2023 Indie Author Alley

Meet and greet 90+ indie authors from small presses and with self-published works in a variety of genres. Shop local and support independent writers by visiting them under the big tent in Topiary Park.

Adult Fiction

E.M. Anderson is a queer, neurodivergent author writing contemporary fantasy with a twist. Her debut novel features an elderly protagonist, dragons, and found family. 

 

Bethany Beckett-Foreman writes spicy urban fantasy romance, with LGBTQ+ characters. Amantes is her first book. Books two and three in the series will be forthcoming.

 

Matt Betts writes Weird Stuff, mostly. There are zombies in there, some steampunk, horror, science fiction. It’s just plain weird. Murderous black birds. And poetry. 

 

Tonya Ulynn Brown is a teacher of writing and history, a member of the Historical Novel Society, and the award-winning author of two historical novels. 

 

Kate Church is a fantasy writer who, armed with a love of nature, folklore and medieval history, strives to push  the boundaries of the imaginable.

 

Terreece Clarke’s bestselling children’s fiction and contemporary romance focus on Black characters, offering a safe space for people of color to be authentically themselves.  

 

David Allen Edmonds writing is an extension of his experiences. His small-town romance, written during the depths of the pandemic, captures the spirit of hometown life.

 

Author and dreamer, T EMiller writes Christian dark fantasy. Follow along on a mind-bending journey with an unexpected twist that will keep you guessing. 

 

Angela Ferrelli is a retired teacher and first-time romance novelist whose book School Days, School Daze  follows the relationship between a teacher and a principal.

 

Patti Flinn grew up on Columbus’ east side and spent much of her childhood at Main Library. She only recently began writing historical fiction.   

 

J.R. Froemling is a goblin writer extraordinaire. She writes everything from fantasy to spicy paranormal romance.

 

James A Fyerman is a full-time firefighter and paramedic who loves to write. He’s a huge fan of vintage sci-fi and classic space operas.

 

Evan Graham authors hard science fiction thrillers. His novel, Tantalus Depths, introduces his Calling Void series: a celebration of the mystery and dread of the Unknown.

 

Sarah Hans is a Columbus middle-school teacher by day and a horror novelist by night. Her debut novel,  Entomophobia,features psychological horror set in Ohio.

 

Jessi Honard and Marie Parks are coauthors of the award-winning Unrelenting, the LBGTQ+ fantasy thriller set in Ohio, featuring an asexual main character and a diverse cast. 

 

Jordan King has an MFA in Creative Writing. Jordan’s debut novel, White Oaks, was a finalist in the Ohio Writer’s Associations’ Great Novel Contest of 2019.

 

Mercedes King’s historical fiction series explores the private life of Jacqueline Kennedy. An upcoming  series, A Dream Called Marilyn, will focus on Marilyn Monroe’s last days.

 

Bharat Krishnan writes in a variety of genres.  His book Privilege won Best Adult Fiction for the Ohio chapter of the Indie Author Project in 2021.

 

Betty Kulich’s books are moral and fun: romance that delights the heart, historical fiction that teaches but captivates the reader, general fiction involving the supernatural.

 

M. Lynn is a USA Today Bestselling author of fantasy and contemporary romance, featuring sassy heroines falling for guys who don’t try to hold them back. 

 

Josef Matulich is known as “The Guy Who Writes Funny/Scary Stuff.” He writes mostly a horror/comedy blend, but has also written a steampunk misadventure.

 

Tim McWhorter is both a novelist and publisher. He is the founder of Manta Press, publishing horror, dystopian, sci-fi, fantasy, mystery thrillers, and more.

 

Daphne Moore writes speculative fiction or romance set in a fantasy/science fiction setting. In those settings, she explores topics such as economic inequity and social change.

 

Marla Morris writes about crimes that happened in the Columbus area, offering predominantly African American characters and social commentary on race relations and gender equality.

 

Brian Nutwell is a member of Dublin Creative Writers, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing community and publication opportunities for writers in Central Ohio and beyond.

 

Amy Randall-McSorley’s Wicked Dreams is a fictional thriller and The Hills of Circleville is a collection of ekphrastic poetry, some of which were selected for display at the Bradley Cancer Center in Circleville.

 

Andre Smith enjoys diving into areas hidden deep inside ourselves, our culture, or our way of life – the spaces in between what’s known and unknown.

 

Robert Stowe is a former businessman who’s novel The Third Pitch unlocks the mystery of a man of the cloth…and his fixer.

 

Sandra Valencia’s award-winning books blend fantasy, romance, action, spirituality, mysticism, and faith, reflecting the paranormal as well as her interests in cultural diversity and languages.

 

Beth White is the author of the Kit Wilson, RN series. Her writing is clean, light, and mildly tongue in cheek with slow burn romance.

 

An attorney and lifelong devotee of fantasy, Jay Willis seeks to sustain generations of readers with  his fantasy novellas, chapter books and sprawling epics.

Adult Nonfiction

Carmen Ambrosio is a Dublin, Ohio-based author of two books, Samson: Memories of a Found Hound and personal memoir Life Continues.  

