - Romance - Horror
Jeffrey Crosby is fairly new to writing, so he writes in multiple genres to help himself improve. He’s currently published a fantasy adventure, a supernatural horror, a clean romantic fantasy, and he’s working on a thriller. Each genre is different but they all have elements of fantasy in them which is his true love when it comes to storytelling.
Adela Crandell Durkee
Historical Fiction
Adela Crandell Durkee is the internationally acclaimed author of A Ship of Pearl. She comes from a family of storytellers. Being a little more introverted, Adela puts pen to paper. First published in the Flint Journal at the age of seven, the thrill of seeing her name in print never pale. Adela lives near Crystal Lake, Illinois with her husband, George. Within driving distance are her four children and her fourteen grandchildren. Add two cats on the balcony and her vegetable and water gardens in the backyard, and Adela has it all.
Learn more at www.BlackTortoisePress.com
Mim Eichmann
Mystery & Thriller – Historical Fiction
Mim Eichmann is a Chicago-based author with a BFA in music and communication arts from the Jordan College of Music/Butler University in Indianapolis, IN. She is on a creative journey that has led her down many exciting, interwoven pathways. Mim is an award-winning published lyricist and songwriter, professional musician, former by-lined arts reviewer and journalist for The South Bend Tribune, and short story, historical fiction and thriller author.
Learn more at www.mimeichmann.com
Lance Erlick
Science Fiction
Lance Erlick writes science fiction thrillers for adult and young adult readers. His Android Chronicles series was published through Kensington Books and follows the challenges of Synthia Cross, wrestling with the download of a human mind and emergent behavior while confronted by humans who seek to control her. Other published science fiction includes the three-book
Rebel series, the four-book Regina Shen series, and Xenogeneic: First Contact.
Learn more at www.LanceErlick.com
Katie Frendreis
Science Fiction & Fantasy
Katie Frendreis grew up in Chicago, reading mythology and illustrating her own fantastical adventures. She earned her BA in Classical Civilization from Loyola University and currently works at a crematory and a dance studio (very much not related to one another). Previous publications include Mourned By Men, World Castle Publishing December 2023; sci-fi short story, “Poison Dance,” which received an honorable mention in the Writers' Playground 6th Challenge; and horror/fantasy story, "I, Faunus," which was recently accepted for October Nights Press' Myths Reborn anthology.
Learn more at www.katiefrendreisauthor.wordpress.com
Tara N. Gabrys
Science Fiction & Fantasy - Romance
Since Tara was young, she has always gravitated towards fantasy stories of magic and has grown as a reader since then. She graduated from Elmhurst University and is a mother of two littles. Tara has been a dancer all her life and believes that she began telling stories through movement and has now transitioned into telling stories through words.
Learn more at www.tarangabrysbooks.com
Kate Gingold
Nonfiction – Local History - Glossary
Kate Gingold loves to share uncommon tidbits of history with readers. Her first book, Ruth by Lake and Prairie was honored by the Illinois State Historical Society. A children’s activity book followed, along with Six Degrees of Abraham Lincoln, Haunted by History, and Book Rookie. A glossary for Agatha Christie novels, Agatha Annotated: Investigating the Books of the 1920’s, is the most recent, and Kate was invited to present at the International Agatha Christie Festival last fall. With the children grown and flown, Kate now enjoys life along the Fox River, blogging at agathaannotated.com and working on her next book.
Learn more at www.agathaannotated.com
Lucy Girolamo
Creative Nonfiction
Lucy Girolamo migrated from Cuba at the age of eight with her parents and two sisters. She earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from Aurora University in Illinois.
The social injustice in Cuba was a consistent topic in her household. She decided to write the powerful story of her father’s fight against the Castro regime. Lucy felt compelled to educate society about the importance of a democratic government and social justice.
With the support of her husband and three children, Lucy advocates for individuals with disabilities, social justice, and her students.
Learn more at www.lucygirolamo.com
Emma Golding
Historical Fiction - Romance
Emma Golding writes historical fiction and fantasy, telling stories about fascinating times and places, swoon-worthy romances, and strong women who never settle for less than they're worth. Emma grew up in Naperville and moved back to Chicagoland after earning her B.A. in English Literature. Her debut historical romance novel, Rooted, was inspired by many seasons attending the Bristol Renaissance Faire. Emma finds time to write between teaching piano lessons, vocal coaching theatre productions, and spending time with her husband and pets at their home in Elmwood Park.
