 Florida Writers Speakers Bureau
Florida Writers Association members are pleased to share their knowledge on a variety of topics related to the craft and business of writing with your group.
Contact potential speakers directly about engagements.
Want to join the Speakers Bureau? Sign up here:
 Nancy Lee Bethea (she/her)
Email: [email protected]
Website: dcps.duvalschools.org/LAVILLA
Resides: Duval County
Speaks: In-person only
Topics: Helping young writers share their voices through journal writing, revision, and submitting pieces to contests and publications; fiction, nonfiction, & poetry
Nancy Lee Bethea is a professional writer and educator. For more than 20 years, she's taught young people how to find and share their voices with the world. She can help your students find confidence in sharing their writing with others. Nancy is the Director of Creative Writing at LaVilla School of the Arts, a public magnet middle school, in downtown Jacksonville. She's also been published in numerous newspapers, magazines, and anthologies.
 Rick Bettencourt (he/him)
Email: [email protected]
Website: freedomoakmedia.com
Resides: Manatee County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Make money from writing; increase productivity and output; email campaigns; advanced skills Microsoft Word, MS Office; book planning; book marketing; indie publishing; social media; tools for writers; writing life
Rick Bettencourt is an accomplished author, having published several novels and software specifications. His dedication to the writing community is reflected in his active role in Florida Writers Association where he has served on the board of directors and held positions as president and vice president of finance. Rick’s unique blend of technical knowledge and creative writing ability makes him a versatile and valuable professional in both business and literary fields.
 Kenneth Boyd
Pen Name: K. Lucius Boyd
Email: [email protected]
Website: bardopoetry.com
Resides: Duval County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: author websites or blogs; social media; writing poetry
Kenneth Boyd is a poet and jazz musician. His collection of poetry, Grasshopper Dreams, was published in 2023. According to Kirkus Reviews, "Page after page, Boyd offers a compilation of evocative and graceful poetry." He is enrolled in the UCLA Creative Writing Program studying under Prize winning poets. He is a member of Florida State Poets Association, Florida Writers Association, Academy of American Poets and the Poetry Society of America.
 Nancy Christie (she, her)
Email: [email protected]
Website: nancychristie.com
Resides: Ohio
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Book marketing, writing fiction, the writing life
Nancy Christie is the award-winning author of two Midlife Moxie novels: Reinventing Rita and Finding Fran; three short story collections; two books for writers; and an essay collection.The host of the Living the Writing Life podcast, Christie teaches writing workshops at conferences, libraries, and schools. She is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA), the Florida Writers Association (FWA) and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association (WFWA).
 Nancy J. Cohen (she/her)
Email: [email protected]
Website: nancyjcohen.com
Resides: Seminole County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Book marketing; indie publishing; traditional publishing; social media; writing craft: fiction; the writing life
Nancy J. Cohen writes the Bad Hair Day Mysteries featuring South Florida hairstylist Marla Vail. These books have won numerous awards along with her nonfiction titles, Writing the Cozy Mystery and A Bad Hair Day Cookbook. Active in the writing community, Nancy is a past president of Florida Romance Writers and Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America.
 Shutta Crum (she/her)
Email: [email protected]
Website: shutta.com
Resides: St. Johns County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Writing children's books; finding publishing opportunities using Duotrope and Submittable; writing poetry; tools for writers; traditional publishing
Shutta Crum has won 7 Royal Palm Awards (4 gold, 3 silver). Her poems have appeared, or are forthcoming, in many publications including Acumen, Calyx and Boulevard. She’s been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. Her chapbook When You Get Here won a gold Royal Palm. Her newest book is The Way to the River. Her books for children include 13 picture books, 3 novels and 2 board books, published traditionally.
 Ginnye L. Cubel (she/her/hers)
Email: [email protected]
Website: glcubel.com
Resides: Orange County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Email marketing; content marketing; alternatives to social media marketing; brand strategy; reader personas; SEO; author websites or blogs; book marketing; social media; tools for writers
Ginnye Lynn Cubel is a writer, podcast host, and coffee enthusiast. She has a BA in Creative Writing from Butler University and is the Marketing Chair for the Florida Writers Association. With over eight years of corporate and small business marketing experience, Ginnye loves helping other writers create successful author marketing plans. Currently, she is working on her debut novel, Ophelium.
