Savannah Thompson is a gifted writer with a heart for her faith and her family. Savannah writes Christian fiction with hints of romance, action, mystery, and tons of drama – they are books you can truly get lost in. She started writing, fantastically thinking it would never turn into anything. But she found a passion for people, sharing stories that relate to their own impactful life experiences. If you like Irene Hannon’s, Dangerous Illusions and That Certain Summer, then you’ll like her books.
Books: • When All the Leaves Fall • Finding Sienna
Keisha Strand grew up visiting her local library in Richmond, VA to attend programs and gained a love for reading. She volunteered for the system when she was in high school, and eventually worked as an administrative assistant for the Fairfax County Public Library system. Her experience in the public library setting inspired her to want to write for kids to create more diversity in books. In January 2023, she self-published her first book I Need A Friend inspired by her two children. She published her second book, What If We Went?..., in 2024.
Books: • I Need a Friend • What If We Went?..
Lyn Squire was born in Cardiff, South Wales. He earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Wales, his master’s at the London School of Economics and his doctorate at Cambridge University. During a twenty-five-year career at the World Bank, Lyn Squire published over thirty articles and several books within his area of expertise.
Books: • Immortalised to Death: Book 1 in The Dunston Burnett Trilogy
Rick Spees has spent over 40 years working on the staff of the US Senate and as an attorney and lobbyist. With this background he has lived in the crazy and humorous sides of the lobbying profession, which are the basis of his first novel, Capitol Gains. This book was recently named a finalist in the 2024 American Fiction Awards in the Humor/Comedy/Satire category. Rick has lived in Fairfax for 36 years. He is currently working on his sequel novel, Capitol Losses. When not writing, Rick can be found on his bicycle riding throughout Northern Virginia.
Book: • Capitol Gains
S.A. Snyder has been writing for 30+ years. She participates in live storytelling and blogs about self-care and retreating. With humor and insight, Sarah inspires readers to examine what it means to live a meaningful, contented life. Her debut book, Montana Scenic Drives, serves as your guide to exploring Sarah's native state. Her memoir, Plant Trees, Carry Sheep: A Woman’s Spiritual Journey Among the Sufis of Scotland, humorously recounts her two-year experience at a spiritual retreat. For fans of Chicken Soup for the Soul, her third book, The Value of Your Soul: Lessons in Dealing with Life’s Annoyances promises a humorous journey.
Books: • A Handbook for Creating Your Space, Setting an Intention, and Getting the Self-care You Deserve • The Value of Your Soul: Lessons in Dealing with Life’s Annoyances • Plant Trees, Carry Sheep: A Woman’s Spiritual Journey Among the Sufis of Scotland
Sverrir Sigurdsson grew up in Iceland, steeped in stories of the Sagas. At nineteen, he followed in his Viking forefathers’ footsteps to seek adventure around the world. His first stop was Finland, where he studied at the Technical University and graduated with an architectural degree in 1966. He pursued an international career that took him to the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the U.S. His book, Viking Voyager: An Icelandic Memoir, has won two international awards. His initial goal was to return to Iceland after a three-year overseas adventure. But three years have turned into sixty some. He now calls Northern Virginia his home.
Book: • Viking Voyager: An Icelandic Memoir
Debbie Schrack is the author of Saving Sophie, a young adult contemporary romance, which won the 2022 Paris Book Award for young adult fiction. She is also the winner of the SCBWI Haunted States of America contest for the state of Virginia. A former teacher, she lives in Fairfax, Virginia, a suburb of Washington, D.C. When she’s not conjuring dark and twisty plots or hanging out with her family, you can find her riding her horse or poring over travel brochures, ready to check off another box on her bucket list of travel adventures. You can follow Debbie on Facebook or Twitter@debbie_schrack.
Books: • The Haunted States of America • Over the Fence • Saving Sophie
Alyssa Samuel works in management consulting for a federal government contractor. She received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. She majored in Sociology and minored in Media Studies. She enjoys learning about different cultures, writing short stories, and poetry. Make New Friends was inspired by their family’s life experiences in school, work, and the community.
Book: • Make New Friends
Ian Rodgers is a graduate of George Mason University, with a Bachelor's degree in History and English. As an author, he has independently published a multitude of books within the Fantasy and Science Fiction genres, boasting a portfolio that includes over twenty works with additional titles in progress.