Learn more at www.emmagoldingwrites.com
John M. Greco
Nonfiction
John M. Greco writes, speaks, and consults on organizational change, culture, and design. John lives in Elgin with his wife, Jamie, and their puppy, Ella. He relishes catching his son Jesse’s guitar playing and songwriting at local gigs and open mics.
Learn more at www.johnmgreco.com
Candace D. Green
Poetry
Candace Green is a poet, mother, and truth-teller whose work explores the sacred intersections of love, grief, spiritual intimacy, and emotional reclamation. A real estate professional living in the suburbs of Chicago, Candace writes from lived experience, translating heartbreak, healing, and womanhood into poetry that is both raw and redemptive. Her voice is tender, unflinching, and grounded in a quiet strength. To Have and To Lose, was her debut manuscript.
Learn more at www.candacegreen.net
J.M. Guilfoyle
Fiction – Romance – Science Fiction & Fantasy
J.M. Guilfoyle is a mom of 3 who loves sci-fi, fantasy, anime, and K- & C-dramas. When not wrangling children, she can be found hiding in a corner with a mug of tea and her laptop, typing furiously and laughing at her own jokes, hoping not to be sucked back into the abyss of writing only fanfiction. Occasionally, J.M. can be found writing short stories and posting them to her Substack blog.
Learn more at linktr.ee/Nerdy_mom_writes
Patty Hall
Poetry
Patty Hall read a lot when she was young; she has also always been creative. She would sit under the trees with the summer breeze blowing, and a good book. Usually a myth, mystery, fantasy, or fairy tale. She was constantly doodling, drawing and painting, and as she’s grown, so has her creative streak. Now Patty considers herself 'highly creative'.
All of that creative input and energy sparked her imagination, cycled through her brain and came out of her hands. Enter: artwork and poetic stories.
Patty’s artwork comes from her love of nature and of the myths and mysteries of life. As for her stories, they are poetic sagas and she tries to season each one with a little hidden wisdom.
Dennis Higgins
Fiction
Award-winning author Dennis Higgins is a distant relative of Davy Crockett, king of the wild frontier. He's traveled the world collecting story ideas. As a native of Elgin, Higgins has a passion for things that are gone but not forgotten, a romance with the past. For him, time-travel is the answer. If not real, then in the pages of his books. He is a spiritual person who infuses a touch of faith into his work. He recently wrote two non-preachy books about angels. Dennis lives in the Chicago suburbs with his lovely wife and their Lhasa Poo dog, Dom Perignon.
Learn more at www.timepilgrims.com
Tommy J. / Thomas Johnson
Fiction – Romance – Science Fiction & Fantasy
Tommy J. is the author of seven novels and one non-fiction book. He writes fiction in romance, fantasy, sci-fi, thrillers and Catholic books.
Learn more at www.kephapress.com
Tanima Kazi
Fiction - Romance
Tanima Kazi is a Bangladeshi-born author of South Asian Chick Lit who has called Jedda, Toronto, Chicago, and her imagination home. When she’s not writing, Tanima can be found drinking copious amounts of chai, browsing rom-coms in bookstores, or perfecting the art of mixing mischief with meaningful storytelling.
Learn more at www.tanimakaziwriter.com
V.M. Ledesma
Mystery & Thriller
Virginia Ledesma resides in Illinois and has completed her first crime thriller, The Trouble with Chance. She is currently working on her next mystery, Mrs. Gray’s Secret, expected out this winter. She earned a black belt in martial arts and is a practitioner of TM, weaving those experiences into her stories. Virginia is a member of the Chicago Writers Association and the Yorkville Creative Writing group.
Learn more at www.virginiamledesma.com
Ellen Jo Ljung
Nonfiction - Memoir
Illinois Master Teacher, Ljung has published a novel, Caught in the Crossfire; her teaching memoir, Tales Told Out of School; two textbooks; and professional development materials and articles. Ljung developed a Problem-based Learning course that became a model for a state innovation program. A co-founder of the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance [https://www.ilsafeschools.org], she helped bring Gay/Straight Alliances to her school district. When she isn’t busy reading and writing, Ljung and her husband of 54 years create art glass sold in galleries and travel the world to kayak.
Learn more at https://imwriter.com and reach her at imwriter@imwriter.com.