 Patricia Daly-Lipe, PhD
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.literarylady.com
Resides: St. Johns County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Creativity is the key and comes from inspiration; the writing life
Award Winning Author, Speaker, Artist, Historian, Philosopher, Entrepreneur, Globetrotter, horse whisperer, it is hard to place Patricia Daly-Lipe’s success into one main category. With over 30 years of professional experience of being a successful artist, educator & entrepreneur, and over 18 years as a published and award-winning author in the literary industry.
 Vic DiGenti
Pen Name: Parker Francis
Email: [email protected]
Website: windrusherhallpress.com
Resides: St. Johns County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Writing Bios & memoirs, Building Suspense, Beginnings & Endings, writing the thriller, using the Save the Cat Beat Sheet, ghostwriting writing craft: fiction & nonfiction
Vic DiGenti is the award-winning author of six novels, a collection of short stories, and eight works of nonfiction. His novels include the Windrusher trilogy of adventure fantasies and the Quint Mitchell Mystery series, published under the pen name Parker Francis. Vic also works as a ghostwriter, biographer, and publisher using his imprint, Windrusher Hall Press. He lives with his wife and four cats in Ponte Vedra Beach.
 Arthur M. Doweyko, PhD
Email: [email protected]
Website: arthurmdoweyko.com
Resides: Indian River County
Speaks: In-person only
Topics: Science Fiction (hard & soft); book design; writing fiction
Arthur Doweyko writes and illustrates science fiction, fantasy and horror. He is the author of the award-winning novels: Algorithm and As Wings Unfurl. Many of his published short stories have also garnered awards and can be found in two anthologies: My Shorts and Captain Arnold. Captain Arnold won the 2021 Book of the Year (2nd runner up, FWA) Royal Palm Literary Awards). Recently, he won the 2022 L. Ron Hubbard Illustrators of the Future Contest.
 Charlene L. Edge
Email: [email protected]
Website: charleneedge.com
Resides: Orange County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Memoir writing; the writing life
Charlene L. Edge is a published memoirist, poet, and flash fiction writer. She authored From the Porch to the Page: A Guidebook for the Writing Life, and Undertow: My Escape from the Fundamentalism and Cult Control of The Way International. Edge earned a B.A. in English from Rollins College, worked as a technical writer, and is a member of the Florida Writers Association, the Authors Guild and the International Cultic Studies Association.
 Lynda R Edwards
Email: [email protected]
Website: lyndaredwards.com
Resides: Orange County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Ethnic writers; Caribbean writers; giving voice to the voiceless writers; writing fiction; the writing life.
Lynda R Edwards was born in Mandeville, Jamaica in 1967, the beginning of a turbulent time in Jamaica's history. She wrote her first novel, Redemption Songs, in 2019 after a reoccurring nightmare found a voice. During the pandemic, she poured the fear, turmoil, and uncertainty she felt into her second novel, Friendship Estate. She believes stories have the power to deepen our faith in the power of redemption, love, and humanity.
 Steven Eichenblatt
Email: [email protected]
Website: floridalawonline.com
Resides: Orange County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: My writing journey-thru a hundred rejections, finding an agent, to publishing; traditional publishing; tools for writers; writing nonfiction
Steven Eichenblatt is a new writer unless you count appellate briefs, litigation support and legal publications over thirty years as a trial lawyer. Full time trial lawyer, starting my own firm in 1993, growing it to become a multi-million dollar firm while handling hundreds of litigated personal injury cases. Decided to write my own story and then the chaos of a trial practice, the victories, defeats, and helping families who need it most.
 Jaimie Engle
Email: [email protected]
Website: thewriteengle.com
Resides: Brevard County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Adapting Books to Film; Writing for Film & TV; Building Worlds Bigger than Borders for Transmedia Fanbase, Tools o Sell B2B; book marketing; indie publishing; traditional publishing; tools for writers; writing craft, fiction; writing life
Jaimie Engle writes stories with a magic touch for film, television, and books. Her feature film Just Jake sold to TrueBrand Entertainment for release on UpTV Faith & Family Network, with the novel adaption sold to Vinspire Publishing (2023). Besides writing, Jaimie enjoys kickboxing, baking grain free treats, and supports her sons in professional theater and varsity football with her husband in Florida. Fun fact? Jaimie was an alien on Seaquest.