Books: • Green Skies: A Tree in the Clouds • Welcome to the Galactic Shoppers Network! • Chronicles of a Royal Pet: Princess and an Ooze
Lauren Roberts is a recovering elementary school teacher. She has lived in seven states, plus Canada and Denmark, but she settled in Northern Virginia nearly six years ago with her husband, three kids, and their rescue dog, Thor (who is, ironically, afraid of thunder) and loves it here so much, she intends to stay. In the early morning hours, while the rest of her family sleeps, she writes suspenseful romcoms and romantic suspense novels about women whose lives have spun out of their control. Her debut novel, Gemini Divided, is a low-spice suspenseful romcom that was published in January 2022. If you like Jesse Q. Sutanto’s “Aunties” series and Elle Cosimano’s “Finlay Donovan” books, Gemini Divided may be right for you!
Book: • Gemini Divided
Charles Price, born and raised in Northern Virginia, was instilled with a deep pride in his faith and race by his parents, who taught him about the resilience and contributions of African Americans. Despite facing racial challenges, he grew stronger, drawing inspiration from the successes of others. His work in historical fiction provides context to history, allowing for progress and a better understanding of the foundation the Black community stands upon. His book, The Council serves as a starting point for healing within the community and extends an invitation for others to understand their experiences. He hopes it will foster openness, unity, and progress.
Book: • The Council
Drawing from her Korean heritage, Ginger Park's children's books have garnered numerous accolades, including the 1999 International Reading Association Award, the 2002 Joan G. Sugarman Award, and the Paterson Prize. Upcoming is Suka's Farm, a novel inspired by her father's experiences in Japanese-occupied Korea, weaving history with the unexpected friendship between a Japanese farmer and a young Korean boy employed on his farm.
Books: • Grandpa's Scroll • The Hundred Choices Department Store • The Have a Good Day Cafe
Frances Park’s writing life began in a Fairfax County classroom at age ten. Many years later, she is the author of thirteen books – novels, memoirs, children’s books – all driven by her Korean American heritage. Forthcoming work includes her coauthored children’s book Suka’s Farm.
Books: • Blue Rice • The Summer My Sister Was Cleopatra Moon • That Lonely Spell: Stories of Family, Friends & Love
Nick Ngazoire Nteireho was born in Rukungiri District, Western Uganda. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in economics from Makerere University, and graduate degrees from George Washington and American Universities in Washington DC, USA, followed by a long career at the World Bank in Washington DC, and Fairfax County Government. He lives in Fairfax County, Virginia with his wife with whom they have two adult children.
Books: • Heroes and Charlatans of the Savannah • Chronicles of an African Wanderer • No Eye Without A Tear
Anita Nahal, Ph.D., CDP, is a Pushcart Prize-nominated Indian American author-academic. Her third poetry collection, What’s wrong with us Kali women? was nominated by Cyril Dabydeen as the best poetry book, 2021 for British Ars Notoria. Anita’s poems have appeared in numerous journals in the US, UK, Asia, and Australia and have been anthologized in many collections, including The Polaris Trilogy, which will be sent to the moon in the Space X launch. Anita teaches at the University of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC.
Books: • Drenched Thoughts • Kisses at the espresso bar • What's wrong with us Kali women?
Kamakshi Murti is a retired professor of German Studies. She moved to the NoVa area in 2008 after retiring from Middlebury College. Kamakshi writes fiction and non-fiction. Her scholarly writing is devoted to multi-cultural issues, as well as gender studies. Her Bandilanka’s Forgotten Lives was shortlisted for the Neev Book Award in India. Kamakshi is a member of the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in American Higher Education.
Books: • Yasemin and Nirmala: A Tale of Two Teens • Bandilanka's Forgotten Lives • Murders in the Ivory Tower
Jerry Markowitz worked over 30 years managing technical training programs in the federal government. Since his retirement, Jerry teaches at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, George Mason University; participates in the Thomas Jefferson Library Writers’ Group; and enjoys being a Life Member, Friends of the Burke Centre Library. The author donates proceeds from his books to the Alzheimer’s Association to support Alzheimer’s research and education.
Books: • Exploring Kindness and Respect: Poems • Poems that Rhyme, Most of the Time • Joyful and Meaningful Retirement: Nonfinancial Tips
Janet R. Macreery, residing in Northern Virginia since 2009, is known for her multi-award-winning historical fiction works, including A Little Noble and A Little Wicked. Her most recent publication, The Falls, is set in Alaska during 1953. She travels across the United States and Europe, drawing inspiration and conducting research, while also pursuing the perfect hot chocolate, which she reviews on her YouTube channel, Hot Chocolate Journey.