Neil Loewe
Nonfiction - Memoir
Neil was sworn in at age 22 as a police officer with his hometown police department in the City of Des Plaines, Illinois. During his career, he witnessed traumatic incidents and dealt with stress that continued long after he retired. His short stories have been featured in both local and national publications, and he has taught a memoir writing class through a local library. Neil’s book, "What I Couldn't Leave Behind: My Career as a Cop," covers his career and its aftermath. It's like a career-long ride-along, and you are right there with him.
Learn more at www.neilloewe.com
Maggie Lynn
Romantasy
Maggie has dreamed of being an author since she first brought pen to paper. When she’s not reading or writing, she usually has a case of the travel bug, and loves exploring new countries (which tends to bring a new round of inspiration to her writing). She has always been an avid believer that reading gives you the opportunity to escape the real world and fall into an entirely new one, which might be why she loves fantasy so much. Maggie resides in Illinois with her husband, Alec, and pup, Denali (who has rightfully earned the nickname Bad Dog D).
You can follow her on Instagram at @maggielynnauthor
Jahkel Madison
Young Adult - Fiction
Jahkel Madison is the author of The PyroManiac, a YA novel about grief and fire-wielding powers. Published through Aiden Branss Books, his debut explores trauma, revenge, and resilience.
Learn more at www.aidenbranssbooks.com
Samuel A. McAdams
Science Fiction & Fantasy - Humor
Samuel A. McAdams anointed himself the 21st Century Absurdist. The fact his writings do not match the traditional absurdist definition matters not to him, for he insists the term "traditional absurdist" is an oxymoron. He stakes his claim to the title because absurd, along with fun, are the most common words used to describe his work. Comedy writing has been a lifelong passion for Samuel. He enjoys the craft, including the endless edits. He hopes fans enjoy reading his novels and stories as much as he enjoys writing them.
Learn more at www.sammcadams.com
A. Mississippi with Lisa Dobry
Mystery & Thriller
“Mississippi” Alexander, MD, grew up in the segregated South, dreaming of becoming a doctor. His storytelling gift was nurtured by his grandfather’s ever-curious question: “And then what happens?” At Northwestern University, classmates dubbed him “Mississippi” for his distinct accent and “country” style. During the quiet of the pandemic shutdowns, he returned to his love of storytelling, creating Prison Doctor: Avenger of Blood, a work that blends his hobbies, professional insights, and gift for narrative. Meet him at the 19th hole and ask, “And then what happens?”—you’re in for an unforgettable tale.
Lisa Dobry, based in Chicago’s NW suburbs, is a writer and mixed media artist with a heart that still belongs in Paris, where she once studied and busked the Blues. Creating from an intuitive space, she blends exploration with a seasoned yogi’s approach to the creative process. Known for her gift in communication, Lisa excels at connecting people, ideas, and communities.
Learn more at www.amississippi.com
Lauri Novak
Travel & Photography
Lauri Novak is an award-winning fine art photographer, author and mentor. She has an eye for photographing unseen and unnoticed compositions and subjects. Lauri is often asked, “How did you see that?” She works hard to show different perspectives, unique angles and the everyday details of a wide variety of subjects. Lauri’s photography reflects her perspective and personality. “I have always had a bit of a different way of looking at life. I’m not one to go along with the crowd or follow trends. My viewpoint and way of being have pushed through in my work.”
Learn more at www.laurinovak.com
Kasia Nowak
Fantasy
Kasia is a fantasy author born in Chicago and raised in a Polish household. She grew up with tons of fantasy books and has been dreaming of writing her own since she was thirteen. Kasia calls herself the “Scribe of the Fae” and the author of the upcoming Iris Aqua series, with the first book, The Stolen River, released in 2024 and future installments underway.
Learn more at www.kasianowakbooks.com
Maralee Parker
Memoir
Maralee Parker is a devotional author whose words flow from a heart anchored in Jesus. She was an Editor of Elementary Christian Education curriculum at David C Cook Publishing. She is also a strong proponent of Mental Health education, as VP of the NAMI Kane County North affiliate. Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Retiree also help describe Maralee.
Michael Pickard
Science Fiction
Michael Pickard’s passion for writing combines his technical background and unlimited imagination for science fiction and detective give mystery stories.
