Who Is Coming to the Symposium?
Timothy Agin
I am retired for the US Air Force and DoD Civil Service. I was a technical writer for 14 years and am now turning my hand to writing fiction. Tales of the Nano-Djinn. Short stories of the adventures of the human masters of nano tech and genetic engineering.
Stephanie Andrews
Melbourne Beach author Stephanie Andrews was born in New Hampshire to a newspaper family that taught her the value and joy of the written word. She has two daughters and is the grandmother of four. She is a member of Florida State Poets Association.
RL Austin
R.L. Austin lives in Florida with what has been described as...one pet short of a menagerie. His work as an environmental consultant means lots of time spent outdoors, and that suits this ex-farm boy just fine. R.L. has published three books, each in a different genre...Epic Fantasy, YA adventure, and Children's Picture Book. The big question is...what's next?
Tim Baker
Tim Baker was born and raised in Warwick, Rhode Island.
After graduating from The Wentworth Institute of Technology in 1980 he embarked on a career in Architecture and Engineering. Along the way he has also worked in the natural gas industry, construction and ice cream sales. In his spare time he enjoys a wide variety of activities including sports of all kinds, music, photography, model building and, of course, writing.
An avid dog lover, Tim was a volunteer puppy raiser for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, raising and socializing potential guide dogs. He has also studied and taught martial arts.
Inspired by his interest in Karma and the unexplained forces of the universe, he made his first serious attempt at writing in 1988 when he began writing a novel entitled Full Circle, a story about the far reaching effects that one man's actions can have on people he has never even met.
Unfortunately without the use of a computer or even a typewriter he shelved the project due to the difficulties of trying to construct a novel completely by hand. Even though Living the Dream is his first published novel he plans on completing Full Circle once his next novel Water Hazard is published.
Currently, Tim is enjoying life in Palm Coast, Florida. To contact Tim or find out about upcoming works please visit his website at www.blindoggbooks.com
Diane Bixler
My more normal (official) bio -
Diane Bixler is currently a teacher on assignment as an ESE Specialist and aspiring entrepreneur residing in Flagler County, Florida.
She graduated from University of Central Florida in 1996 with her Bachelor’s degree in Exceptional Student Education and spent her first nine years in education working with juvenile delinquents. She has worked the last nine years in Flagler County, coordinating transition activities for students with disabilities involving the school, outside agencies, families and students.
In her spare time, she enjoys riding motorcycles and bicycles, firmly believing “the world is a better place on two wheels”. She plays bass guitar and sings in a local acoustic band and shoots competitively in International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) matches and in bowling pin matches. She hopes to soon have the opportunity to race one of her motorcycles, a long-term goal of hers.
Although published in local newspapers and literature when she was younger, she abandoned creative writing to focus on building her teaching career. Her successful career in addition to her volunteering positions (local bicycle clubs, gun clubs and transition teams) has afforded her the opportunity to write more professionally, including grants, newspaper and magazine articles and bylaws.
After a fifteen year hiatus, she has recently rekindled her passion for creative writing, publishing her first completed manuscript from 1997, Murder in D Minor, in December of 2013. Her recent publication, Melancholy Jack, is the first book in the Acts of Justice Series.
My darker bio -
I started writing again as a way to release frustration from my daily life, to cleanse my being. The story of Jack is a result of my own list of those who deserve to die. I joked if I was ever diagnosed with a terminal illness, I would end my life by killing those who no longer deserved to live, those who got away with atrocities against humanity. Although Jack's not terminal, he's keeping me sane.
Ava Branson
Ava Branson is a native Floridian, born and raised. She grew up in a boating family on the Atlantic coast and had sand between her toes from birth. A ten year span spent living in Colorado taught her a love and appreciation of the mountains, but the ocean called her back home and Florida is where she settled, raising two children and any number of cats.
When she’s not writing (which is rare) she’s thinking of stories to write (which is always) and just hopes to be able to share a fraction of the countless romances she has dreamed up with readers.