 Dianne Farb
Pen Name: Rebecca Heflin
Email: [email protected]
Website: rebeccaheflin.com
Resides: Alachua County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Indie publishing; writing fiction
Dianne Farb is a bestselling, award-winning romance writer under the name Rebecca Heflin. Dianne has won the Royal Palm Literary Award for published romance three times. As an indie-published author herself, she often provides advice for those who wish to pursue their own indie-publishing career.
 Joni M. Fisher (she/her)
Email: [email protected]
Website: jonimfisher.com
Resides: Polk County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: writing for paid blogs and magazines; research for fiction writers; editing & revision; writing fiction; the writing life
After decades in journalism, Joni M. Fisher turned to crime. Her Compass Crimes series has been recognized in the US Review, National Indie Excellence Awards, Clue Book Awards, RPLA, Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Kindle Book Awards, and others. She is a member of the FWA, ACFW, and Sisters in Crime. An instrument-rated private pilot, she reports for General Aviation News.
 Mary Flynn
Email: [email protected]
Website: maryflynnwrites.com
Resides: Orange County
Speaks: In-person only
Topics: Book marketing; writing craft: fiction; writing life
Mary Flynn has medaled in nearly all of her genres. Her novel, Margaret Ferry, won a gold medal and two silver medals, her Disney leadership book a silver medal. A former full-time writer for Hallmark Cards, Mary’s humor has appeared in The New York Times. She is published in The Saturday Evening Post’s Anthology of Great Fiction. She is a celebrated speaker appearing before nearly three-quarters of a million people, and is a radio host.
 Don M. Fox
Email: [email protected]
Website: donmfox.com
Resides: Duval County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Traditional publishing; nonfiction writing
Don Fox is the author of two acclaimed (traditionally published) works on World War Two history: Patton's Vanguard (2003) and Final Battles of Patton's Vanguard (2020). His third work, a collaboration with a veteran of the U.S. Fourth Armored Division, is scheduled for release in 2024. Fox is the former CEO of Firehouse Subs. He looks forward to sharing his writing and publishing experience with other writers.
Cathy D Fyock
Email: [email protected]
Website: cathyfyock.com
Resides: Charlotte County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: book marketing; social media; tools for writers; writing craft: nonfiction;Th e Speaker Author: Sell More Books and Book More Speeches; Writer Crisis Hotline; Finding the Flow and Building Momentum When You Write; Confessions of a Book Coach; and more.
Cathy Fyock, The Business Book Strategist, works with thought leaders and professionals who want to write a book as a business growth strategy. She is the author of 12 books, including On Your Mark: From First Word to First Draft in Six Weeks, and her most recent, Writer Crisis Hotline. She has helped more than 200 professionals become published authors, and believes that authors can and do change the world, one word at a time.
 Toni Gitles
Email: [email protected]
Website: mycaregiverconsultant.com
Resides: Seminole County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Aging; caregiving; mistakes caregivers make; mistakes seniors make in preparing for retirement; happiness is a practice not a pursuit; love and relationships; author websites or blogs.
Toni Gitles's background is in healthcare career, personal development, and 14 years caring for her mom. She is expert in teaching people to be confident, supportive caregivers for parents and spouses due to aging or chronic or progressive disease. Toni shares practices that transform the experience into a journey of connection, advocacy, and discovery. 21 Mistakes Caregivers Make and How to Avoid Them: Solutions and Strategies to Reduce Stress and Increase Happiness, available September, 2023
 Pamela D. Grey, EdD
Email: [email protected]
Website: poweryourdecisions.com
Resides: Marion County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: How To Make Your Best Decisions; How To Live By A Spiritual Framework; How To Eliminate Inferior Thoughts That Are Holding You Back; book design: indie publishing; writing craft; nonfiction
Pamela D. Grey, EdD. Release worry, doubt and fear with the Power Your Decisions: A Self-Study Workbook. Grey’s workbook received a Bronze Award for Educational Non-fiction in the 2020 Royal Palm Awards Competition by the Florida Writers Association, and is offered as an accredited course by all Centers for Spiritual Living.
