Gretchen Allen teaches people about the wonderful natural and cultural resources of our country. In her free time, she visits the elderly with her therapy dog, plays with her two non-therapy dogs and three cats, enjoys riding her horse, and paints and draws.
Catherine Ancewicz joined a creative writing ministry at her church in 2013. Since then she has written several stories about her personal experiences, as well as working on her first novel. In addition to writing, she enjoys reading, calligraphy, and pen & ink drawings. She lives in South Florida near her daughter and family.
Janet Anderson-Murch received her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Maine in 2010. She is a child and family therapist in central Maine and enjoys spending time with her husband and adult children, as well as taking care of sheep, horses, and chickens at their family farm.
Mary Ellen Angelscribe is an international pet columnist and author of Expect Miracles and A Christmas Filled with Miracles. Animal Planet’s Must Love Cats features her swimming cats. Read heartwarming, inspirational and miracle pet tales with educational tips on Facebook’s Pet Tips “n” Tales. E-mail her at Angelscribe@msn.com.
Kiva Arne lives in beautiful Southern Oregon. She enjoys writing, hiking, skiing, kayaking, reading, going on adventures, and talking about herself in the third person.
A mother of three (James, Evangeline and Isabelle), Mary Fluhr Bajda received her Bachelor’s degree in education, with honors, from Marywood University. She is currently working as Director of Religious Ed and Music for St. Ann’s Church in Shohola. E-mail her at marybajda@gmail.com.
Barbara Bartocci has authored nonfiction books and magazine articles for major women’s magazines. She is also a professional speaker who specializes in women’s groups and church groups. She is the devoted owner of Emily the kitty cat.
Gretchen Bassier works as a home healthcare aide. She is the proud aunt of Julia, Tommy, Landon and Brady. Gretchen writes short stories and novels, and hopes to start a nonprofit to benefit feral cats. Visit her blog for writing resources, reviews, story links and more at astheheroflies.wordpress.com.
Jill Berni is an avid animal lover and history buff. In addition to her years volunteering at a cat shelter, she also volunteered with her dog, Sunny, in a therapy dog program. She continues her volunteer work to this day. Jill lives in Toronto with her husband, Fred, and their two dogs. She plans to write short stories in the future.
Stacia Giftos Bissell lives in western Massachusetts. She studied mathematics at Wells College in New York and has a Master of Education degree. She has three grown children and spent much of her career as a teacher until sustaining a brain injury from a bike accident. She is now a public speaker, consultant, advocate, and educator for brain injuries.
Jan Bono writes a cozy mystery series set on the southwest Washington coast. She’s also published five humorous personal experience collections, two poetry chapbooks, nine one-act plays, a dinner theater play, and has written for magazines ranging from Guideposts to Woman’s World. Learn more at JanBonoBooks.com.
Freda Bradley is a professional historian. Her research business, Bridging History, centers on historic and genealogical research in the Appalachian regions of West Virginia and Eastern Kentucky. She is currently writing a book on some of the Dutch settlers during the pre-Revolutionary settlement of West Virginia.
Josh Burnell is a screenwriter, podcaster and code monkey living in Los Angeles with his wife and disapproving cat. He can often be found writing, alphabetizing his horror movies and attending rock shows. He’s a big fan of Meat Loaf, the singer and the food. E-mail him at josh@dontbeyourself.com.
Eva Carter is a freelance writer whose background includes a career in the entertainment field and then finance. Photography and traveling are a few of Eva’s interests.
Tori Cleaves and her sister Nikki live in southwest Florida. Tori is a full-time nanny for two young girls. Nikki is currently in school to become a Physical Therapy Assistant. They both love running marathons, sports, church, and working with all types of animal rescues. Duma still remains a very important part of their lives.
M. Scott Coffman recently had a story published in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Best Mom Ever! He and his wife, Diana, currently have two cats, and are thinking about adding a dog to the mix. They live in Auburn, IL.
