Author Interviews

Tyler Bieber is a queer higher education professional based in Portland, OR. He has held roles at Clark College, National University of Natural Medicine, Linfield University School of Nursing, and Oregon School of Massage. He is currently the Assistant Registrar at Willamette University’s Pacific Northwest College of Art. Tyler holds a B.A. in Liberal Arts and Sciences from The Evergreen State College and an M.A. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of Portland.

Shannon Shay writes emotionally-charged fiction that explores what it means to survive, to feel deeply, and to find light in the shadows.

Samantha Guerriero is a former professional wrestler, wife, and mother to a wonderful almost two-year-old son. After her husband, Jeff, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) the realization hit that her son might need something special to always look back on and remember the kind of amazing dad he has. She carefully crafted this children’s story to emphasize all the life lessons a father passes to a son. This book is her love letter to her loving, sweet husband and her feisty little guy.

R.A. Marno is an award-winning film director and writer based in Belfast. His fiction combines literary precision with a dark psychological undercurrent, exploring themes of memory, loss, and the quiet ruptures of ordinary life. What the Fog Conceals is his debut novel. In addition to his work in fiction and film, Marno has contributed to a range of creative and cultural projects across the UK and Ireland.

Melinda Zappone, LMHC, is a licensed mental health counselor, trauma therapist, educator, and creator of The Toolbox Approach® – a trauma-informed, phase-based healing method designed to meet individuals wherever they are in their journey. With a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling and advanced certifications including Level 3 Relational Life Therapy and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level 2 (CCTP-II), Melinda brings a deeply integrative and relational approach to healing.

Born in Hawaii, Dr. Robb Killen began his career as a professional puppeteer at Opryland, USA, and that has extended to acting, script writing, set building, and more. In 2005, Robb made the transition to education, becoming a school counselor and administrator in both public and private schools. He developed SEL (social and emotional learning) programming, using puppets to teach character. He has a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, focusing on puppetry’s impact on character curriculum.

Ray spent years out of sync with her body – until she was forced to listen to its wisdom and stop chasing skinny. That shift changed everything. When she shifted her focus from weight loss to health, she discovered a lighter, lasting way of living. She wrote The Awakened Body to inspire others to find their way. With her dog by her side, she enjoys joyful movement, camping, and creating healthy, delicious recipes to share with friends – in person and online (via blog and YouTube). Music feeds her soul – and when it’s live, she’s the one in the front row, heart open, unapologetically dancing like no one is watching.

I was born in Denham Town, one of the most impoverished communities in Kingston, Jamaica, and I have taught English and religious education across three continents. A graduate of The Mico University College in Kingston, Jamaica and Middlesex University in London, I have spent over two decades as an educator, storyteller, and mentor. I currently teach in Florida, where I continue to inspire young minds through literature, culture, and creativity. A Journey in Three Acts: The Story of Horatio Ward is my debut memoir.

E.S. David is a YA fantasy author from Lanarkshire, Scotland. He has a passion for creative writing – particularly stories that explore magical realms, sweeping landscapes, and complex characters navigating moral ambiguity. Drawing on these inspirations, he began writing, and The Trials of Aqouril is his debut novel.

Based in the beautiful British Southwest, Elizabeth May Ellis has a BA (Hons) degree in English Language and Linguistics and English Literature and is a self-confessed nerd. She has been a keen writer for most of her life, focusing her attention on poetry, songwriting, and essays in her younger years before finally venturing into authoring novels in her mid-forties, so is now making up for lost time! She loves penning second-chance romances with a happy ending and finds her inspiration in rural landscapes, real-life people, and real struggles.

T.D. Winters is the creative voice behind the Nala Roonie Adventures. Working together with Vallace Studio in London, they blend rhyme, illustration, and original music to craft stories that celebrate mindfulness, curiosity, courage, and kindness. The debut picture book, Nala Roonie Goes to Richmond Park, has reached readers around the world, with an audiobook (narrated by Mimi Venki) and a follow-up adventure currently being written and illustrated. Proudly independent, Vallace Studio remains dedicated to preserving its authentic, inclusive voice and nurturing creativity that is heart centred.

Kevin Kane is a husband and father. He served four years in the United States Air Force, and that is when he first began creative writing. Kevin writes everything from public relations to sports journalism. When not writing, he is a foodie, cooking and eating delicious recipes.

I am a ‘serial New Yorker’ who returned to New York in 2020 after thirty years in Greece. After a short career in law in New York, I moved to my then-husband’s home country, where I raised a family and worked in marketing, retail food, and volunteer advocacy for nearly thirty years.

Hailing from East Sussex, UK, S.R. Phillips brings a personal touch to her debut fantasy trilogy. A devoted reader, she lives with her husband and young son, finding inspiration in the rolling landscapes of her home county. When not writing, she enjoys uncovering new walking paths, farm shops, and cozy pubs for a Sunday roast.

Frank Eugene Dukes Jr. is a storyteller shaped by resilience, faith, and the quiet courage of perseverance. Born with a congenital condition that required ongoing medical care, Frank’s early years were marked by frequent journeys between Garyville, Louisiana, and New Orleans – each Greyhound bus ride with his mother a testament to love, endurance, and hope.

A fanatic for all things sci-fi and fantasy, A.J. Graham was originally born in Glasgow, Scotland but moved to the North-East of England as a child. He still lives there, in a small market town. He enjoys spending time getting lost in the worlds of other people’s stories, as well as getting lost in the real world on walkies with his beagle Dexter.

I was raised in Oak Park, Illinois, and for a long time, I thought I’d become a journalist. Life, however, had other plans – and I’m so glad it did. Today, I’m a women’s fiction novelist who loves bringing characters to life as they navigate real struggles, discover love, and uncover the beauty tucked inside everyday moments.

I was raised in the small mountain town of Webster Springs, West Virginia, where I had the rare blessing of being brought up by two sets of grandparents I called ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad.’ It was an amazing childhood, full of memories and lessons that stuck with me long after I left those mountains.

I live in Flint Michigan and I love creativity. I am a former cosmetologist and makeup artist. I’m also a jewelry designer and I used to create handmade designs for my Etsy store. I have a gift for interior decor and abstract painting. I love music, with Prince being my favorite of all time.

Born and raised in Southern California, I am a Christian who lives in the Pacific Northwest. Having owned a business for over thirty years, I am thankfully retired and enjoy spending time with my family and traveling.