 Arielle Haughee (she/her)
Email: [email protected]
Website: orangeblossombooks.com
Resides: Orange County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Author websites or blogs; book design; book marketing; editing & revision; indie publishing; traditional publishing; tools for writers; writing fiction
Arielle Haughee (Hoy) is a seven-time RPLA-winning author, editor, speaker, and publisher. She is the owner of the small press Orange Blossom Publishing and was previously the Executive Vice President and Marketing Chair for the Florida Writers Association. She was honored with the President’s Award from FWA in 2020, and in 2021 Pling’s Party was awarded Children’s Book of the Year.
 Robert Herrick
Email: [email protected]
Website: uwritekidsbooks.com
Resides: Broward County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Indie publishing; creating illustrations for your book without using AI or learning to draw; self-publishing your book without breaking the bank
Robert Herrick has self-published three picture books, one grammar book, and three books that help authors on their self-publishing journey. He is an award-winning screenwriter and worked for 20 years as a software developer. He helped create over fifty commercially released games and educational titles, including the best-selling Cabela’s Big Game Hunter Series.
 Eric Honour, PhD
Pen Name: Doc Honour
Email: [email protected]
Website: DocHonourBooks.com
Resides: Sumter County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: story structure; writing craft: fiction; indie publishing; navigating KDP; book design
Iconoclast and polymath Doc Honour is author of the Empathic Humanity science fiction series, including the novel Not Like Us, Gold sci-fi novel in the 2023 RPLA, and other books. He’s been a Navy pilot, an international leader in systems engineering, and an entrepreneur, with PhD from the University of South Australia. He’s taught 500 short courses in an entertaining style that engages participants. Doc can share his experience as a new author getting his work published through Amazon.
 Lisa Iriarte (she/her)
Pen Name: Elle E. Ire
Email: [email protected]
Website: elleire.com
Resides: Osceola County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: In-person networking, incorporating real life into fiction, finding and getting an agent, query letters, plotting vs. pantsing, writing sex scenes, pushing through writer's block; traditional publishing; social media; writing fiction; the writing life
Elle Ire is the author of nine traditionally published science fiction and paranormal romance novels. She has won a Goldie from the Golden Crown Literary Society, four gold RPLA awards, and been first runner up for book of the year. She has spoken at conferences all over the country, including FWA, WorldCon, ReaderCon, MegaCon, GCLS, and many more. Elle is represented by Naomi Davis.
 Wyne Karnath
Pen Name: WinLoseorDraw
Email: [email protected]
Website: findyournation.org
Resides: Sarasota County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Writing fiction; emerging technology and science fiction
Wyne Karnath speaks on emerging technology and science fiction. His presentation is for all writers. We are on the brink of a new age, the age of AI. Should you be uncertain about the accuracy of that statement, follow him. He’ll take you there! Wyne Karnath writes under the name of WinLoseorDraw. Nobody can figure out why. Perhaps someday he’ll tell us. Invictus!
 Ian Kirkpatrick
Email: [email protected]
Website: steakhousebooks.com
Resides: Polk County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Audio casting/design; book design; editing & revision; indie publishing; writing fiction; the writing life
Ian Kirkpatrick is an award-winning author of satire and magical realism. She currently holds a bachelor's degree in theater, a master's degree in creative writing, and will soon achieve a master's degree in forensic psychology.
Eliot Kleinberg
Email: [email protected]
Website: ekfla.com
Resides: Palm Beach County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Tight writing; tools for writers; writing fiction and nonfiction
Florida native Eliot Kleinberg spent nearly a half-century reporting on local news and writing about Florida and Florida history. He produced two history columns and wrote more than a dozen books, all of them about Florida. He lectures regularly on Florida topics and runs a blog on bad writing and how to fix it called "Something Went Horribly Wrong.”
 Lynne Marie
Email: [email protected]
Website: literallylynnemarie.com
Resides: Polk County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Picture books; critique groups; fairy tales; mashups;author websites or blogs; editing & revision; indie publishing; traditional publishing; social media; tools for writers; writing fiction, nonfiction, or poetry; writing life
Lynne Marie is the award-winning author of Hedgehog Goes to Kindergarten (Scholastic 2011), Hedgehog's 100th Day of School (Scholastic 2017), The Star of the Christmas Play (Beaming Books 2018), Moldilocks and the 3 Scares (Sterling/Scholastic 2019), Let’s Eat! Mealtime Around the World (Beaming Books 2019), The Three Little Pigs and the Rocket Project and The Three Little Pigs and the Rocket Project Coloring Book (Mac and Cheese Press, 2022), The Palace Rat (Yeehoo Press 2023) and more.
