Author Interviews

At age eleven, I began exploring different brainwave states—what felt like a normal activity for a kid who had their first existential crisis at six. In my twenties, I teamed up with a doctor and quantitative electroencephalography (imagine nineteen electrodes glued to your head) to document my brain experiments. Unbiased computer systems interpreting the results fueled my curiosity, leading to further collaborations with scientists across the five countries I’ve lived in.

Leonis Legion is an author deeply influenced by the complexities of human emotion and the silent struggles that many people face. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences, struggles, and the stories of those around him, Leonis writes to give voice to the unspoken and to offer comfort to those who feel unheard for which he felt the same growing up. With a background in offering support and comfort to others through sessions similar to therapy, Leonis has a profound understanding of the emotional landscapes people navigate.

Nikki Auberkett is a cultural anthropologist, developmental editor, award-nominated author, and lifelong lover of the fae folk. With nearly 15 years of research and exploration into global folklore and mythology, biblical archaeology, and all things weird and unusual, she weaves her research and social science expertise into her personal love for fantasy fiction.

Victoria has a BA in English Literature and an MA in Professional Writing from being frightened of becoming some of the people she met at a mental hospital. She’d been intervened on and placed in mental hospitals three times since being diagnosed with schizophrenia at 19. But rather than being sad, she says it was a learning experience and led her to live an interesting life.

Cat Speranzini is the editor-in-chief of Grey Coven Publishing and a reader for Querencia Press. Her poetry has been published by numerous publications, including Glass Gates Publishing, The Eunoia Review, Querencia Press, and Moss Puppy Magazine. She has two full-length collections: Watercolor Souls and Calm in the Dark. She can be found on her public Instagram page @catsperanzini.poetry.

A.F. Roberts was raised in Phoenix, Arizona, by transplants from Chicago. As a youth, comic books and science fiction were major influences. High school through college brought an introduction to Christianity, which, combined with the former, birthed not only a refreshment of spirit, but an imagination unrestrained by any constrictions of that same faith.

Sierra Hood is an award-winning teenager who has written over two hundred works of English literature. Sierra has won first place in the Los Gatos Poetry Contest of 2023, third place in the San Jose Slam Poetry Contest, and two honorable mentions in the 2024 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Sierra has been published in the anthology Dreams for the Future. She is also one of the leading members of her local poetry club. Sierra writes for the people who have also been subjected to sexism, misogyny, depression, anxiety, and even physical violence over the years. As Sierra continues to write and fight for change, she hopes to inspire the new generation (and generations to come) to advocate for themselves and to help them make a home for themselves in poetry as she has.

Onika Howdyn lives in a cozy, country town in New Hampshire with her family, two felines, and a flock of feathered raptors. When she is not writing dark and dismal tales, she is enjoying time outside with her boys or eating nachos on the couch while watching pro-wrestling.

Michael Sirois taught English, drama, and technology to middle school students for twenty-three years before spending seven years as an educational program manager at Rice University. He retired in 2009 to write full-time. His novels include a thriller about an 8,000-year-old sociopath, a two-book saga about a monarch butterfly’s migration, and a non-fiction book about an innocent man in prison. His next major project will be a series of novels based on the Arthurian legends, but set in a post-apocalyptic American South. He has always been interested in exploring all aspects of the human condition.

Frances Wong is a passionate children’s science fiction and fantasy author with three self-published books. From a young age, Frances was captivated by the magic of storytelling, crafting homemade books out of tape and paper. This lifelong love for literature has fueled her mission to inspire young readers, encouraging them to explore new worlds through the pages of a book. With a deep commitment to fostering a love of reading in children, Frances creates imaginative tales that spark curiosity and adventure in young minds.

A.M. Berkowitz, a screenwriter and children’s book author, has rapidly emerged as a cherished voice in children’s literature, known for her ability to weave tales that capture the hearts of young readers. Born in Kansas and having lived across the United States, Berkowitz’s diverse experiences enrich her storytelling, bringing a unique blend of creativity and relatability to her work. Since beginning her writing journey in 2018, she has dedicated herself to fostering a love for reading and imagination in children.

T.D. Wilson is a science fiction and fantasy author from Ohio. In addition to writing, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and has supported the systems and networks in several of the largest Supercomputing data centers in the world. Visit his website, tdwilsonbooks.com, for more information about him or his works.

Tabitha Potts’ short fiction has been published in literary magazines and anthologies. She was a finalist in MIROnline’s Folk Tale Festival and highly commended in MIROnline’s Booker Prize Competition judged by Ian McEwan. She was the winner of Almasi League’s flash fiction competition judged by Courttia Newland. Most recently she was highly commended by the Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize.

Nolan Cook is a debut genre fiction author from Fort Wayne, Indiana. He graduated from Franklin College with a BA in Creative Writing, as well as a double minor in English and Spanish. When Nolan is not writing or reading, he enjoys watching anime, TV shows, and movies, as well as playing video games, as he believes there is no single “correct” way to tell a story. With a strong passion for representation in fiction, he hopes to tell stories and create characters that anyone can relate to.

C.J. Raphael hails from the rugged beauty of Cornwall, where moorlands stretch under open skies and the ocean’s rhythmic waves narrate tales of resilience. Raised amidst the Tamar Valley, he found inspiration in the stories shared by strong matriarchal figures, shaping his appreciation for the region’s heritage.

Seeing my literary creation materialized as my first book was uniquely exciting, and I even felt a temporary euphoria. I’m not a parent, but I think the feeling is somewhat like what a parent experiences with the birth of something precious that they created. Only creating a book is arduous—and making a baby is usually a lot of fun! That’s probably why there are a lot more parents than authors!

Oshane Palmer, a graduate of Knox Community College, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. His academic journey led him to a culinary career but also ignited a passion for writing. His literary menu offers a flavorful blend of thrillers, suspense, mystery crime, and young adult novels. His debut, a two-part series titled The Viral Witness, invites readers to embark on a thrilling journey. Currently residing in Florida, Palmer’s heart remains in his native Jamaica. His work is a delightful treat for those who relish gripping narratives and captivating plots.

Medallio is the author of fantasy and all kinds of fiction that bends the mind and makes you feel a lot of emotions (there might be some ugly crying). Medallio spends her time contributing to writers’ groups and reading/critiquing other author’s works. When Medallio’s not writing and editing in the DMV area as a Technical Writer/Editor, she’s the 1/4 owner of a standard party poodle, but also a singer if you count exclusive gigs in the car and shower.

Monique Müge is an accomplished illustrator, self-confessed nerd and avid crochet-aholic. She has a collection of invisible medical conditions, such as Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Fibromyalgia; her experiences living with these conditions fuel her desire to include disability awareness in her work and she refuses to let her health rule her life. The Asylum of Apostles is her first foray into the writing world – after helping to save her favourite TV show, Daredevil, Monique rediscovered her passion and love for the creative arts.

Paul Asjes was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa. He spent many summers gardening in Stillwater, Minnesota, and canoeing in the boundary waters. He is currently a teacher in NYC. He has taught Math, Art, History, Reading, and Writing. After Colin Witt trained him for his first marathon over a decade ago, Paul loves running. Paul believes that habits help determine our destiny. His book Isaiah’s First Winter is a 2023 Mom’s Choice Awards® GOLD Award winner.