Jeff Breland
Jeff Breland was born amidst the cotton fields of the Mississippi Delta. While at a young age his family moved to the Mississippi Gulf Coast where he grew up with an affinity for the Gulf and all it had to offer. Studying business along with electronics, most of his adult life has been in the electronic field.
An avid reader, he has written for his own enjoyment for several years. He is the author of four fiction novels (Deadmen's Tracks, Some Other Time, Deny the Hangman, and Last State to Durango).
His wife Connie and he now reside in Montgomery, Alabama where he continues to write. They have three children and eight grandchildren. His hobbies are fishing and golfing.
Eldon Brown
Eldon Brown spent his first two years in Western MA. His family moved to Rutherford, NJ where his family doctor was none other than poet William Carlos Williams. His sister is active in "Ancestors" and found a link to Nathaniel Hawthorne. Other literary connections include Robert Jordan, Patrick Conroy and Stephen King. With such a literary heritage how can he miss?
Prior to writing his first book (Controlled Crash,An Airline Odyssey from Eels and Ethics to Blimps and Drunken Bears, which received an Editors Choice award,he worked in the Airline Industry. His marketing career took him to postings in New York, Kingston, Jamaica, Washington, DC, Miami and Los Angeles.
Brown's first novel was published in 2013. A Devil in The Drone is an international thriller with the action taking place in Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Venezuela and Jamaica. An American scientist has developed a program which allows him to take command of an in-flight drone. He is missing and the CIA fears he has been kidnapped.Their mission is to find him.
Brown's next book is Dead Girl in a Charleston Marsh, which will be available in December. The action takes place in Charleston, SC and Mainz, Germany.
MJ Butler
I am a mother, wife, registered nurse of 20 years, and writer/author. My latest fiction book is titled: "A New Year's Eve to Remember" and is available at Amazon.com, Borders.com, Barnes & Noble.com, and iBooks for the ipad.
C.M. Cahill
C.M. Cahill is a tutor, crafter, and now writer. She has been writing contemporary romance books for a few years but has had the passion to write since her youth. She currently has two series in the works; Tragic Hope and the new series Love Awaits. CM can often be found reading a variety of books including romance, suspense, young adult and science-fiction.
Though native of Delaware, CM Cahill has resided in Tampa Bay, Florida for the past fifteen yrs. She lives with her son and two dogs.
Jax Cassidy
Jax Cassidy followed her dreams to Paris, then Hollywood to pursue a film career but managed to fall in love with penning sexy romances and happy endings. She writes contemporary and paranormal romances and is Co-Founder of Romance Divas, and award winning writer's website and discussion forum. Jax is also known as one-half of the retired writing team of Cassidy Kent.
Carla Christy
My name is Carla Christy and I am a nurse and a mother who's son was involved in a serious car accident which resulted in a severe traumatic brain Injury. My book is about regaining a sense of hope when faced with a life altering challenge when we are in those dark hours of uncertainty and wondering if our loved one will survive ?
I am married to my wonderful husband of 29 years and have 2 wonderful sons and live in a small town in Florida.
Damaris Cordero
Damaris Cordero is a college professor, a public speaker, a teacher, a translator and a writer. She writes for Entre Ninos Magazine and Represents Entre Ninos Ministry in the USA. She is the moderator of a Hispanic translating team for a global platform that produces Christian resources for leaders. She is a freelance writer and has published three books.
Samantha Coville
Samantha Coville is a published author as well as an editor and literary critic. After writing short stories for six years, she released her debut novel, Blood Oath, in April of 2014. When she’s not doing something book related, she is singing in her church choir or enjoying one of the theme parks in her hometown.
Wynter Daniels
Wynter Daniels has authored more than two dozen romances, including paranormal, contemporary and romantic suspense books for several publishers including Entangled Publishing, Carina Press, Ellora’s Cave, Loose Id and Red Sage. She lives in sunny Florida with her family and two spoiled cats. After careers in marketing and the salon industry, Wynter’s wicked prose begged to be set free.
Rebecca Elise
Rebecca lives in Southeastern Pennsylvania with her husband, their daughter and their white lab. She has a degree in Communications and Journalism with a focus in Corporate Communications and Public Relations.