 Name: Tara Lynn Masih
Email: [email protected]
Pronouns: she/her
Website: taramasih.com
Resides: St. Johns County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Historical fiction; multicultural issues; short stories; flash fiction; small press marketing; book marketing; editing & revision; traditional publishing; writing fiction; writing life
Tara Lynn Masih is a National Jewish Book Award Finalist and winner of a Julia Ward Howe Award and a Florida Book Award for her acclaimed novel My Real Name Is Hanna, set in WWII Ukraine. Editor of The Rose Metal Press Field Guide to Writing Flash Fiction, Tara founded The Best Small Fictions series and recently published How We Disappear: Novella & Stories. Of East Indian/European descent, she lives in St. Augustine.
Lana McAra
Pen Name: Rosey Dow
Pronouns: she/her
Email: [email protected]
Website: lanamcara.com
Resides: Suwannee County
Speaks: In-person or online;
Topics: Book marketing; writing fiction; becoming a full-time writer
Lana McAra is an award-winning, international best-selling author and ghostwriter of 43 titles through traditional publishing with a million books sold, many under the name Rosey Dow. She has been teaching fiction for 20 years.
Julie Ryan McGue
Email: [email protected]
Website: juliemcgueauthor.com
Resides: Sarasota County
Speaks: In-person or online;
Topics: Indie publishing; adoption; adoption search and reunion
Julie Ryan McGue is an American writer, a domestic adoptee, and an identical twin. She writes about finding out who you are, where you belong and making sense of it. Her first memoir, Twice a Daughter: A Search for Identity, Family, and Belonging, released in May 2021.
 Chet Meisner
Email: [email protected]
Website: chetmeisner.com
Resides: North Carolina
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: 22 Rules for Writing a Fast(er) Paced Story; editing & revision
Chet Meisner is a traditionally and independently published author of fiction novels, nonfiction texts, and plays. He has received several Royal Palm Literary awards and recognitions and perennially serves as a judge for the Royal Palm Literary Awards competition. His short story, "Katrina’s Portrait" was named the #1 Special Master’s pick in the 10th Annual Florida Writers Collection. Readers consistently say his work is “fast paced and exciting,” and “keeps you turning the page.”
 Ed Mickolus
Email: [email protected]
Website: edwardmickolus.com
Resides: St. Johns County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: How to become a prolific writer; Powerpoint techniques; public speaking for writers; tools for writers
Ed Mickolus, after leaving Yale with a PhD, served in analytical, operational, management, and staff positions at CIA for 33 years, dealing with collection, counterintelligence, and covert action programs against terrorists, drug traffickers, weapons proliferators, and hostile espionage services. In retirement, he taught at CIA, the FBI Academy, ODNI, and numerous universities. His 50 books include a series of two dozen multi-volume chronologies and biographies on international terrorism.
 Eugene R. Milhizer
Email: [email protected]
Website: avemarialaw.edu/faculty/eugene-milhizer/
Resides: Collier County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Trial and crime fiction; true Crime
Gene Milhizer, Dean Emeritus and Professor of Law at Ave Maria School of Law, has published Dissecting Anatomy of a Murder, and has written a murder-trial novel entitled Searching for Lilly, pending publication. He has published dozens of law review articles in prestigious national and international law reviews, and presented on legal, writing, and film topics around the country and abroad.
 Pamela R. Mones
Email: [email protected]
Resides: Sarasota County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Editing & revision; tools for writers; writing fiction; writing life
Pamela Mones is an award-winning journalist and author of two children's stories. Her debut novel, A Deadly Mermaid Fetish, was released October 2022. She earned a Master's Degree in Communication. She won two awards from her short stories from the Sarasota Fiction Writers in its annual writing contest. She is working on her second murder mystery and a story in the magical realism genre.
John Edward Mooney
Pen Name: J E Mooney
Email: [email protected]
Website: jemooneybooks.com
Resides: St. Johns County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Writing fiction; the Writing Life; Lessons from Africa - Thirteen years of Life and Work on the Bright Continent
J E Mooney. Degrees in English, Engineering and Business; work as a teacher, an engineer, a tech exec, an entrepreneur, a Peace Corps Country Director, and now a novelist, Mooney is determined to figure out a career before he turns 75. Or is it 85? And he has an opinion on nearly everything.