Joanne M. Copeland is a dressage trainer and riding instructor in Ontario, Canada. She lives with her husband, three cats, and a palomino horse named Silver. Joanne volunteers at the SPCA and practices the ancient Japanese martial art of Iaido. E-mail her at jcdressage@gmail.com.
C. E. DeRosier lives in Wisconsin with her boyfriend and their cat. She loves to spend her time writing, reading, playing video games, and watching movies. She can often be found with her nose in a book or at a local thrift shop.
Sharon Rene Dick works as a legal assistant at a major corporation and teaches third grade Sunday school. She is a published author of flash fiction and children’s short stories. She is currently writing a Christian young adult speculative novel.
Lisa Napell Dicksteen has been a freelance writer and editor for many years. She also teaches secondary English. A native New Yorker, Lisa lives in Colorado with her husband, son, and Bear, their Lab/Pit mix. She is happiest reading, writing, or helping others with their writing. E-mail her at LMNEditorial@msn.com.
Lissa Dobbs is an avid book junkie who loves fantasy above all else. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, crochet, and making dollhouse miniatures.
Ryan Dube received his Bachelor of Science in engineering from the University of Maine in 1998. He lives with his wife and two daughters in Indiana. Ryan enjoys blogging, hiking, camping, and writing. He is working on a memoir detailing his weird and wonderful life. E-mail Ryan at rdube02@gmail.com.
Jessica Edwards fell in love with literature as a child and was always seen with her nose in a book. Her love for reading has blossomed into a passion for writing. She spends sunny days exploring the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys hiking, canoeing, and seeking out new adventures.
Meredith Engerski lives in Noblesville, IN, with her husband Kevin, daughter Victoria, and two Huskies. An avid runner and competitive triathlete, she is also a contestant for Mrs. Indiana 2017. Meredith is the Practice Manager of both Cottage Animal Hospital and Allisonville Animal Hospital, where Pete has his full-time position as Greeter.
Donna Fawcett is the former creative writing instructor for Fanshawe College in London. She is an award-winning author, singer, songwriter, freelance magazine and newspaper writer and a national conference speaker. Her novels Rescued and Vengeance won “Best Contemporary Novel” in The Word Awards. Learn more at donnafawcett.com.
Award-winning author of contemporary and fantasy romances under the nom de plume Lizzie T. Leaf, L.M. Fillingim has a degree from the “School of Life.” She is working on non-romances with a WWII historical theme and a women’s fiction novel, both under her real name. When not writing, her focus is family, cooking, and travel. E-mail her at lizzietleaf@comcast.net.
Leanne Froebel received her Associate degree in nursing in 2003. She lives in Marshfield, WI, with her cats Linus, Rider, and Vinny (who always makes her smile) and some Betta fish. She enjoyed showing her cats in the past and volunteering with Vinny in pet therapy. E-mail her at leanne.froebel@yahoo.com.
Kathleen Gemmell loves playing with written words. Currently penning for online sites and magazines, Kathy is also a storyteller, an animal welfare proponent, a psychology buff, and a connoisseur of fine pizza.
Dawn Smith Gondeck and her husband ditched pursuing the typical “American Dream” and travel the U.S. full-time in an RV. She blogs about their travels, RV life, and misadventures. She has even written a few short stories on the side. You can keep up with their travels at randombitsoftrialanderror.com.
Amie Gordon-Langbein is a mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend, who also happens to be a personal and professional development coach and physician. She is known for her big heart and vibrant spirit. She loves connecting to people and their stories, and believes we each have a story longing to be told.
Lisa Faire Graham received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida, and is married with two stepchildren. After retiring from a twenty-year career with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, she is now an award-winning fine art photographer, who enjoys writing, traveling and spoiling Mitzi, her rescued Siamese.
Heather Harshman is an estate planning attorney, law professor, writer, and mother of two little ones. In between her jobs and being a mom, she posts short stories and stories about faith and traveling on her blog at HeatherHarshman.com. She enjoys bicycling, traveling, gardening, and camping with her family.
