VIRTUAL AUTHORS
Please visit their socials and websites, follow, like and share and buy some books!

Alexandra Grace writes sweet with heat romances that bring a happy ever after to broken veterans and the people they love. She began writing her first novels during the COVID-19 pandemic after a book idea kept her up at night. Writing has become a passion and obsession and she has plans to expand her current series (The Journey Series) for at least four more books for a total eight. But there are many more books and series to come! Writing is now as vital as breathing! She was born in California while her father served in the Navy and grew up in southern Georgia. She now lives at the top of Virginia with her husband and two teenagers and is a full-time public servant by day.  Website Instagram: @authoralexandragrace
Aparna Parthasarathy, 17, a literary activist, is recipient of the Gold President’s Volunteer Service Award, is a junior in high school. She is a motivated high school student passionate about political science and government and passionate about remedying structural inequalities, closing educational gaps, representing Generation Z’s values to shape legislation with elected officials, and informing our generation on the policies that affect us and our future. An author, her book titled "Tales of the Invisible" was published last Fall and rose to become a best seller in its category within a month of release. This book explores the hardships of women across the world and celebrates their strength to find the one thing that unites us all. Hope. One of the central themes of her book is gender-based violence and through this book, she aims to educate about the persecution that people around the world face due to their gender and to highlight how deeply we as a society are affected by these problems. Aparna is an executive board member of SBHS’s Model UN and a core member of Amnesty International and She’s The First organizations. She serves as an advocacy lead for STAND on the Burma Action Committee and as a Social Media Ambassador for the Tahirih Justice Center. Aparna is a Youth Advocate at the Middlesex County Center for Empowerment against Sexual Violence. She has interned under multiple legislators including Assemblywoman, Sadaf Jaffer, Assemblyman Roy Freiman, Senator Vin Gopal, and Congressman Malinowski supporting their election campaigns and serving constituents. She actively mentors younger girls in and outside school. Aparna looks forward to pursuing a career in human rights, political science, and international law. Instagram: @apar0206 Book Link
Brittany Wilson is a self-published author, Reiki Master, and gardener from Baltimore, Maryland. She currently works in the accounting profession but has always had a dream of being an author. As a teenager she would spend a lot of time journaling, but it wasn’t until she began her spiritual journey in 2018, that she decided to take writing more seriously. Inspired by her own personal journey and the city she reigns from; she released her first children’s book titled Maia and the Magical Acorns in February 2022. Brittany also enjoys writing poetry, spending time in nature, and is a mom of one. You can check out her offerings on her website www.millenniheal.com  Instagram: @yourdivinehighness
Calliope Parrish is the pen name for a duo of authors, Delilah Stephans and Tonie Hines. They have been writing together for over 15 years and find that they write much better together. One lives in Alabama and the other in Maryland but they don't let the distance stop them. Both love reading, writing and cats. Their writing is mainly in the fantasy/urban fantasy genres with a healthy dose of romance mixed in but do have some contemporary romances planned. Facebook  Instagram: @tonie.hines TikTok: @toniehines and @calliopeparrishauthor
Carliss Maddox is an accomplished author, educator, and poet. She is the author of four children’s books and one novel. Her stories are inspired by personal experiences as an educator and life in general. Firstgarten, her first published children’s book, received a five-star review rating from Readers Favorite. She is also the proud author of the affirmation book #thebuildup: 12 Daily Affirmations for Young Boys of Color. This children’s book contains 12 daily affirmations to read aloud every day. This book empowers youth to create their own narratives about who they are and what they can do. Carliss has also written several poems. Her thought-provoking poetry book, RAUW: Real and Unadulterated Words of Poetry Vol. 1, is a collection of poems that goes straight to the core of the inner man bringing about truth, self-reflection, and a change of heart. Carliss holds an M.A. degree in Education. She is also a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Carliss is a community advocate, an avid reader, a visual writer, and a lover of fine arts. www.carliandcompany.org  Facebook  Instagram: @carli_company