 Ken Pelham
Email: [email protected]
Website: kenpelham.com
Resides: Orange County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: writing in viewpoint; building suspense; using setting as character; writing the fictional ending; the history and importance of genre lit, editing & revision; writing fiction
Ken Pelham has won eight Royal Palm Literary Awards in both fiction and nonfiction. A member of International Thriller Writers, his thrillers, Brigands Key and Place of Fear, both won first-place RPLAs. His nonfiction, Out of Sight, Out of Mind: A Writer’s Guide to Mastering Viewpoint, was named Royal Palm 2015 Published Book of the Year, and Gumshoes, Fangs, Rockets, & Spies, won the 2021 RPLA Gold for History.
 Al Pessin (he/his)
Email: [email protected]
Website: alpessin.com
Resides: Palm Beach County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Journalism; Foreign Correspondent Work & Life; Using Your Life Experience in Your Writing; editing & revision; traditional publishing; writing fiction; the writing life
Al Pessin is the award-winning journalist, playwright, and author of the thriller series Sandblast, Blowback and Shock Wave from Kensington Publishing. Al drew on his experiences as a reporter at the White House, the Pentagon, and in Asia, Europe and the Middle East, covering wars, revolutions, and a variety of stories over nearly forty years. Al has won seven RPLAs and a Florida Book Award.
 Michael J. Polelle, Esquire (he/him)
Pen Name: M.J. Polelle
Email: [email protected]
Website: mjpolelle.com
Resides: Sarasota County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Indie publishing; writing fiction, the writing life; legal issues writers face
Michael J. Polelle, Esquire is an emeritus law professor from UIC-School of Law. He taught defamation law, privacy law, and a first amendment seminar. He also directed an annual Media Law conference. His current day job"as a novelist has so far resulted in two indie novels: The Mithras Conspiracy (2019: Lido Press) and American Conspiracy (2021: Lido Press).
 Lucille Ponte (she/her)
Pen Name: Bridge DelPonte
Email: [email protected]
Website: bridgesdelponte.wordpress.com
Resides: Charlotte County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Copyright for authors; trademark for authors; tools for writers
Bridges DelPonte is an award-winning author of fiction and nonfiction. Her mystery, Deadly Sacrifices, won a Royal Palm Literary Award. She also published a fantasy novel, Bridles of Poseidon, a children's book, The Little Dusties - The Roar of the Silver Dragon, and numerous short stories. A law professor for over 31 years, she presents interesting and fun talks on copyright and trademark issues for fellow authors.
Elizabeth Randall (she/her)
Email: [email protected]
Resides: Seminole County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: The writing process, the writing query, the writing proposal, identifying your book's genre, writing nonfiction
Elizabeth Randall is a widely published freelance writer and the author of seven books (fiction and nonfiction). Her first poem was published in a national magazine when she was 11. Since then she has won numerous awards for her books and is invited to speak at museums, book clubs, book festivals, libraries, historical organizations, and schools.
 Kyle Ann Robertson
Email: [email protected]
Website: kyleannrobertson.com
Resides: Manatee County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Tools for writers; writing fiction; writing poetry; creative writing mindset; writing life
Kyle Ann Robertson is the author of White Picket Fences and writes contemporary women’s fiction that sinks its teeth into families’ miscommunications, misperceptions, and the chaos they cause, even in the name of love. After over twenty-five years as a Physical Therapy Assistant, College Instructor, fitness studio owner, and being a life long writer, Kyle received her certificate of Creative Writing from Emory University and is the founder of Embrace Your Muse Creative Writing Workshops.
 Armand Rosamilia (he/him)
Email: [email protected]
Website: armandrosamilia.com
Resides: Duval County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Twitch writing; horror writing; podcasting; rapid release strategies; indie publishing; social media
Armand Rosamilia is a full-time crime thriller, horror, nonfiction writer. Also a podcaster. Also a lover of coffee, bourbon, and M&Ms.
 Ginny Myers Sain
Email: [email protected]
Website: ginnymyerssain.com
Resides: Osceola County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: What Writers Can Learn From Actors and Directors; Crafting YA Dialogue; How Actors Use Physical Action and How Writers Can Steal That Technique; editing & revision; traditional publishing; ; writing craft: fiction; the writing life
Ginny Myers Sain is the author of Dark and Shallow Lies (2021) and Secrets So Deep (2022), both from Razorbill Books/Penguin Teen. Although she comes from a long line of writers, her first love has always been the theatre. She has a degree in theatre and has spent most of her career teaching acting and directing plays and musicals. Ginny currently lives in St. Cloud, Florida, with her teenage son and a wild Goldendoodle named Magnolia.
