Atlanta writer Mark Elberfeld began this essay collection – appropriately on the theme of journeys – at a remote chateau in tiny Orquevaux, France. Educated at the University of the South, Middlebury College’s Bread Loaf School of English, and Georgia State University, Mark previously taught sixth grade in the Washington, D.C. area, where he grew up, and in Budapest, Hungary.
Chandra Lynn, MBA, is a certified transformation coach, author of Root-to-Rise: How to Love Life, and founder of Glow Living – a platform dedicated to helping people love life. After a twenty-five-year career as a marketing expert for brands like Apple, Avid, and Universal Audio, she answered a deeper calling: to guide others through healing, growth, and awakening.
Meena R.D. is an award-winning author of Path to Rebirth: Fight. Survive. Repeat., a memoir about transformation and perseverance. Her work has appeared in Pretty Women Hustle Magazine, Caribbean Collective Magazine, and Influencer Magazine UK.
V.S. Lawrence grew up in Utah being scared of everything. Now, she puts her fears on paper, writing spooky books that feel like Scooby-Doo chase music. When not writing, she can be found buried in a horror novel, wandering aimlessly, or cuddling her dog, Rigby. She is still scared of everything.
I’m M.M.D.A., the author of the Horns and Bark series. I write dark fantasy rooted in myth, moral conflict, and unforgiving worlds shaped by power, faith, and identity. My stories draw from folklore and medieval tones, focusing on flawed characters forced to confront brutal choices and uncomfortable truths. I’m drawn to the spaces where wonder and cruelty coexist, and where no decision comes without consequence.
Born in the UK, I grew up in a working-class home in Cheshire. I love animals and outdoor spaces. I enjoyed working hard at school, achieving ten O-levels, but couldn’t wait to start work. My first job began a twenty-eight-year career involving two-way radio communications, until a work injury meant I had to try a different role elsewhere.
Born and raised in the South of France, I moved to the UK in my early twenties and have remained here ever since, primarily working as a digital designer.
Chelsea Elliott grew up on a steady diet of monsters, magic, and heartbreak. Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Supernatural reruns taught her that the villain always has the better lines. Her love for Spike sparked a lifelong fascination with morally grey characters and the kind of dark romances that blur the line between ruin and redemption.
Patrick Chuka (b. 2000, Lagos, Nigeria) is a multidisciplinary artist and writer whose work explores the intersections of identity, spirituality, and human transformation.
Freelance novelist/screenwriter seeking screen media interest. Loves art galleries, beaches, forest walks, and people.
Ford entered the world of writing towards the end of 2025 by releasing his debut novel, What Lies Through the Smoke. A mish mash of noir, thriller and dieselpunk, Ford hopes to continue the series by completing the sequel by the end of the year.
Malaikah is a writer whose work centres on community, connection, and relatability. Her writing reflects lived experience, the frustrations of healing, and a raw outlook on life shaped by the desire to move forward. Her debut memoir, Becoming Undone, explores resistance, the refusal to stay broken, and resilience through a nonlinear, intimate reflection across time.
Katonya is the author of 22 and 6 Born on 11/26, a memoir that chronicles her journey as a mother whose son was born at just twenty-two weeks and spent six months in the NICU. Through honest storytelling, Katonya shares the emotional realities of prematurity, faith, resilience, and life beyond the hospital walls. She is also the founder of Konnected Thru 22, an organization dedicated to supporting families impacted by premature birth through stories, resources, and community. Katonya uses her voice to raise awareness, encourage healing, and remind NICU families they are not alone.
Jenn was born in Vail, Colorado and lived nearby for most of her life. After receiving her Doctorate in Behavioral Health, she continued her career of helping people – orphans in Vietnam, patients at the Colorado Children’s Hospital, and clients in her private counseling practice.
Chris Chia was born in London and has traveled to more than sixty different countries throughout his careers as a professional maritime navigator, energy industry executive, and management consultant. He spends his time writing and working between family homes in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and in Houston, Texas.
Leandra Campos is a speculative fiction writer determined to blend fantasy’s immersive elements with horror’s unsettling yet revealing nature. A devourer of stories in every format, she found comfort and acceptance in fiction when reality never seemed to click. In her current project, she explores what it means to be alive in an undead world that dehumanizes everything (and everyone) inside it. When not writing, Leandra loves learning about conspiracy theories and filling her cabinets with unique mugs.
Born under the stars of Hollywood, I have always dreamt of a career in storytelling. As someone who loves writing, I found my calling at the California State University of Northridge. From there, I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Screenwriting. While I found myself writing scripts, I couldn’t help but long for more character driven stories. So, I turned to writing a book! And I haven’t looked back.
Eenam Vang is a Hmong-American author, poet, and romancer of the mundane things in life. Her debut poetry and prose book Labyrinth was released in 2021 during the summer of July. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from California State University, Sacramento. When Eenam isn’t writing, you can find her overthinking about her next book in progress, always in need of coffee, and wondering if everything she’s written should’ve been kept in the crevice of her thoughts.
Alice Abyss is a metaphysical author whose work spans several genres. Her writing is influenced heavily by her adventurous life and various pursuits. Alice Abyss loves riding horses, writing poetry, and walking the beach.
Janell L. Jordan is a licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMCHS) and a children’s book author whose work blends heartfelt storytelling with emotional wellness and life skills education. With over thirty years of clinical experience, Janell has worked with children, adults, and families across the United States, and has supported military families overseas – bringing deep insight into self-esteem, anxiety, grief, and resilience to her writing.