Christy Heitger-Ewing, an award-winning writer and columnist who pens human interest stories for national, regional, and local magazines, has contributed to over a dozen anthologies and is the author of Cabin Glory: Amusing Tales of Time Spent at the Family Retreat (www.cabinglory.com). She lives with her husband, two sons, and two cats.
Marilyn Helmer is the award-winning author of over thirty children’s books and her short stories, poetry and articles have appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies in Canada and the U.S. Her penchant for entering writing contests has resulted in success with short adult fiction as well.
Marijo Herndon’s stories appear in numerous Chicken Soup for the Soul books as well as many other anthologies and publications. She enjoys writing from her home in New York where she lives with her husband, Dave, and two rescue cats, Lucy and Ethel.
Susan A. Hoffert is currently crafting a collection of stories, inspired by her chickens, about empty nests, rediscovering faith and starting anew. Her work has appeared in Fall: Women’s Stories and Poems for the Season of Wisdom and Gratitude, Words & Other Worthy Endeavors, and The Skunk River Review.
David Hull is a retired schoolteacher who now spends his time reading, writing, gardening, watching too many reruns of Everybody Loves Raymond and spoiling his nieces and nephews. You can contact him at Davidhull59@aol.com.
Kristin Ingersoll is an Instructional Designer, E-Developer, and frustrated writer. Kristin grew up in Indiana stealing turtles from the local creek as pets until she finally got a hamster. She now has two cats that despise, and take every opportunity to terrorize, each other. But she loves them both EQUALLY!
Jeffree Wyn Itrich has been writing since childhood. Trained as a journalist, she works in health communications. Jeffree lives in San Diego with her husband and two feisty female felines who make her laugh. When she’s not writing, she quilts by hand. E-mail her at jeffreewyn@gmail.com.
Robin Jankiewicz graduated from Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA. Eventually, she and her husband moved out of Gizmo’s apartment building into a house in Los Angeles, CA, where they keep busy as they raise their two boys. Eventually, they plan to adopt a rescue cat.
Marilyn June Janson received her Master of Science degree, cum laude, from Long Island University in 1980. She is the author of Recipe for Rage, a suspense novel, and two chapter books: The Super Cool Kids Story Collection and Tommy Jenkins: First Teleported Kid. Now, she is writing a YA novel. E-mail her at janlitserv@cox.net.
Janny J. Johnson was once the mom in a Pacific Northwest household with a husband, four children, an exchange student, five cats, two dogs, fish, a bird, and a bunny. She publishes in regional parenting magazines, writing about those days. Learn more at jannyjjohnson. com or on Facebook under Janny J. Johnson.
Stephanie Jones-McKee is thirty-one and has been writing since middle school. As a stay-at-home mom, she enjoys many hobbies including homeschooling her daughter, writing, drawing and painting.
Leslee Kahler has degrees in biology and history from Eastern University and Villanova University. She is married with two children and lives on a small farm with horses, ducks, and eight rescue cats. When she was a child, her father worked for an oil company, requiring the family to live overseas.
Joyce Laird is a freelance writer living in Southern California. Her features have been published in a wide range of consumer magazines and she is a regular contributor to both Woman’s World and the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Joyce is also a member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime.
Deborah Lean is a mixed media artist and writer living in Ontario, Canada. A retired nurse and grandmother of seven, she enjoys family and numerous creative pursuits, including reading, writing, painting and crochet.
Ashley Ledlow is an aspiring writer who dedicates most of her time to the local Humane Society where she works with the many stray cats who reside there.
Brenda Leppington works as an Information Manager within the healthcare system. Brenda enjoys travelling, and sharing stories of the many animals that have been a part of her life. Brenda is a previous contributor to the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.
Alex Lester is a writer from Toronto, Canada. She lives with two rescue cats and a vivid imagination.