Learn more at www.gerfnit.com
Ed Piotrowski
Memoir
Born and raised in Chicago and a lifelong resident of its metro area, Ed Piotrowski survived twelve years of Catholic school education, then graduated summa cum “nada” from Northern Illinois University with a B.S. degree from its College of Business. Tucked in the bowels of corporate America for 35 years, he is now retired and spends his time on the equally challenging hobbies of writing and fishing. With an always-lighthearted view of life, Ed and his wife, Jo Ann, reside in Huntley. He notes that all other details of his life are in his book!
Mark Plotnick
Nonfiction - Memoir
Mark Plotnick was born and raised in Chicago and graduated from Loyola University with a Bachelor of Science degree. Mark had a long career in ad copywriting, trade magazine journalism, marketing and market-research. In 1984, he co-authored The Smart Money Shopper. He now draws from his love and knowledge of rock music to write about it. Jim and Mark host a weekly podcast called "That Rock Show" recorded at the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum and Hall of Fame. He's co-authored Classic Rock: Photographs from Yesterday and Today and ‘70s Chicagoland Rock Concerts with Jim Summaria.
India Powers
Romance - Paranormal
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. She is a member of the Alliance of Independent Authors, Regency Fiction Writers, and Romance Writers of America. India lives in the Midwest with her husband and son and enjoys home improvement projects, sewing, and watching sci-fi/fantasy shows and movies.
Learn more at https://www.indiapowers.com/
J. Daniel Reed
Mystery & Thriller - Historical
After a successful commercial real estate career, Joseph Reed who writes under the name J. Daniel Reed, now embraces his love of creative writing, dedicated to entertain and enlighten readers through his works of fiction. J. Daniel lives in metro-Chicago with his wife and publisher, Barbara, and their Bouvier des Flandres.
Doug Riebock / Duncan Bock
Fiction
Doug Riebock wrote for the Elgin Daily Courier-News part time in the late 70s. In 2023 he came out with his first book, Hunted, through Dorrance Publishing. His second book, The Joes by Duncan Bock, has just been released in August of 2025 by the same publisher. There is a third book, The Boathouse, in the works.
Eveline Rose
Eveline is an award-winning author who fell in love with storytelling in high school. She’s thrilled to share her small-town romantic suspense stories with you. Every book has a heroine who is stronger than she believes, and a protective hero who falls hard and will do anything to protect her. Eveline lives in the Chicago area with her cat, HRH, The Prince of Destruction, where she pours her heart and soul into her characters for your reading pleasure. She’s a foodie (watch for the SSI Cookbook with recipes from her books) who loves coffee and wine, and happy endings.
Learn more at www.evelineroseauthor.com
L.A. Ross
Plays
Ross' plays have been done as productions, workshop productions, programs, and staged readings in Chicago and suburbs, LA, and New York.
"Survivors" has received the most critical attention. It was first produced by The Playwrights' Center (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.
Learn more at www.laross.info
Sam Selvaggio
Historical Fiction
Sam Selvaggio is a novelist and award-winning flash fiction author based outside of Chicago. Who’s Yehoodi? The Man That Wasn’t There is the first novel of a three-book series. He was pleased to utilize his background as a lifelong jazz fan and history buff to infuse his novel with authentic mid and late-forties themes. Sam enjoys cigars, cooking, and outdoor sports in his spare time.
Learn more at www.samselvaggio.net
Ben Sheperde
Nonfiction - Memoir
Ben Sheperde has a deep interest in life’s mysteries, enjoying adventure and discovery as an avid artist, writer, and dog rescuer. Rememberer with Dog, his first book, chronicles how he learned, alongside his best friends, about the potential for hope to transform as personal experiences led him to confront questions about aging, mortality and eternity. Ben has a background in education and psychology and lives in the Midwest with his wife and dogs.
Learn more at bensheperde.substack.com
Pam Singleton
Nonfiction - Memoir
Pam was born and raised in Elgin. She lived for a number of years in Arizona and moved back to take care of her mom, who had developed Alzheimer’s. After taking care of her for years, she got an idea to start recording their time together. Years after she passed, Pam got all of those notes out and wrote her book about their journey.
Barb Spaulding
Nonfiction
Barbara Spaulding suffered with anxiety and panic in the 80’s for 15 years. Once she saw a way out, she began helping others as a licensed clinical social worker. She has a practice with 5 therapists and provides counseling for individuals and couples. She focuses her practice on helping alleviate anxiety. Barb has been married 45 years and has 2 grown children. She has been a therapist and coach over 30 years.
