Meet the Authors

Born and raised in Southeast Idaho, Chris has always had a love of stories: whether reading them, watching them, or telling them. Throughout school, xe always found time to write and be creative in multiple endeavors. From yearbook to choir to English assignments, Chris always found joy in creating.

First published in 2020, Chris has multiple books on the market, with many more in the works. These include three planned series in addition to the science-fiction series Fragments already published, several plays and screenplays, and sequels to books already and yet-to-be-published.

In May 2023, Chris graduated with a master's degree in counseling. Currently working as a full-time licensed professional counselor, ze continues to write in whatever spare time comes along. Chris also enjoys advocacy and outreach in the LGBTQ+ population, as well as participating in local theater.

Erin Marie Bassett writes spicy romcoms for the people who need them. Her stories overflow with heart, heat, and humor and her MMCs fall first and hard. You can meet your next book boyfriend by taking the quiz at https://erinmariebassett.com/mmc-quiz

Dean Robert Holmes (he/him) is an aegosexual transmasculine author/artist who uses creativity to manage schizoaffective disorder and fibromyalgia. As a baddie fatty teeming with autism, he makes a point to represent his communities and believes strongly in the healing potential of kink. Like many alphabet porn purveyors, he started in the wonderful world of fan fiction by crafting stories with heat, hurt, and heart. After writing over 350 fan fics and a feature on the celebrated podcast Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend, he self-published his first collection of short stories, “Unlocked: Ten Titillating Transmasc Tales.” His debut novel, “Treading Water” is a high heat/heavy angst/happy ending contemporary queer romance, available in several independent bookstores and on Kindle Unlimited. He lives on stolen Dakota/Anishinaabe land, also known as St. Paul, MN, and enjoys spending time with his lovely partner, Mae. Right now, he’s likely scouring the ground for rocks or cobbling together That Angsty Queer Stuff filled with mental ills and sexual thrills for your reading pleasure.

Em is a storyteller and an artist based in the Twin Cities. They are the author of FRACTURED MAGIC, a sprawling epic fantasy about political accountability, and THE CASE FILES OF SHERIDAN BELL, a fantasy homage to the golden era of detective fiction. While most of their work sits squarely at the crossroads between old school fantasy and creeping gothic horror, they can also be found picking up a magnifying glass or exploring new planets. In their works, they carry on the storied queer tradition of exploring the haunting and the monstrous.

Beyond their books, Em is an attorney with extensive knowledge of fanworks and copyright. They have a B.A. in English Composition and have several years' experience as an SFF developmental editor. When not writing, they can be found reading or gaming, likely trapped under one of their five cats.

Jayde Seraphine, who also publishes under Kurai Akume, is a Wisconsin native that fell I'm love with reading at a young age. She enjoys her days, reading, crocheting, snuggling with her cats, gardening, and of course writing. Her love of big worlds and story telling shine through in her published works and those that haven't quite hit the shelves.

Katelyn Young is an author from Wisconsin. She has self-published six books including The Vult, The Vociety, Omeo & Jewel, The Four, Wretched Woods, and I Know What You’re Thinking. When she isn’t writing or editing, she can be found glued to the television or spending her time obsessing over all things vampires.

Monica’s background as a trained singer, coupled with bachelor’s degree in music, infuses her narratives with rich musical themes. She lives in the upper midwest, and draws inspiration for her settings from the northern, forest-clad climate. Beyond writing, she is a mother, wife, full-time worker, and choreographer.

Her work ranges from fantasy, romance, to sci-fi, and promises to sweep readers into an immersive world where love and magic intertwine.

FRIDAY ONLY

Author, blogger, traveler, tea-drinker.
I like 80s dance parties. I love apocalypse movies. I tend to eat a lot of appetizers. I think Magic 8 balls are a valid way to make decisions. And I think the point of being an adult is the right to have ice cream for dinner if that’s what you want. But I only do that occasionally. I dream of being multi-lingual.

I am currently very far from this goal. I’m always on the lookout for new adventures. I think my child-like enthusiasm for life is endearing. Hopefully, my friends and loved ones agree. I yoga on occasion. I feel Buffy the Vampire Slayer is the best TV show ever made. Veronica Mars a very close second.

I frequently watch horror movies alone – and then regret it. I like beautiful oddities. Thundersnow is my favorite weather phenomenon. I consume a lot of wine and conversation.

I was a closeted romantic for years, but recently came out.

K.M. Woods is the author of the debut novel "Song of Shadow and Light," the first installment in the 'Orchestra of Divinity' series. Before turning to writing, K.M. worked in the medical field throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and an advocate for mental health and disability awareness, K.M. brings their own experiences to both life and fiction. They are committed to representing diversity and equality in every story they tell. Self-published and proud, K.M. Woods hopes you’ll find as much joy in their books as they do in writing them.