Charlotte A. Lewis is a retired accountant and former teacher. She has nine grandchildren, five greats, and two great-great-grandsons. Charlotte has many varied interests; she likes to read, write, knit, sing, and travel. She is a self-published author of several novels ranging from historical fiction to mysteries.
Deb Louis teaches criminal justice and women’s studies courses online for Eastern Kentucky University and lives in the mountains of western North Carolina, an ideal setting and inspiration for her writing. Her current cat, Blue, supervises her work and keeps the house and grounds free of undesirable critters.
Lisa Mackinder received her Bachelor of Arts degree at Western Michigan University. A freelance writer, she lives in Portage, MI, with her husband and rescue animals. Besides writing, Lisa enjoys photography, traveling, reading, running, hiking, biking, climbing, camping, and fishing. E-mail her at mackinder.lisa@yahoo.com.
Joshua J. Mark is an editor/director and writer for the online history site “Ancient History Encyclopedia.” His nonfiction has appeared in Timeless Travels and History Ireland and his short fiction in Litro and Writes for All, among others. He lives with his wife Betsy and daughter Emily in upstate New York.
Carmen Marlin, a Mississippi resident, worked twenty-three years in banking before graduating magna cum laude in nursing (BSN) from University of Memphis. Semi-retired, she is a board member of a Humane Society, vet tech at a spay clinic, and volunteer on the state disaster relief team. She enjoys traveling and scuba diving.
A practical joke appearance years ago led to discovery and encouragement by Minnie Pearl of the Grand Ole Opry for professor Kathryn J. Martin to leave college to become a full-time inspirational speaker/ writer as herself and as country humorist, Miz Maudie. Author of two books, Martin lives in Ponchatoula, LA.
Tim Martin is the author of Fast Pitch, Rez Rock, Somewhere Down the Line: The Legend of Boomer Jack, There’s Nothing Funny about Running, Summer with Dad, and Wimps Like Me. Tim has completed nine screenplays and is a contributor to twenty-four Chicken Soup for the Soul books.
Evelyn Shamay Mayfield, seventy-seven, took her high school education and information from libraries and worked her way from bookkeeping to freelance writing to technical writing. Evelyn self-published The Busy Person’s Prayer Book. These days, she focuses on inspirational, uplifting works, and enjoys crafts, cats, and volunteer work.
Keturah Mazo, a current college Communication instructor and former English teacher, holds a Master of Science in Computer Education from Florida Institute of Technology. She shares two children, two dogs, and one grand cat with her husband, Richard. She likes to garden, read, and swim as well as writing essays.
Candis Y. McDow graduated from the University of West Georgia in 2012 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree. She majored in Mass Communications and minored in Creative Writing. She is twenty-eight years old and lives in Atlanta, GA. Candis enjoys writing and is currently finishing her memoir.
Angela M. Meek is a single mom, Christian, and freelance writer. She has a Bachelor’s in Psychology and an interdisciplinary Master’s in Writing/English/Psychology. She is the editor of Edify Fiction magazine and is currently working on her first contemporary Christian romance novel, Finding Ruth, due out later this year.
Shawndra Miller lives in Indianapolis and writes about community resilience and personal transformation for publications like Farm Indiana, Acres USA, and Confrontation magazine, as well as at shawndramiller.com.
Michelle Close Mills’ poetry and short stories have appeared in magazines, anthologies and several volumes of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Michelle resides in Florida with her husband and is owned by two cockatiels and two rescue kitties. Michelle’s work can be found at authorsden.com/michelleclosemills.
Terilynn Mitchell is a licensed veterinary nurse who has cared for animals for thirty-two years. She has an uncanny knack for finding animals in need of help or redemption, focusing on those with special needs. In 2018 Terilynn will publish a collection of short stories about the ups and downs of her animal rescue work.
Sam Moorman earned a BA in Journalism and MA in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University. Following a career in construction, in retirement he now writes and is on the board of SouthWest Writers.