Cat Novelliere is a romantic historical fantasy and paranormal romance author. She is passionate about history, music, romance, old languages, legend, and travel. She regularly intertwines these subjects in her Servants of Morrigan: Four Horsemen Series, Servants of Morrigan: Immortal Creatures Series, and in Tale of Rouen, a romantic tale that combines fantasy, time travel, and historical fiction. When she’s not writing, Cat designs soutache jewelry, paints, tinkers in the kitchen, and fences.  Facebook  Website  Instagram: @chantueserouge​
As a military/veteran spouse of over 20 years, Chenille has taken on the role of volunteering in many organizations inside and outside of the military community. Through Chenille's personal and diverse professional experience, she has recognized how important it was to have a community to support you and be able to support them through their high and low moments while living a military lifestyle. Chenille Johnson is a New Jersey native, wife, mother, sister, daughter, advocate, first-time author, avid traveler, music lover, lifelong learner, educator, and much more. Chenille is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Education in Community Care and Counseling with an emphasis on Traumatology. Today, Chenille and her family reside in Maryland. Website  Instagram @barkimmoving
Cherease Richardson Bouyer is a passionate artistic author who enjoys vacationing in imagination. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, she is a spouse of her wonderful husband and a mother of two beautiful children. She has a bachelor's degree in fine arts from Morgan State University. Her passions are allowing her pen to develop characters and her paintbrush to create a new world. Facebook  Instagram: @brushpassion  TikTok: @chereaserichardso
Dee Bowden Author of Collect The Cash shares the 3 keys to recover lost revenue and improve cash flow for business owners. Her strategies have been featured in Forbes and Black Enterprise Magazines. To learn more visit www.collectthecash.biz/book  Facebook  Instagram: @deecollects
Dr. Taiye Ayoola-Adedeji is a Nigerian-American author, speaker, entrepreneur and pharmacist who earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy. She is also the CEO of Taikun LLC, a publishing company that focuses on publishing books and materials on faith and culture. As the author of the innovative, educational and interactive (sound-touch) bilingual (English and Yoruba) book titled, The Yoruba Sound Book for Children, she is very passionate about creating unique multicultural books and materials that engage, enlighten, educate and empower children to embrace their cultural heritage and identity, and to step into the world more confidently and authentically. She currently lives in Maryland with her husband and children, and enjoys engaging her audience in various ways including via cultural classes, community events, speaking engagements and through her YortonesBooks platform on social media. For more information, please visit: www.yortones.com.  Facebook 
Instagram & TikTok: @YortonesBooks
K. McCoy is the author of the Women’s Fiction novel, A Dove’s Cry. Through her indie author webinars, K. McCoy helps authors write drama filled, heart gripping, and authentic stories. During her many years in publishing, she has traveled around the world, crafting stories based on real world experiences, combined with hopeful possibilities, and taken part in several anthologies. Learn more about K. McCoy at authorkmccoy.com. Facebook  Instagram: @authorkmccoy2  TikTok: @authorkmccoy
Krystle Westary is a single mother of one with a bachelors in healthcare administration. She is from Baltimore, MD. She has published 2 children's books and has always enjoyed writing since she was a kid. Her goal is to reach the youth through her literature while providing opportunities for them to be a big part of the process. Both of her books have been illustrated by young scholars because these books are for them so why not let them leave their mark? Instagram: @Krystles_reading_corner ​
Allow me to introduce you to Lena Payton Webb, a passionate writer and owner of Blu Impressions Designs LLC. Her career of over 30 years as a graphic artist has paved the way for her writing journey as an author, where she crafts captivating stories and designs beautiful digital art. Her relentless dedication to creativity and inspiration has made her a force to be reckoned with in the industry, empowering and uplifting countless individuals with her incredible works. In Lena's world, one will come across a range of enchanting creations that celebrate the human spirit. From charming custom journals and coloring books, to sparkling stickers, beautiful custom tumblers and carefully curated planners and notebooks, Lena meticulously designs each item with the intention of igniting joy and inspiring greatness. Lena's books have been showcased in distinguished establishments such as Barnes & Noble, Amazon Books, Books-A-Million, and Target. As a certified Therapeutic Art Coach, she understands the value of self-expression and works to empower others to share their unique narratives with the world. As a retired Army veteran, devoted spouse, and loving mother, Lena's experiences have imbued her work with resilience, compassion, and a deep appreciation for the human spirit. Join Lena on her journey of creativity and inspiration as she celebrates, empowers, and inspires through art and storytelling. Website  Facebook  Instagram & TikTok: @BluImpressionsDesigns
