Cydney Goodwin

Cydney Goodwin is a tea-dependent SFF writer with an MFA in Writing from Lindenwood University, where she also served as Editorial Assistant on The Lindenwood Review. After many years abroad, she now resides on a small island in Florida with a canal full of lost manatees. Her work has been published by Flash Point Science Fiction and Tales from the Moonlit Path, and her novella was awarded Silver Honorable Mention in L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future Contest.

Susan K Grunin

DR. SUSAN GRUNIN RECOGNIZED AS AN HONORED MEMBER BY P.O.W.E.R. (PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION OF WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE RECOGNIZED) MANHASSET, NEW YORK, JANUARY 27, 2025– Dr. Susan Grunin of Naples, Florida, has recognized as an Honored Member by P.O.W.E.R. (Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized for her outstanding contributions and achievements in the field of publishing. ABOUT DR. SUSAN GRUNIN Dr. Susan Grunin is a retired college professor and author of the children’s book series, "Life Lessons and Tales of Little MisFit." The first two books in the series, “Life Isn't Always What it Seems” and “Life Isn't Always Fair,” have earned the NABE Pinnacle Achievement Award. Book Three of the series, Life Is Like a Fountain – It Has Its Ups (Opportunities and Successes) and Downs (Disappointments and Failures) will be published in the near future. In total, the series will contain seven books. Dr. Grunin is also an accomplished artist who creates original oil paintings and photography, with numerous pieces available for purchase through her company, SKG Creations and on her website. During her career, Dr. Grunin worked with children and young adults in various capacities including more than two decades teaching for the University of Virginia and other colleges and universities. She authored a textbook for the University of Virginia Graduate School. In addition, Dr. Grunin holds a coaching certificate and served as an executive coach and CEO of Think Strategic Consulting. She also held positions as a human capital consultant and a federal law enforcement officer for over 25 years, where she was the first female regional administrator in the Federal Courts - Federal Probation System. A future book about her Federal Law Enforcement experiences is planned. In addition to her current P.O.W.E.R. honor, Dr Grunin was previously awarded with a Lifetime Achievement Award, which is one of the organization’s highest honors, acknowledging her outstanding contributions and achievements in the field of publishing. She was also selected to be featured on the iconic Times Square billboards this March. Dr. Grunin is also a member of the executive board of the Gulf Coast Writers Association of SW Florida and a member of the Society of Book Writers and Illustrators. Susan graduated from the University of Illinois, where she earned all three of her degrees; an M.A. in Public Administration, an M.A. in Criminal Justice Administration, and a Ph.D. in Public Policy Analysis. She and her husband, Howard, live in Naples, Florida with their Shiba Inu, Kona. They have two sons and one granddaughter. For more information visit www.Skg-Creations.com

Heather Guevara

Jack Head

I spent over 30 years in education and training. My skills, abilities, and aptitude led me to start writing. First, I wrote a training manual, and training programs for continuing education classes, and for individuals, I was asked to prepare to enter management and supervision. My first book was based on my personal experience as Iserving in the military: Army Infantry in the Central Highlands of Vietnam: Selected Memories of Vietnam 1969 - 1970. My second book, When Thirteen Became One, is based on historical facts that led to the American Revolution. Before retirement, Jack was an educator and trainer. He was an expert in employee performance development through an enhanced performance evaluation system he implemented for a Fortune 500 company. He was an international public speaker on various subjects, including relationship selling, marketing, and merchandising.

John Heard

John Heard is a full-time resident of Naples. He spent most of his career in leadership roles in international education. He and his wife Susan lived in London, The Hague, and Istanbul. They have traveled widely. His article, “Magical Mayo, Ireland” recently appeared in the online magazine In the Know Traveler. His story, “Old Bones” was published in the Vol. 4, December 2023 issue of Portrait of New England literary magazine.

