Stephannie Tallent writes various subgenres of fantasy, as well as dabbling in science fiction, mystery, and romance. She’s collected a variety of degrees over the years: a bachelor of science in English literature from the United States Military Academy at West Point; a bachelor of science in zoology from the University of Texas, Austin; and a doctor of veterinary medicine from Texas A&M.
A small animal veterinarian, she jokes she’s a vet-vet, having served as an Army Military Intelligence officer during Desert Storm.
Stephannie Tallent’s earliest memories are of gathering mussel shells and kelp at the beach and carting the stinking mass home. After living around the world, she moved back to California to be near the ocean. Many evenings she’ll be sipping a cocktail or glass of wine, watching the sun set over the water from her deck with her husband Dave and English cocker spaniels Orry and Rosie.
About her story, “Life and Death and Love in the Bayou,” Stephannie says: “Sometimes the start of a story is simple. A photo of a gloriously decaying steamer in a bayou, Spanish moss dripping off the surrounding trees and the steamer itself, set my brain down that swampy road. And of course I can’t find the photo. Magic is like that—slippery, sneaky, forcing you to rely on yourself and your own smarts and memory.”
Check out her website at www.stephannietallent.com
Ashley Cassaday is a digital illustrator, educator, and painter based out of her hometown of Dallas, Texas.
Like many budding artists, Ashley developed a love for the arts at a young age, constantly drawing and honing her skills, while also being influenced by media such as novels, video games, and animated films.
Upon entering college, Ashley knew she wanted to engage in her creative pursuits professionally, and thus began her desire to work as a fantasy illustrator and character designer for the entertainment industry. Upon graduation however, Ashley’s career changed course and she turned to teaching, where she developed a love for helping young artists learn the stepping stones to becoming illustrators and designers, just as she once did.
Since then, Ashley has worked on and off as an independent artist and freelancer, creating her own stories and characters, all while traveling to conventions across the country to showcase her work and connect with fans and fellow artists alike.
For more information, go to www.ashleycassaday.com