Peter Okonkwo is a Nigerian writer, poet, critic, playwright, storyteller based in Leeds, England. He is the author of seven poetry collections. His works have appeared on the Australian Plumwood Mountain Journal, Ikike Arts, The Lagos Review, Writers Space Africa, Sevhage, CỌ́N-SCÌÒ, The Journal of African Literature, Poetry Catalog, and Adelaide Literary Magazine. His literature works was endorsed by Art Council England in 2024.

Renee Leigh is a faith-based fantasy author hailing from beautiful Western NC! She is dedicated to crafting emotionally charged, character-driven stories that explore the depths of human experience, steeped in psychology (which she has a bachelor’s degree in), all within unique and intriguing fantasy settings! When she is not writing, you can find her enjoying life with her circle of people, and her best canine pal Bucky!

Frederick Groya is the author of the literary novel Good Intentions. He lives with his husband in the Shenandoah Valley in Winchester, Virginia. His short stories have been published in Pink Disco Magazine, BarBar Magazine, Opal Age Tribune, and the Umbrella Factory Magazine; shortlisted for The Letter Review Prize for Short Fiction; and nominated for a Pushcart Prize. He is a past president of the Brandywine Valley Writers Group and has attended several Tinker Mountain Writers’ Workshops.

I’m Dr. Narissa MacLennan-Matthews, a criminologist by profession, a mother by heart, and a storyteller by passion. Writing under the name Isles Matthews, I bring together my professional background in criminology, my experiences as a mother, and my love of imagination to create stories that celebrate kindness, individuality, emotional growth, and the importance of understanding one another.

Ms. Bohart came to the writing field after thirty-five years as a nonprofit executive, where she raised millions of dollars for multiple causes by writing fundraising letters, grants, brochures, annual reports, and more. She retired in 2018 to launch her own freelance writing company, Lil Dog Communications, and has written for nonprofits and individuals all over the world.

I am a founding/member and former senior features editor of the Washington Independent Review of Books (WIRoB), which began when the Washington Post ceased publishing Book World. I interviewed authors and wrote regular articles about writing for WIRoB. I designed a writing program for high school students while teaching in a Saturday program.

Luis Culver is an army veteran, author, and leadership advocate with more than twenty years of military and federal service, including roles with the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs.

“I write to ignite sparks in every quadrant of the reader’s brain.” Writer and avid reader of character-driven, coming-of-age contemporary realistic fiction with elements of humor and satire. A Midwesterner through and through. Die-hard fan of Elvis, America’s open road, and Shakespeare’s lunatic, lover, and poet.

Tiffany Nieslanik is a writer in Denver, CO. She spends most of her days herding cats, children, and words on the page (not necessarily in that order.) Her debut novel, Home Planet, follows astronaut Bryn, who discovers she’s pregnant three days before launching on a solo mission to find humanity’s last hope, on a journey that will test everything she thought she knew about identity, motherhood, and what’s worth fighting for.

Susan Souza is a writer, author, singer, musician, and overall creative person who believes in the power of storytelling and artistic expression. Through books, music, and creative projects, Susan shares experiences, reflections, and inspiration with others. Her work is rooted in the belief that building connections through truth and creativity creates opportunities for healing, meaning, and a supportive community. Susan hopes to inspire individuals to embrace their own unique journeys and find beauty in life’s moments.