Learn more at www.anxietyandpanic.net
Jim Summaria
Nonfiction - Memoir
Jim Summaria is a veteran rock concert photographer whose photos have appeared extensively; albums, books, magazines, documentaries, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, The Illinois Rock and Roll Museum, Grammy Awards, Smithsonian Institute, Canadian Postal Service, Christie’s London Auction House, The Torquay Museum in England. His latest book is ‘70s Chicagoland Rock Concerts, with co-author Mark Plotnick. Jim and Mark host a weekly podcast called That Rock Show. Jim contributes concert reviews and photographs to Chronicle Media and Chicago Blues Guide. Mark contributes reviews for Chicago Blues Guide. Jim is a contributing photographer to Premier Guitar and Good Times magazines.
Learn more at www.jimsummariaphoto.com
Edwin Tazelaar
Nonfiction – Memoir
Ed, the eldest of 10 siblings, taught himself about the love and trust that binds a family together through the belief and power of prayer. Being the eldest of 10 siblings also taught him some of the skills in leadership, including the skill of listening to one's own gut feelings. He served with the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam in 1967. Ed, being a "people person" and wanting to serve his community where he grew up, was sworn in as a Police Officer in Hoffman Estates, IL. In 1978, Ed became a licensed Insurance Agent and started his Insurance Agency.
Gwen Tolios
Science Fiction & Fantasy - Romance
Gwen Tolios is a queer author who lives with a cat who refuses to cuddle. She primarily writes SFF short stories, but is also known for the sapphic ace romance: Returning to You.
Learn more at www.gwentolios.com
J9 Vaughn
Nonfiction - Memoir
J9 Vaughn is a queer author and librarian who lives in a town with more dead than living. Their book, My Swan Song for Joy: a Sister Memoir, was published in November of 2024. J9 has short stories published in the Fragile Anthology, Ludlow Charlington’s Doghouse Anthology, and Whigmaleeries & Wives' Tales, among others. They have memberships in the ALA (American Library Association), PLA (Public Library Association), ILA (Illinois Library Association), HWA (Horror Writers Association), & WJ (Writing Journey).
Learn more at www.theincomparablej9.com
Jamie Lyn Weaver
Nonfiction - Memoir
Jamie Lyn Weaver is a first-time author with a master’s degree in library science. In 2024, she won honorable mention for the first chapter of her memoir at the prestigious San Miguel Writers’ Conference & Literary Festival. After attending the conference, there was no stopping her. She was determined that her personal account of the intricacies and consequences of being kept in a locked psych ward during the satanic panic era needed to be told.
Jamie lives with her cat, Mia, in a retirement facility in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.
Diana Yearman
Fiction - Poetry
Diane Yearman has lived in the Fox Valley for most of her life, starting in Aurora. After college, she worked at local newspapers and magazines in the Chicago area as a journalist. Diana loves to research, and she delves deeply into medieval history while writing her book, finding it to be a long, but happy experience!
Susan Zeiser (Schubert)
Nonfiction - Memoir
Susan has written two books. The first, The Way I Remember It: A Memoir of a trip to Europe 1971, where she met a Scotsman. The second, My Place of Dreams: A Love Story, is about how she goes back 50 years later looking for him. Great for adventurers who like to travel and for those who had a young love that they want to see again. The first book got Susan a new husband since he was interested in reading about her trip. Both widowed, the next book will be their story. Tom and Susan live in St Charles.
R.G. Ziemer
Fiction – Poetry
R.G. Ziemer was born and raised on the south side of Chicago. He has worked in construction and taught English to students from junior high school to college. He writes fiction and poetry, and tries to find time for hiking, canoeing and travel.
Learn more at www.rgziemer.com
Joanne Zienty
Fiction – Dystopian & Speculative
In 2014, Joanne Zienty won the first “Soon to Be Famous: Illinois Author Project,” sponsored by the Illinois Library Association for her debut novel, The Things We Save. She was a finalist for the 2016 BookLife Prize sponsored by Publishers’ Weekly and in 2017 was named an “Emerging Voice” by the College of DuPage. Her second novel, Children of the Revolution, a revenge tale set in a dystopian Midwest, was published in 2020. Its sequel, The Night Prophet, arrived in 2024, and she’s currently working on the finale. Joanne loves engaging with readers at libraries and book clubs throughout Illinois.
Learn more at www.joannezienty.com