In 2025 Abigail Aaronson debuted her first novel, Lavender & Gin: A Sapphic Historical Romance. She has been writing for a lifetime and her work reflects her passion for queerneess, queer love, and the queer community itself.

As a research nerd, Abigail loves a good information rabbit-hole. Lavender & Gin weaves multiple histories, including the "pansy craze," Detroit's gangland underground, and America's notorious Prohibition era.

When she's not writing romance or researching whatever's caught her attention, Abigail cooks with her recipe club, grows plants that thrive on benign neglect, paints badly, hangs out with her two cats Bo and Xena, or visits her wonderful family who live in the heart of the South.

Sarah Zimm is a dark fantasy romance author from Wisconsin. Her debut, EVERY DARK SHADOW, is a Readers Favorite International Book Award winner, afire with romance, magic and morally grey anti-heroes. When not writing, Sarah is ever consumed with a good book, reheating tea, watching her husband jump around with his guitar on stage, and scrutinizing the shadows that lurk in the woods.

Ruan Willow is a spicy HEA multi pen name author who also writes Romantasy, romcom, and other spicy romance subgenres, including hotwife and under one taboo pen name. Her writing ranges across various levels of heat--but don't pen her in a box because she even writes some sweeter romance (shhhh! it's a secret!). Writing about love and relationships, especially open door, are her jam! She writes about empowered women and their sexy partners, whose top desire and priority is to pleasure her. And not only just meet the FMC needs, but exceed them, which also satiates them. Her characters love to explore their sexuality and pleasure in unrestricted consensual ways. She's also a podcaster at Oh F*ck Yeah with Ruan Willow where the topics are sexual wellness & sexuality with interviews of experts, personalities, doctors, therapists, authors and more on Fridays, plus spicy fiction narration and stories on Tuesdays. She's also an audiobook narrator, for her own books and other authors as well. She also occasionally writes on her blog ruanwillowauthor.com.

Scott's writing endeavors to illuminate universal themes of connection, love, yearning, and sacrifice. Simultaneously, his work aims to provide solace and representation to individuals by exploring unique identities and experiences through the lens of crafted characters and narratives. As a proud member of the queer community, Scott actively advocates for increased visibility and representation of queer stories. Scott believes that sharing these stories is essential for fostering understanding, empathy, and a more inclusive society.

Stephanie Olson (she/her) is a writer, horror movie enthusiast (especially the bad ones), and Halloween-all-year person. The first story she ever wrote was the gripping tale of a haunted bog. It was created in an attempt to scare her bunkmates at summer camp, and the result was so successful she was banned from writing any more stories that week. She’s been chasing that high ever since. While horror is her first love, she also enjoys writing fantasy and mysteries. Stephanie has a short story published in Spontaneous Combustion Volume II, by Sic Semper Serpent, and has written numerous episodes for the horror anthology podcast, Ghost Wax. Her debut novel, Still Chosen: Another Unwanted Adventure, was published in 2025. She lives in Minnesota with her equally talented husband and not-at-all talented dog.

Haley Valenta is a poet from Wisconsin. She has been writing for most of her life and has long dreamed of being an author. In her poetry, she covers subjects such as mental illness, self-discovery, and relationships. Her poetry has been described as both lyrical and conversational.

Nicole Crystal believes the best love stories happen when smart, strong women meet their match—whether that's on a baseball diamond or between the boards of a hockey rink. Her sports romances are packed with hope, heat, humor, and heart. Based in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and kids, Nicole spent fifteen years in corporate America before trading spreadsheets for second-chance romances and hockey heat.

Ashley is a local Eau Claire author who writes romance with dark plots but sweet romances, and couples who would do anything to save the people they care about.

Chocolate loving- espresso addicted, Endria Nuaros is an author of steamy romance novels with happily ever afters. She feels life can be hard enough at times and everyone deserves an HEA, especially in an imaginary world.

As her boys grew and needed her less, Endria found herself thinking more and more about the stories in her head she’d never put down on paper, until she finally did one fall day in 2020.

When she isn’t writing, you’ll find her attending her sons’ activities, reading, traveling, painting, and spending time with her family and friends. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, three sons, two dogs, and two cats who keep her very busy. She credits her big fat Greek and Lebanese family for her love of delicious food and fun, as well as her passionate enthusiasm and temperament.

Cassandra Medcalf is a writer, narrator, audio engineer, food enthusiast, wine taster, do-it-yourselfer, and an amateur film critic (despite not having seen hardly any movies). She lives by the Kraken-infested Lake Superior in Duluth, MN with her adorable husband and their even more adorable dogs. You can follow her and her family’s hare-brained schemes and lofty pursuits on her website, cassandramedcalf.com (or, if you’d rather just look at the pictures, on Instagram @CassandraMedcalfVO).

PAYTYN VEIL is the author of the dark romantasy When Realms Fall. She writes stories for readers who love cursed kings, impossible choices, and love that doesn't fix everything.
She finds her inspiration in ordinary moments that feel like the beginning of a story. A walk through the woods, a waterslide, the quiet before a storm rolls in...
When she's not writing, she's probably reading, or exploring the Midwest with her family while dreaming up new realms.

