Authorfestparticipants2008

This is the page where you can see who will be attending Gotta Write Network's annual AuthorFest on June 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Schaumburg Twp. District Library in Schaumburg, Illinois. E-mail Denise Fleischer if you'd like to attend as a participating author, publisher, editor, PR rep, beginning author or avid genre reader!

I've slipped a picture of Denise here so you'll know who she is and can introduce yourself when you attend. She's the author of two time travel/paranormal/SF novels and will soon have her first Romantic Suspense published. She's a lifestyle editor for a community newspaper in Des Plaines, Illinois and owner of gottawritenetwork.com, the sponsor of the AuthorFest.

Who will be attending this year's AuthorFest is determined by responses from invitations posted on various yahoo e-groups. GWN will be open to guest participation until Friday, May 16. Fill out the participation form . Copy and paste it and email it to Denise ASAP. She's currently gathering bio statements and making her list of who will be in the 5 panels.

ANN MACELA writes both contemporary and contemporary paranormal romance. Her first book, the award-winning THE OLDEST KIND OF MAGIC (2005) was followed by DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC? (2007), YOUR MAGIC OR MINE? (2009) and WINDSWEPT (2008, all Medallion Press). In Macela’s "Magic Series, her practitioners cast spells to help them with their everyday jobs. She has learned first hand how to harness the magic of writing with the creative process, but like her spellcasters, she knows that writing takes work, practice, and dedication before the magic will come. Her stories strive to be enchanting, sensual, and smart.

Chicago area author, MORGAN MANDEL, keeps re-inventing herself. Her first book, TWO WRONGS, is a dark mystery, combining the style elements of a John Grisham-type courtroom scene, a Danielle Steel-like tragic second-chance-at love, as well as a revenge plot reminiscent of a Charles Bronson movie. Her latest release, GIRL OF MY DREAMS, is a romantic comedy and Cinderella story about a straitlaced assistant who turns vamp in a reality show to save a dying studio. Morgan is a past president of Chicago-North RWA, is currently Library Liaison for Midwest Mystery Writers of America, belongs to Sisters in Crime and EPIC. At one time she also freelanced for the Daily Herald. For more info, visit Morgan Mandel at www.morganmandel.com http://www.morganmandel.com/ .

CHRISTINE VERSTRAETE has had short fiction published in Mouth Full of Bullets, Orchard Press Mysteries, Flashshot and coming in Cat Tales/Wildside Press. In her first mystery, "Searching For A Starry Night," a nosy Dachshund digs up a family curse... can Sam find the missing miniature art and save her longest friendship? The book is partly inspired by her dollhouse and miniatures collection. Her young sleuth is also featured in the story, "Fire and Magic," published in the anthology, "The Heat of the Moment," from Echelon Press, www.echelonpress.com The anthology benefits survivors of the 2007 San Diego wildfires. Contact Christine at chris@cverstraete.com and via her website at http://cverstraete.com.

LINDA MOONEY loves to write romance with a fantasy or science fiction flair. Her technique is often described as being as visual as a motion picture or graphic novel. By day she is a Kindergarten teacher, wife, and mother of two who lives in a small south Texas town near the Gulf coast. But at night she delves into worlds filled with daring exploits and sensual, erotic romance.

NC journalists and bestselling authors JOYCE AND JIM LAVENE write the Peggy Lee Garden Mysteries (Perfect Poison, May 2008) and the Stock Car Racing Mysteries (Hooked Up, January 2008). Their new projects are the Pet Psychic Mysteries (The Telltale Turtle, July 2008) and the Renaissance Faire Mysteries (Wicked Weaves, September 2008).

When they aren't promoting or writing their books or taking photos of sweet potatoes that look like guinea pigs and town officials who look like sweet potatoes, they spend time with their family (3 children, 5 grandchildren), their dog, Bear and their cat, Quincy who 'help' them write.

SCARLETT DEAN has been a true paranormal and mystery fan since childhood, always creating her own dark worlds and characters; penning her first short story at the age of eight. Eventually her love of both the paranormal and mystery genres came together in her literary works. She is the author of four titles ranging from horror to dark romantic fantasy. She enjoys motivational speaking at area schools to promote the gift of writing and encourage reading.
Scarlett is married with three children, and claims her Siberian Husky is more like a fourth child than a pet. She lives in NW Indiana and is at work on her next novel.

EARL MERKEL is the author of Virgins And Martyrs (Five Star 2008, under the name "E.L. Merkel"); Final Epidemic (PenguinPutnam/NAL 2002), a Barnes and Noble national bestseller re-released in hardcover by Elmtree Press/Tifda Publishing 2008; and Dirty Fire (PenguinPutnam/NAL 2003).Earl spent more than a decade as a journalist, columnist and commentator; today, he contributes to a variety of newspapers and magazines. As the "more" on the nationally broadcast talk-radio program Money & More, he co-hosts and produces, Earl leaves the money-talk to the experts. He admits that he's far more comfortable in other areas --talking with authors like Lawrence Block, Ken Burns, Robin Cook and Neil Gaiman about their books; arguing current events and politics with such guests as Steve Forbes, Jack Welch, Dick Morris, Oliver North and Newt Gingrich; and even cracking-wise with the likes of Mark Steyn, Neal Cavuto and Michael Medved-- than he is dealing with financial matters: "In my own finances, I'm anything but a good example -- but I'm a great bad example," he laughs.