 Dan Sharp (he/him/his)
Email: [email protected]
Website: dansharp-writer.com
Resides: Alachua County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Tools for writers; writing life, how to control fear and anxiety
Dan Sharp is Emeritus Professor at the University of Florida, Animal Sciences Department. He is a member of the Florida Writers Association and the Writers Alliance of Gainesville. He is a member of the speaker’s bureau of the Writer’s Alliance of Gainesville. His blog on his website about a variety of science topics in lay language. The blog is well received.
 Lynn Sheft
Email: [email protected]
Website: lynnsheft.com
Resides: Collier County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Short stories; research; book design; editing & revision; indie publishing; writing fiction; writing life
Lynn Sheft is a former award-winning copywriter and creative director and an author of suspense novels and short stories. Her short story, “A Tryst with Fate” was published in Seascape: The Best New England Crime Stories. Her new suspense novel, Saving Maria, follows her debut novel, The Deadly Game. She is a founding member of Sisters in Crime-CT and holds memberships in Mystery Writers of America, Gulf Coast Writers Association, and Southwest Florida Fiction Writers. She lives in Naples, Florida.
 Catherine Shields
Email: [email protected]
Website: cathyshieldswriter.com
Resides: Miami-Dade County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Indie publishing; writing nonfiction; writing life
Catherine (Cathy) Shields writes about parenting, disabilities, and self-discovery. In memoir, The Shape of Normal, Cathy explores the truths and lies parents tell themselves. Her writing has appeared in NBC Today, Newsweek, Bacopa Literary Review, Grown and Flown, Brevity Blog, Mother Magazine, U Revolution, and Write City Magazine. Cathy resides in Miami, Florida with her husband. They enjoy taking long bike rides and kayaking. Follow her on Instagram @cathyshieldswriter.
Joel Shulkin, MD (he/him/his)
Email: [email protected]
Website: authorjoelshulkin.com
Resides: Pinellas County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Writing medical fiction & medical scenes; mental health & neurodiversity in book marketing; editing & revision; traditional publishing; social media; writing fictio
Joel Shulkin, MD, is the author of the medical thrillers Adverse Effects and Toxic Effects, and he has penned award-winning short stories and poetry. A pediatrician and United States Air Force veteran with a master’s in public health, Joel lives in Florida with his wife.
 Dennis Joseph Wall
Email: [email protected]
Website: dennisjwall.com
Resides: Seminole County
Speaks: Online only
Topics: Insurance, bad faith, author websites or blogs; writing nonfiction; writing life
Dennis Wall is an experienced litigator, mediator, and expert witness in Florida and federal trial and appellate courts. He is an AV-rated attorney, and an elected member of the American Law Institute. He has personally litigated issues similar to the newly arising issues addressed in his books and articles. He is the author of four books.
 Erwin Wunderlich
Email: [email protected]
Website: erwinwunderlich.wordpress.com
Resides: Seminole County
Speaks: In-person only
Topics: Writing historical fiction; magazine articles both how-to and historical; Tools for writers; writing fiction and nonfiction
Erwin Wunderlich holds advanced degrees in both education and engineering. He writes and illustrates Florida fiction books, and has won first place RPLA and Patrick D. Smith Awards. His books include Salvos on the Backwater and Drummer Boy on the Run novels, as well as a children's picture book trilogy When Cal Went to Juniper Springs, When Cal Went to the Blueberry Farm, and When Cal Went to the Family Reunion.
 Olivia Zugay
Email: [email protected]
Website: storyflowsolutions.com
Resides: Indian River County
Speaks: In-person or online
Topics: Author websites or blogs; book marketing; indie publishing; social media; tools for writers; the writing life
Olivia Zugay, founder of Story Flow Solutions, empowers authors with personalized guidance in publishing, launching, and marketing their books. She helps writers navigate the complexities of the industry, providing strategic support across traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing. With expertise in project management and branding, Olivia ensures authors make informed decisions while maintaining creative control, helping them grow their careers and build successful author brands.
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