Three things Rebecca loves are Coldplay, a bowl of half melted ice cream (any flavor!) and a glass of red wine. When she is not writing, Rebecca can be found with her nose in a variety of dirty romance novels, playing with her daughter or hanging out with friends and family.
While Rebecca has been writing for years, The Subzero Series is her first published work
Michele Faison
Michele lives in Eastern North Carolina with her husband of 15 years and their two beautiful children. She has an Accounting degree and began writing a year ago. Her debut novel, Ethereal, is a paranormal military fantasy just published in September. She is currently working on the second book in her Guardian Series as well as a new adult romance coming in January 2015."
Gina Ferguson
I'm a wife, a mother and published author; who's dream is to become a famous romance author. I've been writing seriously for three years but started back in high school and I wasn't ready to pursue it as a career.
Jennifer Fitzgerald
Mother Spider (Jennifer Fitzgerald) has been spinning her web for years to catch the best of what the publishing world has available. Like the proverbial black widow she lures in all that is helpful in book design and book marketing and devours it - Then she uses this for her clients to spin their own webs of success.
Robert Jones
Author of Miami Contingent
Tawdra Kandle
Tawdra Kandle writes romance, in just about all its forms. She loves unlikely pairings, strong women, sexy guys, hot love scenes and just enough conflict to make it interesting. Her books run from YA paranormal romance (THE KING SERIES), through NA paranormal and contemporary romance (THE SERENDIPITY DUET, PERFECT DISH DUO, THE ONE TRILOGY) to adult contemporary and paramystery romance (CRYSTAL COVE BOOKS and RECIPE FOR DEATH SERIES). She lives in central Florida with a husband, kids, sweet pup and too many cats. And yeah, she rocks purple hair.
Aria Kane
Aria Kane is a recovering mechanical engineer and romance writer. As a military brat, she grew up all over the country, but now lives in sunny Florida with a 60 lb mutt who thinks he's a chihuahua.
Terri Klaes Harper
For someone who loves to write, I never really know what to say about myself. I've lived a fairly "normal" American life, and I've been writing for about as long as I can remember. I started with stories about the origins of camels' humps and strange planets one could only travel to while riding a flying cat, and now I keep a blog of randomness and am writing a young adult book series.
Inspired by my own ninth grade English teacher (the one who discovered that my love for writing might actually be a hidden talent), I too became a high school English teacher, a chapter in my life I very recently closed. I am blessed with an amazingly supportive husband and two beautiful and hilarious Australian shepherds who fill my life with love. I have an appreciation for good literature and words and a hatred of human trafficking. I hope to continue writing fun fiction, but I would also love to put my talent to use to help battle modern day slavery. Other than that, I enjoy running, or rather the benefits of running, and long walks on the beach. After all, I do live in Florida. However, a part of me always considers Virginia, where I spent middle school through college, as my home.
Marybeth Jeitner and Heather Chalmers
Pamela Labud
Pamela Labud (also writes as Leigh Curtis) Has been published since 2003 in romance fiction. Award winning, her book Spirited Away was an RWA 2006 Double Rita Finalist, and has recieved 4 star reviews in Romantic Times Magazine. A member of the Romance Writers of America since 1996, she is married, has 2 adult daughters, and currently shares her home with her husband, six dogs and three cockatiels.
Mort Laitner
Author, lawyer and teacher are three of the hats I presently wear. I have published nine books. I have been profiled on the CBS national News, Life Magazine, Money Magazine and in the New York Times.
I teach Law and Ethics at the masters level at Barry University and Florida International University.
I am on the board of directors of the South Florida Writers Association and have been in charge of the annual Mango Writers Conference.
After 37 years as a practicing attorney, I am now devoting my retirement years to the art of writing and lecturing.
A graduate of the University of Miami and Southern University Law School, I am proud to have put my skills into writing "A Hebraic Obsession" a memoir. Read the great reviews on Amazon.