Books: • The Falls • A Little Noble • A Little Wicked
Carol Mackela, who has a background in education and served as a government lawyer before retiring, is a competitive master's springboard diver, an ice dancing gold medalist, and a ballroom dancer with over forty years of experience. She holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from the University of Michigan and a law degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Originally from Flint, Michigan, Carol has lived in Northern Virginia for 35 years and has always had a cat as a beloved part of her household. She is the author of a new novel, Spring Flower and the Jade Bracelet: An Adoption Story, set in China and the United States. While the novel tracks the adoption process that she and her daughter experienced, the characters and plot are fictional.
Books: • Spring Flower and the Jade Bracelet: An Adoption Story • On Your Feet! • Noon Skate
Mary Lipsey grew up in Fairfax County, Virginia. She earned a B.A. in History and Sociology from Mary Washington College and a Master's in Middle School Education from Virginia Tech. After nearly thirty years of teaching seventh grade American History, Mary retired. Her fascination with local and women's history inspired her to research and author several books. Her latest publication, Almost Forgotten Women: Yesterday's Headliners, chronicles the lives of more than sixty American women who significantly impacted women's rights during their lifetimes yet have since been largely overlooked.
Books: • Almost Forgotten Women: Yesterday's Headliners • Aviation: From Curiosity to Reality • A Christmas Flight Aviation Pioneer Dr. William Christmas
Veronica Li moved to the United States from Hong Kong when she was fifteen. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English at the University of California, Berkeley, and her Master's degree in International Affairs at Johns Hopkins University. Her career includes roles as a journalist for the Asian Wall Street Journal and a project officer for the World Bank, a United Nations affiliate. Writing has been both her passion and a significant aspect of her professional life. "I write to make sense of the puzzles in my life," she states.
Books: • Viking Voyager: An Icelandic Memoir (coauthored with her husband, Sverrir Sigurdsson) • Confucius Says: A novel on caregiving • Journey Across the Four Seas: A Chinese Woman’s Search for Home (memoir) • Nightfall in Mogadishu (spy thriller)
Bill Lewers started his tenure as an election officer in Fairfax County in 1994, and these experiences inspired him to write The Gatekeepers of Democracy. This book pays tribute to the volunteers who dedicate their time on Election Day and has been hailed as a defining work in the genre of "election officer fiction." Originally a standalone novel, it quickly evolved into a series, each installment honoring Election Day and the everyday people who set aside their daily routines and political leanings to uphold the democratic process.
Books: • The Main Event • Eighteen Days in New York: A Novel about the 1924 Democratic Convention 6 • The Gatekeepers of Democracy
Hannah Levin, a dedicated dog mom and neurodivergent writer from the DMV area, writes marketing content by day to sustain herself and composes fantasy romance at night to feed her inner dreamer. The development of a distinctive writing voice is her journey, and Hannah's approach is described as fresh and approachable, blending narrative and excitement, with characters that connect with her audience, and relationships that evolve naturally. Her creations are ideal for fans of Holly Black, Sarah J. Maas, and Carissa Broadbent. As an advocate for the slow burn, Hannah strives to bring a genuine feel to her fantastical tales. She delights in crafting standalone stories for those who enjoy a concise narrative. Hannah invites her followers to interact with her on Instagram and Threads at @authorhlevin, where she looks forward to engaging with her readers.
Book • The Treasured One: (The Golden Children Book 1)
Kevin J. Laws, a retired Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agent, was the agency's authority on undercover online operations against child sexual exploitation. His work led to the conviction of more than sixty perpetrators and the rescue of many children from abuse. Now retired, he acts as an expert witness, supports survivors in civil litigation, and gives lectures on child sexual exploitation based on his undercover work.
Book: • Hunter of the Damned: A Walk through Hell
Chef Cal Kraft devoted three decades to the corporate travel and hospitality sector, holding positions from airline service to Director of Customer Relations at Amtrak, and later as Regional Vice President for the Council of Better Business Bureau. After retiring in 1995, he took on the role of Innkeeper at the Bailiwick Inn, developing a passion for cooking and fine dining. Cal furthered his culinary pursuits by studying Northern Italian cuisine under Chef Instructor Jane Woods and attending L'Académie de Cuisine and the Culinary Institute of America.