Born in Poland, MARGOT JUSTES has lived in some of the world's most wonderful places, including Israel, France, and South Africa. Currently living in the Midwest, she has taken her love for travel and art and cultivated it into unique settings and stories for her writing. Margot is a member of Romance Writers of America, the Chicago North RWA Chapter and Sisters in Crime. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Chicago Chapter of Sisters in Crime. 2007 brought the contract for her first novel, "A Hotel in Paris."

Rachel Madorsky authored several books including, "Karma of Your Destiny," "Create Your Own Destiny," "Energy and Health of Man" and "Your Choice." Her books have been published in USA, Russia, Ukraine, and India. Rachel's books offer profound insights into the power of natural and spiritual healing and are filled with inspiring stories of people who have benefited from her compassion and gifts. In these books, the reader gains an insight into the power of natural and spiritual healing from a science-oriented practitioner. Her new book "Symphony of Your Karma" is ready for publishing. This book will awaken in the reader the feelings of hope and optimism as they face the changes in their destiny. Visit Rachel Madorsky at www.Rachelmadorsky.com.

SARA DANIEL writes hopeful, emotional love stories to satisfy a reader's heart. Her "Heartfelt from the Heartland" contemporary romances make people everywhere believe in love and happy endings again. Sara made her publishing debut with "Lane to Heaven," a story of a small town female minister desperate to protect her reputation and the man determined to ruin her. "Path to Popular" a spin-off short story available through Amazon Shorts, follows two teen characters from "Lane to Heaven." Sara is currently president of the Chicago-North Chapter of Romance Writers of America (RWA), as well as a member of Windy City Romance Writers and the Published Authors Special Interest Chapter of RWA. Learn more about Sara at her website at
www.myspace.com/sara_daniel

JENNA PETERSEN started writing full-time in 1999 when her husband said, "You're only happy when you're writing, why don't you do that?" In 2004, her dream came true when her literary agent called to say she'd just sold two books to Avon.

Her releases include: Scandalous (October 2005), From London With Love (August 2006) and Desire Never Dies (January 2007), Seduction is Forever (October 2007) and the upcoming Lessons from a Courtesan (July 2008). She also writes erotic romance as Jess Michaels, and helped launch the Avon Red line with her novella in Parlor Games. She recently published her first full-length erotic romance, Everything Forbidden. Her latest Jess Michaels release is Something Reckless. She's been a Bookscan and Waldenbooks Mass Market bestseller.

In addition, she has run The Passionate Pen since 1999. This popular site for aspiring authors gets nearly 200,000 hits per month and contains information on literary agents, publishing houses, articles about writing and the industry, links and Jenna's Diary toward and beyond publication. You can find her at http://www.passionatepen.com/ and at http://www.jennapetersen.com/ .

DANA LITTLEJOHN was raised in Brooklyn, NY, but has called Indianapolis, Indiana her home for more than 10 years. Her love for writing started at a young age as she entertained her friends with an ongoing novel she passed around the lunch room in junior high school in weekly installments. When she was older, her dream to be a writer continued to grow, but had to lie dormant so she could get a real job and deal with reality. Luckily, she picked up her pen again in 2003 and hasn't put it down since. To her credit she has written 3 full length novels, 8 novellas, 11 short stories, and has done 3 different series with other authors with much more on the way. Look to her website for news on her: www.danalittlejohn.net.

JAMES T. DURKIN is the author of "In My Dreams", a fictional novel about a young man from the suburbs of Chicago who gets elected President of the United States at the age of 29. His second novel, "The Call of Angels," is tentatively scheduled to be published in September 2008. Durkin, 42, works full-time as a Civil Investigator in the Financial Investigations Team. He earned both his Bachelor and Masters of Science degrees in Political Science from Illinois State University. Durkin, also, is a part-time college instructor of American Politics classes since 1992. His hobbies include a variety of charitable activities, such as running his church drama team; being a public speaker to raise awareness for Deep Venous Thrombois (DVT), which kills 200,000 Americans each year; training for a world record attempt on the treadmill. He recently was designated as an Advanced Severe Storm (Tornado) Spotter.

JENNIFER STEVENSON made the jump from small press to major NY publishing house with the help of Romance Writers of America and a lot of persistence. This summer she has three funny paranormal romances coming from Ballantine Books, about a fraud cop who goes undercover to bust a fake sex therapist and accidently releases a sex demon from the "treatment bed." The Brass Bed and The Velvet Chair are available now in bookstores. The Bearskin Rug will be released June 25. Jennifer lives in the Chicago area, where she writes, rides horses, and practices roller derby as research for her heroine's next undercover adventure.