David Lapham
David Lapham is a retired Marine who has been writing professionally for twenty years and have published Ghosts of St. Augustine, Ancient City Hauntings, Ghosthunting Florida, Throw-Away Kids and his memoir he co-authored, Crossing the Elde Bridge, the first three traditionally and the last two self-published. I'm currently working on another novel, a horror story which takes place on the St. John's River. He will be leading a workshop on Horror Writing Secrets.
Mary Laufer
I have a degree in English Education from The State University of New York at Albany. My essays, stories and poems have been published in magazines, newspapers and thirty-seven anthologies. When I'm not writing, I work as a substitute teacher for The School District of Osceola County.
Gunnar Angel Lawrence
After years of ghostwriting thrillers, conspiracy novels and mystery books, Gunnar Angel Lawrence has published his second thriller. He is the author of Fair Play and the sequel The Perfect Day. He is a native Floridian with a love for writing thrillers, mysteries and action stories with fast pacing and a unique twist. He lives in Saint Cloud, Florida with his dogs and is currently single. Most of his time is spent working on the sequel to The Perfect Day which is entitled, "The Consortium". He is an active member of the International Thriller Writers Organization.
Mike Leach
A graduate of Guilford College and The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Mike Leach began his career in secondary education as a guidance counselor and A. P. English teacher. After seven years in this field, he transitioned to the high-tech world of large computer system support at AT&T. A quarter century later, Mike retired from AT&T as a Senior Systems Manager. While pursuing his love of writing, he divides his time between Central Florida and The Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. He is a member of ASU's Institute for Senior Scholars and the High Country Writers group in Boone, NC.
Louis K Lowy
A former firefighter, Louis is an alumnus of Florida International University’s creative writing program and the recipient of a State of Florida Individual Artist Fellowship. His stories have appeared in, among others, New Plains Review, The MacGuffin Magazine, The Chaffey Review, and the John Dufresne edited anthology Everything is Broken. His first novel, Die Laughing, is a humorously dark sci-fi adventure that takes place in the 1950s. His second novel, Pedal, is scheduled for release in the spring of 2015.
Marcia Meara
Marcia Meara lives in central Florida, just north of Orlando, with her husband of 28 years, four cats, and two dachshunds. When not working on her writing or blogs, she spends her time gardening, and enjoying the surprising amount of wildlife that manages to make a home in her suburban yard. At the age of five, Marcia declared she wanted to be an author, and is ecstatic that a mere 65 years later, she is finally pursuing that dream. She has published three books to date.
Jorja Oliva
Author of the Chasing Butterflies Series. Born and raised in Flagler County Florida. Writes stories from her southern small town memory bank. Full of spiritual surprises and inspirational quotes. She is a full time wife, mother, and business women. In her spare time she sneaks off to her room and constructs stories for the world to enjoy.
Rochelle Paige
I absolutely adore reading - always have and always will. My friends growing up used to tease me when I would trail after them, trying to read and walk at the same time. If I have downtime, odds are you will find me reading or writing. I am the mother of two wonderful sons who have inspired me to chase my dream of being an author. I want them to learn from me that you can live your dream as long as you are willing to work for it. When I told my mom that my new year's resolution was to self-publish a book in 2013, she pretty much told me "About time!"
Becky Pourchot
As a freelance writer, every Halloween I used to meet up with ghost hunters and psychics late at night, searching for ghosts. I never saw anything, but my passion for the paranormal persisted.
Since my ghost hunting days I‘ve written five books. Blending my self–deprecating teenage tales with my love for a good ghost story, I ended up with a YA book series that merges the paranormal with the awkward humor of adolescence. Creative enthusiasm coupled with my passion for good story telling is key to my work. My personal goals is to always look for the edge, pushing beyond cliché into new territory.