LaFrieda Smith is a speaker, author, mentor and autism advocate. She has appeared on Fox 13 News, I Am Enough Talk Show, Janine Hernandez Podcast, Teatime with Liz, Speak Up Talk Radio, The Real Deal with Courtney Harden, Book Talk with Miss Winn and much more. Much of her community work involves mentoring young ladies for Xtraordinary Ladies LLC and business consulting with the SCORE organization. She is actively involved in helping to promote higher education and has herself pursued a Bachelors Degree at the age of 45. As the oldest of 5 children, mom of 3 grown adults and wife of over 25 years to her amazing husband, she finds the time to advocate for her youngest son who was diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum at age 3 and is now 23. She has a cooking show with her son Devon called The P Word on YouTube and aspires to have her son show many people around the world his many talents in which she advocates so strongly for. The Baker Series, which will have 5 books, was one of the many ways that she could, along with her husband advocate for diversity and inclusion. Website  Facebook 
Instagram: @lafrieda2  TikTok: @lafriedasmith4999
Mallory Wanless has always been a massive bookworm. Books are her outlet when the world is overwhelming or too busy. Since having her kids, she's used books and stories to escape from the day-to-day of stay-at-home parenting. Mallory started writing her debut novel, Storm and Flame, in 2018. It's best described as a mix of Ash Princess by Laura Sebastian, Cruel Prince by Holly Black, and The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman, with a dash of Legend and Tella's banter from Legendary by Stephanie Garber, and a sprinkling of made-up words in a magical world filled with mythical creatures, enchantresses, witches, and demigods. Between raising very young kids, balancing homeschooling, and navigating a pandemic, it took 3.5 years to complete the first draft. Thanks to her incredibly supportive husband, Storm and Flame finally made its debut in the world on Sept 22, 2022. Blood and Destiny—the sequel to Storm and Flame—was published on December 21, 2022. Reign and Ruin was published on March 20, 2023. It is the final book in the Storm and Flame trilogy, but not the last book I'll write in this world. As it stands, Mallory has already started writing 3 more books in this world... There are just so many stories to tell! Website  Facebook​  Instagram: @Mwanless.author  TikTok: @Mwanlessauthor
Michelle Matteson is a new author residing in Central Florida, although she wouldn't turn down the lifestyle of a swamp witch with unlimited wifi and chocolate. She relishes being an unapologetic geek, loving the fantasy, horror, and sci-fi genres. It was always her dream to write a book, and hopefully, with time and plenty of pizza, she can continue crafting stories for many years to come. Instagram: @thosethatglowgold
Olivia Springer is a mesmerizing storyteller who crafts tales about black women on quests of self-discovery, empowerment, and the intricate decisions they make, for better or worse. While she humorously claims her goal in writing is to "kill people for a living," her narratives delve deep into the duality and intricacy of human relationships with death. An MFA in Creative Writing and Publishing from the University of Baltimore, Olivia isn't bound by genre. Whether it's cozy mysteries, dark fantasy, or horror, she blends fabulism and magical realism, crafting dark tales with ancestral connection. Outside of writing, Olivia immerses herself in African Traditional Religions (ATRs), offers tarot readings, and crafts spiritual jewelry and tools. Her passions extend to watching anime, relishing cozy mystery and Afrofuturism audiobooks, and delving into various cultures' mythologies and folklore. https://linktr.ee/oliviaspringer
Raven Eckman is an author, freelance editor, and literary fangirl. She always knew books were her passion, well before her grandmother’s challenge to read a book a day when she was young. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in Creative Writing from Arcadia University and is currently pursuing her MFA at Lindenwood University. Since 2016, and the launch of her editing business in 2018: A New Look On Books, she’s been working with a range of authors, both self-published and traditionally published, on short stories and novels from horror to contemporary in YA and Adult Fiction. And reading, lots of reading. Shadowspeak is Raven’s debut novel. Itchy Pants is her first picture book. She is currently working on multiple projects including two more picture books and a prequel to her debut novel. Raven lives in Pennsylvania with her GSD, Atlas, and two rescue cats Loki and Freya. Website  Facebook  Instagram: @reckman  TikTok: @rceauthor
Made from stardust and skin, Latrell R. Morris landed on earth in the 1980s; blooming one hot, spring day in May. Assigned the sun sign of Gemini, ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication. Latrell started her writing journey as a little star seed. Always one to evolve, Latrell loves to learn, create, and feed her curiosities. In addition to being an author, Latrell is the host of the podcast Latrell Talks, where she talks about author things and life on this blue and green globe. Website  Facebook  Instagram & TikTok: @latrellrmorris