Books: • The Ramblings of an Old Man – Book 2 • Recipes from the Chef’s Corner • The Ramblings of an Old Man
Libby Klein grew up in Cape May, NJ where she attended high school in the '80s. Her classes revolved mostly around culinary sciences and drama, with one brilliant semester in Poly-Sci that may have been an accident. She loves to drink coffee, bake gluten-free goodies, collect fluffy cats, and translate sarcasm for people who are too serious. She writes from her Northern Virginia office where she serves a very naughty black smoke Persian named Sir Figaro Newton. You can keep up with her shenanigans by signing up for her Mischief and Mayhem Newsletter on her website.
Books: • Poppy McAllister Mysteries Series
Najma Khorrami is the founder of Gratitude Circle®, an award-winning positive lifestyle platform that offers a free gratitude messaging board and weekly informational gratitude videos. An award-winning author, Ms. Khorrami has penned books on self-care and gratitude, with academic credentials from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Harvard Business Online. Her career in public health includes work with The Center for Global Health and Diplomacy and an internship at NASA GSFC during her time at The George Washington University. She has authored two books focusing on self-care strategies and the importance of gratitude. Additionally, her writing contributions span The Huffington Post, The International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Journal of Perinatology, among others.
Books: • Self-Care with Ted and Friends • A Spoonful of Gratitude: Tips to Reduce Stress and Enjoy Life to the Fullest
Joy Jones is an acclaimed speaker, educator, and author of numerous books for both adults and children. Her recent publication Jayla Jumps In, received a starred review from Booklist and was named one of the best sports books for children by the American Library Association. Her project, "Walking the Boomerang," was awarded the 2022 Pen America/Phyllis Naylor Grant for Children's and Young Adult Novelists. Joy's upcoming book, "The Sky Is Not Blue," is anticipated to release in Fall 2024. She works for the DC Public Library and is a member of the Children’s Book Guild and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
Books: • The Sky Is Not Blue •Jayla Jumps In• Fearless Public Speaking
Rebecca Greene, a mental health therapist and self-help author, has lived in Northern Virginia for 18 years. She writes self-help and parenting books for adults, as well as award-winning children's books centered on friendship, kindness, and empathy. Rebecca's passion for writing began in elementary school, and she has always held a deep appreciation for the written word. To date, she has published eight books. When not in her therapy office or at her writing desk, Rebecca delights in reading, exploring the outdoors, discovering new local coffee shops, volunteering, baking lemon blueberry muffins, and spending time with her family and friends. She is also an avid artist, specializing in miniature wildlife and landscape paintings. Rebecca's home in Northern Virginia is shared with her husband, their young son, and two spirited cats.
Books: • Creating Kindness: How One Small Painted Rock Can Make a Big Difference • Explore Virginia with Me
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Sandy Green, a former ballet dancer, infuses her writing with musicality and rhythm, captivating children with her horror-in-verse books. A twenty-five-year resident of Fairfax, she delights in crafting poetry, fantasy, and contemporary stories for young readers. Her poems have graced various journals, reaching children, academic circles, and both national and international readers. Her contributions to children's literature include works in Chicken Soup for the Child’s Soul, Highlights for Children, and the anthology Words and Other Wild Things. A member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, she has published two novels for children and two poetry collections. Before the pandemic, she served as a literature judge for the PTA Reflections Art Program. Additionally, she is an avid quilter with Fairfax Quilters Unlimited.
Books: • Ghost Writers: The Haunting of Lake Lucy • No One's Watching
Jessica Geraci grew up in Sayville, New York, surrounded by a large family. After studying communication and rhetoric in college, she spent two years in Vanuatu serving in the Peace Corps. Her favorite Peace Corps projects included forming a women's leadership group and spearheading a project to help fund and install a library at the local school. In 2015, she moved to Northern Virginia, where she met her husband. Geraci began writing in her free time when she was nine years old. She was inspired by the brave female characters in stories written by authors like Tamora Pierce and Gail Carson Levine. Today, she writes strong female characters in her own stories and hopes to one day inspire other girls to be brave, too.
Books: • Seer of the Stones (The Stone Guild: Book 2) • Creator of the Stones (The Stone Guild: Book 1)
Asma Elgouacem, a retired ESL teacher with over forty years of experience, immigrated to the United States from Algeria with her family 25 years ago. Her passion for teaching and her own immigrant experience enabled her to forge significant connections with adult English learners. During her time in New York City, Asma taught English, Civics, and American culture, while also providing guidance and support to many students adapting to life in the United States. Residing in Alexandria, Virginia for the past five years, her unique insights have yielded numerous stories, some of which she has started to share. Asma has authored two nonfiction books and is currently writing her memoir to offer readers a deeper understanding of her life's journey, leaving a legacy for future generations.