Jessica L. Moran has a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Monmouth College in History, and a minor in Anthropology. She currently lives in central Illinois with her husband, her Mini-Schnauzer and a cat. Jessica enjoys writing fantasy/romance and creating complex characters.
Diane P. Morey is now retired and lives in Rhinelander, WI, as a caregiver for her mother. She has a BS degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Louisville and an MS degree in Education. She now has a beautiful gray cat with long, soft fur named Shadow. Diane also plays flute in the Rhinelander Area Community Band.
Connie Biddle Morrison grew up near the Eastern Shore of Delaware, delighting in the smells of the salty marshes. She attended the University of Delaware and, with her husband and two children, moved to north central Florida in 1978. She has been published in e-zines, print magazines, and is working on a memoir of her younger years.
Megan Nelson is an avid reader and writer. Two English degrees, a well-used library card, and a book-buying habit back up this claim. She is married to her high school sweetheart and is the proud mom of two wonderful boys. A cat and a fish complete the household.
Connie Nice is a wife, mother, and grandmother from Washington State. Writing for thirty-plus years, she loves creating children’s stories and has one adult novel currently in the final editing stage. She shares her passion for history, nature, travel, family, and faith through the written word. Read her blog at connienice.com.
Sharon F. Norton is a retired teacher. She has a Master’s degree in Reading and a BA degree in Elementary Education. She lives in colorful Colorado. Sharon enjoys traveling, reading, and writing.
Connie Kaseweter Pullen lives in rural Sandy, OR, near her five children and several grandchildren. She earned her BA degree at the University of Portland in 2006, with a double major in Psychology and Sociology. Connie enjoys writing, photography, and exploring nature. E-mail her at MyGrandmaPullen@aol.com.
Karen Reeves is an aspiring writer who plans to do a series of children’s books on misadventures with animals. She is the mother of two grown girls and currently writes inspiring horse stories on her blog at horsetalesnstuff.com. Karen is self-employed, doing administrative work for various clients.
Sandy A. Reid continues to live in St. Louis, MO, where she and her husband share their home with two rescued dogs and another “Mama Kitty,” one who decided to stay this time and who is now spayed.
Melissa Richeson mothers four loud and lovable boys on the coast of Florida. She is a freelance writer with credits in The Washington Post, Florida Today, and Thriving Family, among others. For leisure, she enjoys paddle boarding, going to Disney World, and playing soccer with her kids.
Rosemarie Riley was born in Australia. In 1990 she moved to the U.S. with her American born husband and two sons. She is a member of SCBWI and The National Writers Association and has been published in anthologies and magazines. She enjoys photography, reading, and traveling. E-mail her at rosemariejriley@yahoo.com.
Marti Robards resides in scenic Colorado. Her first published story, “The Loneliest Number”, appears in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Random Acts of Kindness. Marti’s passions include church, family, reading, writing, crafts, and gardening. She and her daughter, Mary, are co-owners of an Etsy Shop: ReverieCraftsLLC.
Sue Ross, it is rumored, so enjoyed uttering her first word that she said it twice; “Author! Author!” Finding stories in everything she does, Sue revels in language that lifts and inspires. With a BA degree in English, she is completing her first novel, Polanski’s Treasures. E-mail her at kidangel@me.com.
Stormy Corrin Russell, at twenty-five years old, is a three-time novelist. She currently lives in Pennsylvania, hard at work writing books and teaching middle-schoolers. Her award-winning novels are available from any major retailer. E-mail her at stormy.russell001@gmail.com. She loves hearing from readers!
Melanie Saxton is a writer who has raised a daughter and several adopted cats and dogs in the Lone Star State. She is contributing editor for five Houston-based magazines and edits books for emerging authors. In her spare time Melanie is slowly, but surely, pursuing a Master’s degree in mass communication.