 

Holly Brians Ragusa is a Cincinnati-based writer, poet, national speaker, indie publisher, community activist,  and contributing writer to Psychology Today and the Cincinnati Enquirer.

 

Signe Damron is a Columbus publisher and author. Her book of poetry and prose, French Door to Foyer, helped her find adventure in unexpected places.

 

Karen DeBonis’s narrative resonates with mothers, parents of children with neurodiversity and educational challenges, and anyone who has fought to be heard in the healthcare system.

 

Michelle Mickle Foster is an engineer, philanthropy executive, and public speaker. She is currently the President of the largest community foundation in Central Appalachia.

 

Annette Furio is the owner of Season Journals, designing and publishing guided keepsake journals that help people invest in their well-being and foster their relationships.

 

Craig McVay’s poems blend myth and family history, exploring the dimensions of what it means to be mortal. He teaches at Columbus State Community College.

 

Susan Morrell is a memoirist collecting a lifetime of essays, stories and poems to tell her story and stress the  value of introspection and self-reflection to her readers.

 

Anu Morris is a creative soul and global nomad with a firm belief in change from within. Her self- help and science fiction works center on transcending life’s stressors to discover permanent freedom, peace and joy.

 

Sincerely, Your Gynecologist by Dr. Ngozi Osuagwu, is a creative non-fiction book on women’s health. Written in letter format, the book discusses conditions in detail with approaches that can benefit the reader in their interactions with their physicians, especially obstetricians/gynecologists. The book aims to foster intergenerational conversation among women of all ages around different medical conditions.

 

Hope Reger’s book is in honor of her son, who she lost to murder at age 19. It is a mother’s memoir of devastation to determination.

 

Army veteran of 22 years, Regina Rembert runs a nonprofit called Think Veterans First, which promotes, supports, and advocates for veterans and veteran-owned businesses.

 

Pat Snyder’s Best of Balancing Act is a collection of columns she wrote for over twenty years, finding humor in the chaos of everyday life.

Middle Grade & Young Adult

Leslie Alexandar is a published poet, a first time, published author of my debut novel white lantern, which is a paranormal thriller. I’m the lead singer of the band, a single mother of two boys, and a paralegal by day.

 

An English teacher from Cleveland, Breshea Anglen (noniandthegodtree.com) has a passion for literacy and empowering kids, purposefully using BIPOC and LGBTQ representation in her fantasy books.

 

Robert Blackwell is a self-published poet of contemporary and traditional poetry covering various themes including current events.

 

Kate Church loves folklore and medieval history, creating worlds with strong ties to both, pushing the boundaries of what we know fantasy fiction to be.

 

Bob Corby writes comics, from graphic novels down to minicomics. Books are also in many genres including humor, science fiction, horror, fantasy, and memoir.

 

Pamela Croft’s biography tells the story of Fred Hillman, Holocaust survivor and founder of Lancaster Sales, whom she knew and attended to for many years.

 

Terry Eisele has taught English for over 30 years. His graphic novels won the S.P.A.C.E. prize in 2018. He currently teaches at Columbus State Community College.

 

M.T. Eley is the co-author of Mifflin Drift, a “mostly true” story based in Columbus in the ‘60s, filled with doowop, greasers, city slickers, and more.

 

Chris Farrar writes about young people struggling to survive when their worlds are turned upside-down by the armies of the empires of the ancient near east.

 

Dodi Hanes has been writing for magazines and newspapers for many years while working on creative fiction projects. Adahm’s Apples is her first chapter book.

 

Columbus-based Colette Harrell is an African-American female author who seeks to engage her readers through humor, adventure, and suspenseful layered stories that titillate the senses.

 

Victor Hess fiction, steeped in Christian values, is based on his experiences as a young boy in the ‘50s and ‘60s in the Midwest.

 

A minister and licensed social worker, Leo Jones believes in the power of words. His books of poetry inspire, uplift, and encourage his readers.

 

Jason Lady writes fantasy adventure stories for middle grade readers and the young at heart. His Magic Pen Adventure series follows middle school characters  whose magic pens bring drawings to life.

 

Keishay Moore’s collection of memories from her mother’s life and fight with cancer show how faith and family can provide hope in even the darkest of days.

 

Bryan Prosek writes young adult science fiction and dystopian novels. He is a practicing attorney and is actively involved in the fight against human trafficking.

 

Maurche Reed (Maurche The Dreamer) helps you transform your thoughts to renew your mind. She speaks the word of God and encouragement around the world.

 

Kasey Rocazella helps readers feel understood and less alone. Kasey’s book, The Human Zoo inspires people to question rigid ideologies and develop a better world.

 

Fred Rutter’s memoir writing is informed by his life in rural Central Ohio on the edge of Appalachia and his journey from addiction to sobriety.

 

Brieanna Wilkoff’s YA novel tells a story of finding kindness and healing from loss, with references to ‘80s rock, theater, and musicals sprinkled throughout.

 

Helen Yee’s memoir lays claim to her American heritage while proudly embracing her Asian roots. It is a joyful and uplifting story of her life.

 

Children's books

John Beimer’s Tiny Team Books helps kids learn to read with stories about their parents’ favorite university, with school traditions and experiences on every page.