JOANN FASTOFF has written extensively for Chicago, New York and Philadelphia publications and written, produced and directed three one-act plays for off-off Broadway in New York. In addition, she was publicist for the musical group "Kool and The Gang" and has interviewed and written about numerous celebrities including award winning photographer Gordon Parks and Grammy-award winning musician B.B. King. Fastoff was born in and lives in Chicago. She is the mother of two adult children Angela and David. "The Pact" is her second novel.

DEE OWENS - My books are inspirations come true, dreams of dresses, magical places, and remembering loved ones lost. I enjoy a good romance no matter the genre, a great song, and spending time with those I love. I believe and continue to try to create Romances that not only make you sigh, but also give you something to cherish always.

I am also a Freelance Artist and Publicist. I have been in the writing industry since 2004 and my first book published in 2005 was nominated in 3 categories of the Golden Rose Awards. I can honestly say that others are right, being nominated is truly an honor.

LYNN VOEDISCH is a Chicago journalist and fiction writer with many years experience working for newspapers and magazines. She is a member of the America Society of Journalists and Authors and the Society of Midland Authors. She started out as editor of her college newspaper at Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa, and went on to work for WBBM-TV, Chicago; Pioneer Press in suburban Chicago, the Los Angeles Times, and spent a long stint at the Chicago Sun-Times. She was an entertainment reporter and technology reporter there and helped develop the newspaper's fledgling Web site. The site and staff won Best Innovation from the Inland Daily Press Association and the Dvorak Award for Web content. She has been on television ("Chicago Tonight") and radio (WBEZ-FM) talk shows, discussing arts topics that affect the city. After leaving the Sun-Times, she pursued a freelance career where she was published in the Chicago Tribune and in the Industry Standard, Grok and Connect-Time (all technology magazines). She also did arts stories for Dance Magazine and the Tribune. A short story of hers, "Wili," was published in Folio literary magazine in Winter, 2001. She is now working on fiction and has completed three novel manuscripts. Her first novel, "Excited Light" (ASJA Press) is available at Amazon.com, bn.com, booksamillion.com and can be ordered at any Barnes & Noble store.

MOLLY MACRAE'S series characters, Margaret and Bitsy, have bickered through seven stories in "Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine." Her stories have also appeared in "Hardluck Stories" and "Mysterical-e. MacRae's story "More or Less" won the Sherwood Anderson Award for Short Fiction in 2000. Her first novel, "Wilder Rumors," was published in May 2007 by Five Star Mysteries. Look for her latest short story, 'Cookies,' co-authored with Stephen F. Johnston of the Netherlands, in the June 2008 "Hitchcock." MacRae is a member of the Short Mystery Fiction Society, Mystery Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime.

PEG HERRING is a former educator who taught writing for many years and is published in just about every form: plays, articles, short stories, a novel, and least fun of all, government grants. Her first book, MACBETH'S NIECE, is an historical romance released in January, 2008, by Five Star. She also writes mysteries.

In addition to writing, Peg loves music, travel, and of course, reading. She speaks to library groups, students, and book clubs on the historical and mystery genres and also teaches effective speaking techniques. Her workshop, "Write, Edit, Publish," is designed for those who want to break into writing, a sort of primer for getting started. Peg believes that in these times, writing must be a blend of many talents: stories come from the heart, but success requires a strong will, a sharp mind, and a very patient disposition.

DR. NAOMI ROBERSON is an Organizational Psychologist and a Motivational Speaker who has been a talk show host for Access Television for over 16 years. She is a television producer/writer/director who produces documentaries, award shows, public service announcements and interviews for local television. Dr. Roberson has an associate's degree in accounting, a bachelor's in behavioral science, a master's in management and human resources. She has doctorate degrees in organizational psychology and divinity and is an ordained minister. Dr. Roberson and her husband are the founders of a non-profit community outreach organization and they were pastors for over 13 years. Dr. Roberson counsels women and holds annual conferences. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to empower women who are hurting. Her experience and academic background have qualified her with proven skills and abilities as a professional to reach the masses.

STACEY KLEMSTEIN - The daughter of a Lutheran minister and a teacher, Stacey never found any shortage of books in her house or people to read to her (though her mother swears she still has most of Little House on the Prairie memorized from reading it aloud so often). Stacey created her first story before she could even write, dictating it to her mother, who jotted it down on a paper bag. Her father introduced her to science fiction with Star Wars and seven episodes of the original Star Trek series on tapes that she watched over and over again. Always being the new kid in school helped, too. Stacey entertained herself by making up stories, mostly about being a princess from another planet hidden among the humans for her own safety. Even now, she still wonders about that! Stacey graduated from Valparaiso University in 1997 with an English degree. She loves writing stories, and she is grateful to God every time she is given the opportunity to do so. She currently lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, Greg, and two retired racing greyhounds, Joezooka and Tall Walker. Visit her website at www.staceyklemstein.com to email her or to learn more about The Silver Spoon, Eye of the Beholder and her other works.