"Local award-winning author Starr Z. Davies is an accomplished author with a diverse literary portfolio. With 17 published books under her belt, she has garnered acclaim for her work in dystopian, fantasy, and historical fiction genres. Several of her novels have received prestigious awards, cementing her status as a notable figure in the literary world.

Starr is known for writing action-packed, character-rich, inclusive tales featuring LGBTQ and neurodivergent characters. Known as the "Character Assassin," she fearlessly pushes her characters to their limits. No character is immune to her penchant for emotional turmoil, making her a true literary force to be reckoned with.

Residing in the picturesque north woods of Wisconsin with her husband, two children, and a collection of robotic pets, she balances her writing career with home improvement projects, swimming, and voracious reading."

Mallory Glass enjoys creating worlds within worlds for her characters to explore. She writes for those who love to embrace a temporary escape from reality. 

When she’s not engaged in vicarious angst over the antics of fictional characters, she digests too much media and suffers the antics of her hostile pet rabbit.

Her latest novella, Stone Shadows, was released June 2026 from Sloth & Envy Press. Mallory’s flash rom-com won first place in Writing Battle’s professionally judged Heart contest. Her horror work can be found at Whisper House Press.

Mallory’s college romance, Me + You, was released in spring 2026.

Originally an Okie from Muskogee, she now lives in the Twin Cities, MN.

Find her atwww.malloryglass.com

Melissa Lam loves reading and writing romance books that take the reader on an emotional roller coaster full of mystery, suspense, and heartache.
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As an extroverted introvert who doesn’t like to leave the house (because it requires wearing pants), Melissa enjoys playing strategic board games and taking long showers. When she does find the will to put pants on, she can be found traveling, enjoying bubble tea, or experiencing the world through food.

TL;DR I like to eat and write about heartbreaking stuff.

Jessie Rose writes dark thrillers, horror and tales of love gone wrong. Jessie grew up in Alabama, moved to Chicago and made a home in Southeast Wisconsin near Lake Michigan. Their debut novel Atomic Love, a psychological thriller about domestic violence, set in the 1980s L.A. heavy metal scene, was published in 2019. Rose’s serial killer thriller Least Likely Suspect was released in 2024.

They write LGBTQ+ horror and fantasy under the pen name Finley Rose. Jessie is a graduate of Northeast Alabama Community College & City University of New York.

Hi, I’m J.B. Corgard — a sci-fi/fantasy author, gamer, and unapologetic world-builder from Sheboygan, WI. I’ve always been fascinated by the way stories can reshape the world around us, letting us explore questions of survival, identity, and belonging through new realms. Writing is how I open doors to those realms and invite others inside.

I grew up loving stories that blended the impossible with the human — from epic adventures like Lord of the Rings to immersive games like Fallout: New Vegas. Those influences shaped how I write today: worlds that feel lived-in, layered with danger and wonder, where every character’s choices matter.

Outside of writing, I’m a collector of experiences. I love thrifting for treasures that spark inspiration, hiking trails that remind me of the vastness of the world, and cooking (though mac & cheese will always be my comfort go-to). I’m also not shy about color — pink is my favorite, because even in the coldest worlds, a little brightness belongs.

For me, being an author isn’t just about telling stories — it’s about building worlds rich enough that readers feel like they could step into them. That’s what I strive to do with every project I take on.

Annika Authoress likes to think of herself as a woman who loves stories and wants to share them with the world.

In addition to being a sweet and swoony fantasy and fairytale author, she has particularly strong feelings about the Oxford comma, loves dramatic music, and firmly believes that fairytales are for all - not just children. When not reading or writing, you can often find her making something (whether that be a crocheted blanket or a much neglected cross-stitch project), spending far too much time watching hockey with her friends, and enjoying all things pink and sparkly. As of recent, she has graduated with her BA in English literature and writing (with honors) and lives in the Twin Cities with her beloved family.

Kate crafts fast-paced, spicy contemporary romance and romantic comedy. Growing up as one of five kids, she mastered the art of escaping into fictional worlds, often by "borrowing" her mom’s Nora Roberts books. These days, when she's not busy creating her own swoon-worthy tales, she's devouring Meghan Quinn and Elsie Silver novels like they're the hottest gossip at a family reunion.

When she's not embroiling her characters in yet another laugh-out-loud disaster, you can usually find her surrounded by animals or with her nose buried in a spicy read. Her pets behave as if they're the real brains behind her stories, but Kate remains unconvinced—though she admits they do have a knack for comedic timing.

Follow Kate on social media and sign up for her newsletter to hear Ollie’s life advice and book reviews. Disclaimer: Ollie is a German Shepherd. His judgment is questionable. Kate strongly advises against following his advice—unless you’re a dog, in which case, bark away.