 

Tracy Blom is an award-winning, self-published author, and hosts Books, Kids & Creations on the Authors on the Air Global Radio Network.

 

K. Ayo Boykin brings a 20-year school counselor’s expertise to My Body Is Mine, a book empowering children to recognize and speak out about abuse.

 

Erica Carlson is a children’s entertainer who has written over 10 magic storytelling shows that she performs with her live, magical sidekick, Sedgie the Hedgie.

 

Larry Carey’s book teaches children how to build vocabulary through alliteration, how to understand sentence structure and decode words by using the illustrations inside the book.

 

Marina Cheney’s writing is inspired by her ESL teaching experience and childhood memories. She offers young readers new facts to learn within each delightful story.

 

Afia Chrappah is an educator and school social worker who strives to give voice to the experiences of African immigrant children and other marginalized groups.

 

Kerry Cramer corralled an illustrated “Collection of Exotic and Quixotic Animal Poems” called Peculiar Pets. Read this book cover to cover before you decide which peculiar pet to get.

 

Julie Dinges’s award-winning children’s fantasy, The Search for the Scepter, sparks imagination, bravery, kindness, and inspiration amidst princesses, genies, mermaids, wizards, and unicorns.

 

Christina Dixon’s book I Am The Moon, inspired by a question from her son, encourages young readers to  seek out science and never stop dreaming.

 

Renée Ecckles-Hardy writes for both children and adults, promoting self-worth and positive relationships, ensuring that readers of color can read books that are about them.

 

Deborah Eiland is a semi-retired early childhood educator and published children’s book author. A mother of four and grandmother of eight, she lives in Columbus.

 

Kristen Elliott is an author, businesswoman, technology professional, and educator who promotes the power  of the arts to fuel creativity, critical thinking and collaboration.

 

Laura Elizabeth Gray wrote The Swing on the Silver Star in the Royal Purple Sky to reconnect with her inner child’s imagination, and invites readers of all ages to embark on their own journeys of exploration and rediscovery through her work.

 

Michael Fehskens’s comics and children’s books are enjoyed by adults and kids alike. They are fun and educational, blending an appreciation for nature with the supernatural.

 

With a passion for diversity, inclusion, and anti-racist education, Shannon Griffin hopes to transform relationships through equitable and justice-centered teaching, encouraging conversations around tough topics.

 

Elaine Hamilton’s children’s book series is about 5-year-old LeLe, who is living her life, enjoying her family, all the while dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

 

Amber Hill is committed to inspiring young people to see the greatness in themselves. Her books foster the joy of reading in our youngest learners.

 

Gabrielle Hill is the founder and principal author for The AntHill Creative, adding new & diverse voices to the publishing world while supporting creativity and wellbeing.

 

Danielle Jackson has created YA journals that include helpful prompts. She has also written a children’s book about stranger danger with a parent/teacher companion guide.

 

Children’s librarian A. Kidd encourages kids to write their own stories. Her newest picture book, The Healing Star, helps with nightmares and celebrates bicultural families.

 

Paula Johnson Neal creates children’s books that provide a mirror for black children to see themselves as the lead characters, reflecting the reader enjoying life.

 

J.P. Mitchell is a National Board-Certified educator who writes to give children anthems of empowerment that can become their soundtracks for success. She enjoys writing, creating and outdoor adventures with her family.

 

Joseph Moore creates picture books with positive messages, encouraging young readers to be happy with  who they are while also celebrating growth and change.

 

Melissa Moore created the Books with Buddies series to cultivate a world where children learn, enjoy reading, and want to share their books with buddies!

 

Melica Niccole has worked with many marginalized populations. She loves living outside the box and creating new things, a philosophy often reflected in her books.

 

Jane Ries is a graphic designer, illustrator and author of children’s books that can be serious, hilarious, and impactful to both children and adults alike.

 

Oswald St. Benedict writes stories about the world’s greatest boy detective, a character co-created with his grandson. His next book is due out in December.

 

Paige Warden strives to build worlds for others to get lost in. She’s written adult fiction as well as her children’s book, Hello, Moon.

 

A free spirit with a traditional heart, Ticana Zhu writes stories embodying the tension between what one wishes to do and what needs to be done.

Exhibit Tables Still Available

There’s still time to apply! To reserve a table in Indie Author Alley, see the Applications page.

Dive Deeper into the Festival.

Dolor sit amet ekolor aloma Cons ctetur the old what adips Incidunt ullt labe the off Duis euisod risus metus, a faucib.

Event Information

Dolor sit amet ekolor aloma  Cons ctetur the old what adips Incidunt ullt labe the off Duis euisod risus metus, a faucib.

Directions & Parking

Dolor sit amet ekolor aloma  Cons ctetur the old what adips Incidunt ullt labe the off Duis euisod risus metus, a faucib.

Covid-19 Precautions

Dolor sit amet ekolor aloma  Cons ctetur the old what adips Incidunt ullt labe the off Duis euisod risus metus, a faucib.

FAQs

Dolor sit amet ekolor aloma  Cons ctetur the old what adips Incidunt ullt labe the off Duis euisod risus metus, a faucib.