Shewanda Pugh
Shewanda Pugh is a tomboy who credits Stephen King with being the reason she writes romance. In 2012 she debuted with the first novel in a three part contemporary adult romance series, Crimson Footprints. Since then, she's been shortlisted for the AAMBC Reader's Choice Award, the National Black Book Festival's Best New Author Award, and the Rone Award for Contemporary Fiction in 2012 and 2013. She has an MA in Writing from Nova Southeastern University and a BA in Political Science from Alabama A&M University. Though a native of Boston, MA, she now lives in Miami, FL, where she can soak up sun rays without fear of shivering. Her first young adult romance, Love Edy, is a coming of age tale that released on June 24th, 2014.
Lynne Rider
I have been a performer at Walt Disney world for the past 11 years. I hold a BFA in Theatre and a have recently made the transition from screenplays to narrative childrens’ fiction.
David Steven Roberts
David Steven Roberts is the founder of God and Country Christian Ministries. For a few years after graduating Bible College he preached in the Iowa/Illinois area. The story of his ministry experiences is found in the devotional book, "Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter is Dad"
He is also the author of "Preparing for the Coming Collapse of the US Dollar" a book that details step by step tasks anyone regardless of means can take to prepare for the imminent economic collapse. The follow up to "Preparing" entitled, "The Last Domino" is available now on Amazon and includes detailed instructions on how to obtain prescription drugs, alternative medicines in a pinch and how to bug-out of a city and what to take.
His latest book, "Our Dual Citizenship" answers this question: What would happen if the churches in America began pursuing the original intents of the authors of Scripture with the same fervor that Tea Party members are pursuing the original intents of the authors of the US Constitution?
M Robinson
M. Robinson loves to read. She favors anything that has angst, romance, triangles, cheating, love, and of course sex! She has been reading since the Babysitters Club and R.L. Stein.
She was born in New Jersey but was raised in Tampa Fl. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D in psychology, with two years left.
She is married to an amazing man who she loves to pieces. They have two German Shepherd mixes and a Tabby cat.
Gary Roen
Gary S. Roen, consultant, author, nationally syndicated book reviewer/writer has been writing his appraisals of books for 35 years. His reviews have appeared in hundreds of daily, weekly newspapers and other periodicals that currently include Midwest Book Review, West Orlando News, Sodo News, Backstage Pass, St. Cloud In the News, Osceola News-Gazette, Bivouac Magazine, and Arrhythmic Souls.
Roen is the author of two books of poetry, “Look at Me World,” Chateau Publishing, “Made By Man” Nest Egg Publications; his poems have also been published in other small magazines. He is now writing short fiction and publishing in numerous publications. Computer Legends Lies and Lores Ageless Press, Anotherealm SF magazine, and Mercury Sky online. He has also published short fiction Nest Egg Publications He is also the author of a satirical play entitled “Vamp” He is a member of SFPA (Science Fiction Poets of America). His short fiction fantasy/sf has been published in numerous publications. He is in the process of putting together a collection of his short fiction for publication.
He is a contributor to Twisted Tales 66 horror stories editor Kimberly Raiser
He is also a publishing consultant to authors and publishers in all genres.
He is the co-author of “Cats Cats and More Cats Royal Fireworks Press
HD Smith
HD Smith has been writing as a hobby for over ten years. DARK HOPE is her first full length novel. She has previously published two middle grade novellas in ebook format. She is a software developer by day, working for an awesome cruise line in Celebration, FL. HD grew up in South Carolina, but has called the Sunshine State home since 1997. She has Computer Science degrees from Clemson University (BS) and Florida Institute of Technology (MS). Her other hobbies include painting and screen printing. She enjoys creating t-shirts inspired by the places in her books. For more information, visit HD's website at http://www.hdsmithauthor.com/.
Robin H. Soprano
Robin H. Soprano A New Jersey girl, born and raised now living in N. east Florida. Always with a book in my hands and my dog at my side, decided to write a book of my own. I found writing is my new drug! My First Novel A Soul Mate's Promise just came out. I have other projects I am currently writing. Fictional Romance, sometimes a little paranormal or mystical flair is added to the mix. When I write I go deep into a zone, I'll call it my happy place!