Susan Williamson has been crazy about horses and books since the age of six. Her mysteries and thrillers feature horse savvy characters and strong women protagonists. She is a former newspaper editor, extension agent and college adjunct. She currently writes for Williamsburg's Next Door Neighbors magazine and teaches riding at James River Stables in Dinwiddie, Virginia, along with working on her latest mystery. Website  Facebook
Susan Zimmerman Orozco is pursuing her dream of writing fiction after 40 years teaching ESOL in Mexico and in the US, as well as writing about public education for national publications. “In my work I try to honor the lives of the bravest people I know, my migrant students. My other passion is writing rom-coms about older adults, because society is uncomfortable with the truth that older men and women enjoy sex.” She has degrees from Carnegie Mellon University in Creative Writing and from U. of Pittsburgh in linguistics. Her debut YA novel is “Hear My Words,” memorializing her student who was killed by gang violence. Her work-in-progress is “A Cord of Three Strands” about students who made the 3000-mile journey from Central America to the US alone. Her other WIP is, “Sunflowers Also Bloom in Autumn,” about an older woman who is determined to start over at a time most women are living on their memories. She lives near Frederick, Maryland, with her husband and 3 cats. Website  Instagram: @Susan-zimmerman-orozco-author
Bringing you interracial romances with tons of heat, passion, and a healthy infusion of love. HEA is an ALWAYS! Khushi T. Saha is a notorious daydreamer. And ask anyone close to her and they’ll tell you she’s a positive, mushy person, too. Enter in ‘romance writing.’ What began as self-care to overcome personal trauma, evolved into something much more fulfilling. Bringing stories of angst, personal growth, and passion (the steamier the better!) with some snarky humor to romantics all around has become a hunger she can’t seem to satiate. In fact, once she’s done with a story, there’s already another one a-brewin'. And because she’s a first-generation Bangladeshi—born and raised in the US—the connection to the motherland is fierce. You’ll find South Asian nuances/representation purposely sprinkled throughout her novels. A native Mid-westerner, she’s lived on both coasts but currently resides within the Chicagoland area with her family. When she's not writing, she's managing her craft business, obsessed with gardening during spring and summer, running around with her boys, and binge-watching murder shows/podcasts. Website  Facebook 
​Instagram & TikTok: @ktsromance
Jacqueline P. Walker (Jackie) is a motivational blogger and self-published author. Born in Jamaica and raised in Washington, DC, the interactions within her close-knit family demonstrated the power of storytelling, fueling her desire to create works that entertain, educate, encourage, and build relationships across cultures and generations. Ms. Walker’s memoir, A Season of Disruption, celebrates her Caribbean heritage and tells a story of courage, love, ingenuity, and the willpower to overcome challenges that often break and defeat families. Additionally, her essay, “Disrupted Not Defeated,” appears in Volume 36 of The Caribbean Writer (an international, refereed literary journal published annually by the University of the Virgin Islands). Her most recent title, Dancing in the Rain, is a captivating women’s fiction novella about navigating life challenges, reconciling the past, reframing the present, and rehearsing the future. Website
Instagram: @JWalkerPat1
Carla Cobbs was born with a condition called Arthrogryposis that affects her limbs and causes chronic pain and arthritis as an adult. Coping and Thriving with a Chronic Condition is her debut book. Despite her conditions, she is a non-fiction medical writer and pharmacist. She graduated from Bowie State University (Biology) and University of Maryland (PharmD). Much of her career was spent in Texas (an honorary southern belle) working as a pharmacist and fostering open and honest communication with patients with chronic illnesses and their concerns. She desired to give solutions and suggestions to their concerns from her experience and current research. Carla is devoted to her faith and spirituality. She resides in Baltimore MD but travels to Washington, DC and Northern VA for family and writing events. Her hobbies include festivals, movies, jazz, swimming, and adaptive sailing. Website  Facebook  
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 Salisa L. Grant is a mother, wife, poet, educator, and scholar living in the Washington DC area. She has a BA from Hamline University in St. Paul, MN, an MA from Howard University in Washington DC. Salisa uses poetry to make sense of and process the world around her. She also uses it to heal, to communicate, and to educate. Her debut poetry collection In these Black Hands (2019) is currently available on Amazon. Instagram: @brownasiwannabe Website: salisalynnegrant.wordpress.com