Ken Hyde

Joni Marie Iraci

In the 1970s, Joni Iraci worked as a staff and charge R.N. in a northern New Jersey hospital, before moving to New York City where she worked as a night nurse on the breast and bone oncology unit at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She subsequently made a life changing career move when she accepted an offer to work as a staff nurse on the EENT (eye, ear, nose, throat) and plastic surgery unit at Lenox Hill Hospital. It was there that she met her husband, who was a surgical intern at that time. They married and relocated to Pittsburgh for one year for a critical care fellowship. Returning to New York, Joni helped her husband with his surgical practice and raised three children. Once the nest was semi-empty, Joni returned to school to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a writer. In 2013, she earned a BA in liberal studies with a concentration in writing and literature from Sarah Lawrence College; in 2017, she earned an MFA in creative writing from Columbia University. She is a fiction writer. After publishing several short stories in literary journals, her debut novel, "Reinventing Jenna Rose," was published in May 2019. It has received favorable reviews. It recently won The Firebird Book Award. It took first place for women’s issues and coming of age and second place for new adult fiction and legal thriller. It was re-issued as a second edition in November 2023. She has spoken publicly on many occasions, discussing her journey as an adult returning to school and the trials and tribulations of publishing in your later years. She was invited to talk at Shakespeare and Company and The Strand bookstore in New York City. Along with Hollywood Historian and author, Tom Santopietro, she gave an in-conversation talk which can be found on youtube.com. She is a retired R.N. who has completed the novella, Unsolicited, and her second novel, "Vatican Daughter" is in production with Collective Ink Publishing Co. It will launch on May 1 and is available for preorder on Amazon and Barnes & Noble; she’s completed a third novel, "The Women of the 13th Rione," like Vatican Daughter is set in Italy, Iraci’s home away from home. She is currently working on a fourth novel. In 2021, she was interviewed by Pat Rullo on the podcast, Speak Up Talk Radio and on February 7, 2024, on centralvalleytalk.com/BriggsonBooks (available on YouTube.com Joni Marie Iraci welcomes emails from readers and is available for speaking engagements about her work or the joys and angst of returning to college in one’s older years. She is a freelance writing tutor available to assist college and grad school-bound students with research, essay writing, and college applications.. She is a member of the National League of American Pen Women and an active elite member of the Author’s Guild. Joni is delighted to hear from readers.

Martha Jeffers

Gina Jones

Ben Kilgore

Victor Scott Kingdon

Kathy Klagg

Gerald Kostecka

Gerald Kostecka is an accomplished author, industry expert, and advocate with a diverse career spanning health, business, and children’s literature. With nearly 30 years of experience in Public Relations, Sales and Marketing, Public Speaking, Corporate Training, and Educational Instruction, Gerald is a recognized leader in the alkaline ionized water industry, where he has helped educate and train thousands worldwide. Gerald’s literary works reflect his passion for empowering individuals of all ages. His health and wellness books, including New You - Discovering the Magic Pill for Health and Happiness, The New You Healthy Habits Cookbook, and Simple 5-Step Health and Happiness Program Workbook, offer practical guidance for achieving healthier lifestyles. His industry-related publications, Ride The Wave and Market King, solidify his reputation as a thought leader in his field. In fact, his title Ride The Wave is in its 6th edition with over 50,000 copies sold worldwide. Gerald’s imaginative storytelling is showcased in his beloved children’s books, including Dreamtime Friend, Dream Dragon Colors and Shapes Activity Book, and the Knights of Catcher’s Table Coloring and Activity Book. His latest release, The Christmas Pebble, is a heartwarming tale that resonates with readers of all ages, emphasizing themes of perseverance, kindness, and friendship. Additionally, his thought-provoking book What If? - Outlandish Theories That Might Actually Be True explores captivating hypotheses that challenge conventional thinking. Beyond his writing, Gerald is a dedicated advocate for children’s health and safety. He has appeared on nationally televised programs such as The Sally Jessy Raphael Show and The Rob Nelson Show, addressing critical issues like school shootings and teen sex education. His community involvement includes serving on the board o0f directors of non-profits like The Kids Cancer Connection and First Book, as well as collaborating with the Nicole Brown Simpson Charitable Foundation. With a passion for inspiring both children and adults, Gerald continues to write stories that uplift, educate, and ignite the imagination, leaving a lasting impact through his words and advocacy.

David Kratzke

David Kratzke has spent more than 25 years working in the journalism, public relations, marketing, advertising and publishing arenas. Throughout his diverse career, he has written stories to engage a wide range of audiences and has crafted award-winning campaigns to sell numerous products and services. He is the author of the book – It’s okay to not eat you peas. And he is the owner and creative director of Big Kat Kreative, a publishing, digital marketing and advertising company. His work as a sportswriter and editor has been published by the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, the Cecil Whig and the Fort Myers News-Press. While working at a national non-profit association, he was editor-in-chief and the driving force behind developing a quarterly trade magazine for the kitchen and bath industry. Throughout his career in advertising, his words and strategies have steered the creative vision for countless advertising campaigns. He has advised a multitude of companies primarily in the industrial, construction, education, financial, insurance, medical device and transportation industries on how to boost their brand identity. A native of Buffalo, N.Y., he now resides in Florida.

Shoni Landis

Hi, my name is shoni landis I live on a farm in Michigan but split my time there with time in Fort Myers Beach. A deep connection to animals coupled with an overactive imagination has led me to write about our everyday farm life with a twist. I create characters and storylines about my pets and livestock. I began sharing some of my stories on our farm Facebook page as a fun way for customers to get to know us, our animals, and way of life. Over the years, our animals have garnered quite a Facebook following and enjoy being local celebrities; they have a large fan base nationally. When one of our main characters, Officer Blu (the Great Dane) passed away, we received gifts and condolences from all over the United States; that was quite a neat experience!

Mary Beth Leopold