I was born in 1957 in the beautiful Finger Lakes town of Ithaca, New York at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake (AKA “Ithaca is Gorges” and the home of Cornell University, Ithaca College and Ithaca Gun). At the age of 22 I followed my brother Rocky to Fort Myers, Florida where after a few years in the bar business I found my way into real estate development and redevelopment and enjoyed a 30 year career.

I have three remarkable daughters, Ashley, Lyndsey Grace and Chloe’ and a grand son to brag about. The death of Lyndsey Grace at 22 from diabetes complications has forever changed my life and given me inspiration to write more. Ashley graduated from the University of Florida and Emory Law School. Chloe is presently an art major at the University of Florida.

When I was 12 my step Dad, Ernie Silver, gave me the poem Invictus as a creed to live by. As I memorized it I found strength in the poem’s words and it sparked my passion for writing poetry. I never imagined until recently that I would someday be the author of poetry and children’s books. I wish that my mom, Edie, and Ernie were here to read them.

I wrote my first poem when I was 24 and published my first poetry book entitled “Reflections of a Life in Poetry” when I was 57. It is a collection of 50 poems I wrote over 32 years. The subject matter is derived mostly from events in my life or those of close friends and family. They range from love to love lost, from life to lives lost, from childbirth to a child lost, from children to grandchildren, from courtship to marriage, from bikers to veterans, from Christmas to Thanksgiving, from Christenings to reunions, and even some faith-based poems with spiritual messages. I was honored to receive a Five Star book review from Readers Choice.

My hope is that you will find a special poem for you or a loved one that touches your emotions and brings either a smile or a tear, maybe recalls a fond memory, gives you comfort through a difficult time, or just causes you to reflect upon your life where you have been and where you are going.

One of the poems in the book entitled “You’re A CrocaGator” is now my first children’s book. It is a story about love and acceptance as the story line follows the events when a crocodile, named CrocaSonny, falls in love with a beautiful alligator he spots across the creek, named GatorSissy. They get together and form a mixed family like many others throughout the world. My hope is that this children’s book can be a parental tool to promote awareness to convey an explanation of issues our mixed society faces today.

I intend to use the “CrocaGator” in a series of books to address children and family issues. My second book will be out this summer entitled “You’re a Step CrocaGator” focuses on the relationship of step children and their parents.

I have written 8 books now so in the near future be on the lookout for books about: a baby CrocaGator, a CrocaGator going to school, a Happy Birthday CrocaGator, a handicap CrocaGator, a safe CrocaGator and a bullied CrocaGator, to name a few.

By the way, proceeds from the sale of every book goes to support the soon to open “Lyndsey House” in Fort Myers, Florida. Lyndsey House is a shelter for women and women with children operated by the Fort Myers Rescue Mission.

Today I enjoy sharing my poetry with friends and family and making new fans. The best part of my job besides writing is reading to children at schools, inmates at the jail, friends at night and the occasional audience. There is never a charge so if you have a need to hear a few of Kenny’s Poems let me know.

I love hearing back from readers by e-mail at kenny@thecrocagator.com. It would be my fondest desire that my poems encourage others to take some time and write a rhyme.

Visit his website at: http://thecrocagator.com

Kenny Rager’s books

Larry Stiles was trained as an engineer and recently retired after a long career in higher education administration. He is trying to spend his “second childhood” catching up on some of the interests that were set aside for a demanding career. These include playing around with ham radio, volunteering with the Red Cross, taking classes unrelated to a degree and, in a break with the engineer stereotype, attempting some creative writing. So far the writing has been limited to poetry, some short stories and a couple of non-fiction pieces. The next Great American Novel is still in the future.

From the first time she was handed a blank piece of paper and a crayon, Ronnie Walter knew what she wanted to do for a living–draw pictures and tell stories! After a rambling education at art school, a state university and a stint in England, she finally figured out how to do just that! She has been freelancing for over twenty years with her words and illustrations licensed on fabric, home accessories, gift items and more greeting cards than she can count.

In License to Draw–How I Built a FUN career in Art Licensing–and you can too! Ronnie writes about the business of how Art Licensing works. It’s chock full of personal experiences, tons of solid information and an arm around the shoulder message of “you can do this!”.

Ronnie’s cozy mystery, Gruesome Greetings- A Georgie Hardtman Mystery is a fun romp through the halls of an art and design trade show! Georgie, a greeting card illustrator, had high expectations for an exciting trip but she never expected to be in the middle of a murder case!

And if Ronnie wasn’t busy enough, she has taken the adult coloring world by storm with the publication of four new coloring books! The Coloring Cafe™ series is a challenging yet fun collection of illustrations, sayings and patterns to color and paint–just right for stress relief and just plain fun!

Ronnie and husband Jim Marcotte live in Cape Coral with their shelter dog, Larry.

Visit her website at: http://ronniewalter.com

Ronnie Walter’s books

I am a retired teacher who loves to read and write. I contribute my love for words to my mother, who was, at one time, an editor with a national magazine. While my mother enjoyed writing, my father told stories: therefore, it was no surprise to family and friends that I enjoy storytelling. I’ve been known to embellish my stories a bit, but truth, with added details, makes for a great story.
I was born in Louisville, Kentucky, but was raised in San Francisco, California until we moved back to Louisville when I was thirteen years old. To this day, San Francisco has a special place in my heart.
After graduating from Seneca High School in Louisville in 1966, I attended Cumberland College, located in Williamsburg, KY for two years. While only there for a short time, this beautiful college played a role in influencing my choices in my life.
I married Doug in the summer of 1968 and was hired that same summer to teach in a local school in Jefferson County Kentucky. I was hired on an emergency certificate at the age of 19 years old. This made me one of the youngest teacher ever hired in Jefferson County. I contribute this incredible opportunity to the excellent education I received at Cumberland College.
Following my first year of teaching, our son was born, followed three years later by the birth of our second son. I remained a stay- at- home mom until our boys went to school.
I was a real estate agent for eight years. During that time, I completed my education at the University of Louisville. I received a BS in Education with certification in Elementary Education and Special Education through the 12th grade. Three years later, I received my Master’s degree in Reading with certification as a Reading Specialist. While teaching I presented many workshops to other teachers on topics pertaining to reading and writing. I was trained by the state of Kentucky to score students’ writing portfolios. For many years, I scored writing portfolios for 4th grade students and 7th grade students. After teaching for 19 years I had to retired on disability.
In 2001 I self-published my first book, The Magic in Believing-The Tooth Fairies. This was an eye-opening, fun, experience. I enjoyed being interview on the local morning news, reading articles about my book in several newspapers and have an author –signing at a large local bookstore. My favorite writing experiences included going into classrooms to share my love for reading and writing, and being on a very popular radio show.
In 2002, I became a grandmother. I now have three beautiful grandchildren and two adorable Shih Tzu’s .
My husband and I moved to Fort Myers, Florida 4 years ago. We love the sun, the beach, and the friends we have made here.
My children’s book, 4 Fairies in the Land of Nothing, was published in 2015, and I am working on my next children’s book.
Belonging to GCWA has been inspiring as well as educational. Other organizations that I belong to are Friends of the Lakes Regional Library and the Greeters Club of Greater Fort Myers. I am currently secretary at both organizations. I enjoy being involved with these groups. The secretary’s job is one that I enjoy and feel comfortable doing.

Visit her blog at: dcw0810.wordpress.com

Carla Webb’s books