Eddie Dexter Stewart
Eddie Dexter Stewart comes from a warm loving family of six (four boys and two girls). His father was a police officer in Philadelphia, PA. Eddie's mother was a homemaker from Georgia. In the late 60's, Eddie's parents decided to move the family down to a small country town called Brooksville, Florida. Eddie actually was raised outside of Brooksville, by a large lake called Byster Lake. It was the contrast of city lights and fireflies that stirred the embers of Huckelberrry romance in him. It was his father's love of Star Trek, Gigantor, Speed Racer, and Looney Tunes that captivated young Eddie's imagination for adventure, heroism, and slapstick. He and his siblings spent hours running through fields of green...orchards of peaches and oranges...diving into cool, blue waters...and Eddie realized that while his family didn't have much at that time, the simply things in life were the most priceless. These were the elements that molded Eddie's writing to this very day.
He is a father to a daughter (who has inherited his curious nature and love of the written word) and husband to a devoted, long-suffering wife. Eddie has worked in television news for 20 years as a camera operator and courtroom artist. He has also worked as an extra in the film "Glory" with Denzel Washington & Matthew Broadrick.
Betty Tucker
Betty Tucker is an author, poet and inspirational speaker who hails from Troy, Alabama. She holds a degree in behavioral science from the University of San Francisco. Her career includes twenty years with the United States Postal Service and twenty years of service with the San Francisco Unified School District as a teacher. A proud matron, Betty is a mother of five and a grandmother of four. Currently, Betty writes and lives in both Richmond, California, and Montgomery, Alabama.
Dennis Vebert
Dennis Vebert is a local artist that has lived in St. Cloud for over 36 years. He is self-taught, paints Florida landscapes mainly in oil and acrylics and recently he has engaged in a series of Aviation and Train paintings. Beside the adult books he has written two children books, "My Daddy is a Marine" and "The Lost Tail of the Hare" and several coloring books. His paintings can be seen in "The Color of Life" and "The Return"
Dennis Vebert lives with his wife in St. Cloud, Florida and between paintings is working on three other books that take place in Florida.
Vashti Quiroz-Vega
Hello! My name is Vashti Quiroz-Vega. I'm a writer of Suspense, Thriller, Fantasy and Horror. I also enjoy mixing in some Humor and Romance into my stories. From the time I was a young kid, writing has been my passion. I've always been a writer I just didn't know it until much later. For me, it is easier to express my thoughts on paper than with the spoken word. I enjoy making people feel an array of emotions with my writing. I like my audience to laugh one moment, cry the next and clench their jaws after that.
My love of animals and nature are often incorporated in my stories. You'll read intriguing things about various animals, nature and natural disasters commingled in my character driven novels. I love to read almost as much as I love to write. Some of my favorite authors are Stephen King, M. Night Shyamalan, Michael Crichton, Anne Rice, J.R.R. Tolkien, J.K. Rowling and Dan Brown.
JJ White
J.J. White has penned seven novels and over two hundred short stories since he began writing seriously. He has had articles and stories published in several anthologies and magazines including, Wordsmith, The Homestead Review, The Seven Hills Review, Bacopa Review, and The Grey Sparrow Journal. His story, The Adventure of the Nine Hole League, was recently published in the Sherlock Holmes Mystery Magazine, Volume 13. He has won awards and honors from the Alabama Writers Conclave, Writers-Editors International, Maryland Writers Association, The Royal Palm Literary Awards, Professional Writers of Prescott, and Writer's Digest.
J.J. was recently nominated for the Pushcart Prize for his short piece Tour Bus. His novel, Prodigious Savant, will be published 10/11/2014 as part of a three book deal with Black Opal Books. He enjoys writing, surfing, golf and tennis. He lives in Merritt Island, Florida with his understanding wife, editor, and typist, Pamela.
Linda Zern
A senior at Rollins College, Linda Zern is a native Floridian, raised on the Space Coast, where she learned to be moonstruck. An award winning humor writing and illustrator Ms. Zern is southern in both her habits and heritage, believing that the most important furniture in a home are the bookshelves.
KEEP CHECKING AS MORE AUTHORS REGISTER FOR THE SYMPOSIUM!