A retired Marine officer, Dirk B. Sayers published his first novel, West of Tomorrow, in 2015. His next project, Through the Windshield, Drive-by Encounters with Life, will be available in paperback and ebook formats in November 2017. Read Dirk’s unredacted comments on 21st Century life at dirksayers.com.
Troy Seate has written everything from humor to the macabre, and is especially keen on stories that transcend genre pigeonholing. His short stories and memoirs appear in numerous magazines, anthologies, and webzines. Troy lives in Golden, CO, with the dream of enjoying the rest of his life writing and traveling.
April Serock earned an MA degree in writing from Seton Hill University. She lives with her husband and son where she can see the sun rise over the Appalachians each morning. She’s published romantic short stories with Woman’s World magazine and writes nonfiction articles for money-saving websites.
Brittany L. Stalsburg lives on the Connecticut shoreline with her husband and their starter child, Candy the cat. In addition to writing, Brittany is also a public opinion researcher and strategist and the owner of the firm BLS Research & Consulting. She holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Rutgers University.
Laurel Standley is a scientist and author of self-help nonfiction and dystopian and historical fiction. Laurel received her Ph.D. in Chemical Oceanography from Oregon State University and her Master’s in Urban Affairs and Public Policy from the University of Delaware. She lives in Portland, OR, with her beloved cat Ellen.
Diane Stark is a wife, mother of five, and freelance writer. She is a frequent contributor to the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. She loves to write about the important things in life: her family and her faith. E-mail her at Dianestark19@yahoo.com.
L.A. Strucke received her BA degree from Rowan University. She’s a frequent contributor to the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, Guideposts magazine and other publications. Her hobbies are painting, piano, and songwriting. She dedicates Boo’s story to Hermione, Jadzia and Geneviëve. Follow her at lastrucke.com.
B.J. Taylor says Red was one of those soulful, head-butting, tug-at-your-heartstrings cats. B.J. is an award-winning author whose work has appeared in Guideposts, many Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and numerous magazines. Reach B.J. through her website: bjtaylor. com and check out her dog blog: bjtaylor.com/blog.
Stephen Taylor is a writer and graphic artist living in the San Francisco Bay area. He volunteers as a cat care partner with a local animal shelter, and he rents himself out as a cat-sitter to a small but loyal stable of clients. He has contributed stories to three Chicken Soup for the Soul books.
Miriam Van Scott is an author and photographer whose wide-ranging credits include children’s books, magazine articles, television productions, website content and adult nonfiction works. Her latest series, Shakespeare Goes Pop!, offers a modern take on the Bard’s classic works. Learn more at miriamvanscott.com.
Ann Vitale lives on 150 acres in northeast Pennsylvania. Her degree in Microbiology from the University of Michigan made her a fan of Big 10 football. Living in a farmhouse in Michigan after graduation gave her stress relief from her work and furthered her love of all animals, except woodchucks. E-mail her at ann.e.vitale74@gmail.com.
Mary T. Wagner is a former journalist who changed careers at forty by going to law school. A mother of four and a grandmother, Wagner lives in southeastern Wisconsin, where she draws creative inspiration from nearby Lake Michigan and from her pets. A family kitten inspired her new children’s book, Finnigan the Circus Cat.
Pat Wahler is an award-winning writer and proud contributor to thirteen Chicken Soup for the Soul books. She draws inspiration from family, friends, and the critters who tirelessly supervise each moment she spends at the keyboard. Discover more about Pat’s new projects at PatWahler.com.
Anita Weisheit is a writer, reader, librarian, and dreamer of new worlds. Books, animals, and dancing are her favorite things. She lives in Wyoming with her three obnoxious cats and neurotic German Shepherd, whose antics star in her weekly blog.
Sheri Zeck enjoys writing nonfiction stories that encourage, inspire, and entertain others. Her freelance works include stories for Guideposts, Angels on Earth, and numerous Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Sheri writes about her faith, family, and adventures of raising three girls at sherizeck.com.