Books: • A Stranger in my Homeland • Where is Freedom?
A.S. Drayton rediscovered his love for writing and weaving tales while working on his award-winning memoir Are You Okay? The Carryover of Kindness. What began in 2019 as a one-off project, dedicated to his future children, grew into something more. Through the process, A.S. found his passion, and with the collaboration of his talented friends, A.S. Drayton left his days working in the pathology lab behind, trading his pipette for a pen.
Books: • Through the Eyes of The Beholder • Are You Okay?: The Carryover of Kindness
Leah Copeland is a YA Fantasy author. She was born and raised in Virginia where she still resides with her hubby, toddler and German Shepherd. During the day, she tackles tantrums and spills, while at night, she masters the keyboard, immersing herself in Paranormal and Urban Fantasy realms filled with enchantment and peril. She adores reading and crafting Young Adult tales featuring bold heroines, a dash of humor, and heart-throbbing [no spice] romances that promise an emotional journey. Admirers of The Vampire Diaries, Mortal Instruments, and Teen Wolf will find her stories irresistible. An avid Wonder Woman enthusiast, her top authors include Jennifer L. Armentrout and Leia Stone. Having spent years penning songs, she aspired to author a book. Today, she has authored six books with more underway.
Books: • Red Moon Rise: Wolves of Shadow Grove Book 3 •Silver Moon Cries: Wolves of Shadow Grove Book 2 • Blue Moon Eyes: Wolves of Shadow Grove Book 1
Kacy Cooney would much rather write about her fictional friends than herself. Despite an early childhood with few books and no television or perhaps because she had to entertain herself, Kacy began making up stories and the people in them. As soon as she discovered books, she was hooked and wanted to create her own. She has been a member of the Thomas Jefferson Library’s Writers’ Group, which she coordinates as a volunteer, for more than 15 years. In addition, Kacy has found another welcome challenge in joining a movie competition team as writer and production assistant, generally making movies in a single weekend.
Books: • Seeking Solace • In a Maze of Imagination
Ethan T. Burroughs has dedicated much of the last two decades to exploring the Middle East and slowly unraveling its mysteries. His encounters have taken him to Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Israel, and the Palestinian Territories where he has studied the history, faith, cuisine, language, and culture of the lands which continue to grab our headlines as we search for an elusive peace. He has had the great pleasure of spending significant time with characters similar to those depicted in this account, including our unsung patriots in the Departments of State and Defense. He is a U.S. Army veteran.
Books: • Writ Reveal • Messianic Reveal
César Brioso is a digital producer and former baseball editor for USA Today Sports. With nearly 35 years of experience as a professional sports journalist, he has worked for the Miami Herald, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, and the Tampa Tribune. He authored Havana Hardball: Spring Training, Jackie Robinson, and the Cuban League and Last Seasons in Havana: The Castro Revolution and the End of Professional Baseball in Cuba, which won the 2020 SABR Baseball Research Award. César began writing about Cuban baseball history inspired by his father's tales of American major-league players participating in Cuba’s winter baseball league during his childhood in the 1940s and '50s.César, a University of Florida graduate, has lived in Northern Virginia for over 15 years with his wife Karen and their son Daniel.
Books: • Havana Hardball: Spring Training, Jackie Robinson, and The Cuban League • Last Seasons in Havana: The Castro Revolution and the End of Professional Baseball in Cuba.
Elizabeth Bell has been crafting stories since her second-grade days. By fourteen, she had adopted a pen name, committing to her dream of becoming a published author. After earning an MFA in Creative Writing from George Mason University, she secured a position at the university's library, where she remains employed. Elizabeth devoted three decades to researching, writing, and refining her historical fiction series, The Lazare Family Saga. The series narrates the odyssey of a multiracial family striving to find their footing in the early United States. The first book, Necessary Sins, was a finalist in the Foreword Indies Book of the Year Awards. Its sequels, Lost Saints and Native Stranger, received Editors’ Choice distinctions in the Historical Novels Review.
Books: • Necessary Sins (Lazare Family Saga, Book One) • Lost Saints (Lazare Family Saga, Book Two) • Native Stranger (Lazare Family Saga, Book Three)
Kristen J. Amundson, with her background as a teacher, school board chair, state legislator, and CEO of a national education organization, is a nationally acclaimed authority on parenting and education. She educates parents on how to advocate for their children and for all children within the school system.
Books: • Unfinished Learning: Parents, Schools, and the COVID School Closures • 81 Questions for Parents: Helping Your Kids Succeed in School.
