MEET THE AUTHORS

JOSHUA BISH

Genre: Horror

Blood of Psalm

Some dorm rooms just need a coat of paint. Room 316 needs an exorcism.

Amira Patel only wanted to survive her first semester at Concord University. But the moment she steps into Room 316, something ancient wakes—and it remembers every girl who came before her.

From the author of The Lady in Flesh and Room 316 comes the third chapter in the Psalms of the Tear series—a nightmarish descent into psychological horror, ancient evil, and the high cost of memory.

About the Author: Joshua writes Appalachian-rooted psychological and cosmic horror that blends folklore, theology, and visceral human fear.

ART BOHANAN

Genre: History, Forensic Science

Who Are You Walking On?

Who Are You Walking On? features unique research into burial detection and early graves in East Tennessee. Is there a reliable method to determine if that “spot” in the dirt or grass hides human remains beneath it? The oldest graves in East Tennessee—Native American mounds—are over a thousand years old, with some burials recorded as deep as twelve feet. Who Are You Walking On? invites readers to explore this fascinating research, revealing how new methods can determine, with remarkable accuracy, the presence of human remains, as well as the gender and approximate age of the person buried below. A second book in the series, Who We Found, is currently being written.

About the Author: Art’s career has spanned over 6 decades in the study and practical application of forensics in thousands of violent crime scenes.

JOHN BUKOWSKI

Genre: Thriller

The Peeper

A serial killer dubbed “The Peeper” stalks sleepy Midlothian, Ohio, cutting off the eyelids of his victims as trophies of his grisly trade. The police are baffled, having more victims than suspects. Enter Dr. Randall Corlane, a humble everyman whose only pleasure comes from chatting on social media. Unfortunately, The Peeper is also fond of social media, selecting his victims from the cyberworld. This sinister killer has taken an online interest in framing Corlane, and he has the skill to do it. As beautiful women keep dying, Corlane is pursued by county detectives, an attractive lady cop, and perhaps The Peeper himself.

About the Author: John Bukowski, the award-winning author of Checkout Time and Project Suicide has written another suspenseful thriller.

GARY BUTLER

Genre: Contemporary Paranormal Fantasy

A Misplaced Soul

In A Misplaced Soul, Monroe Salle tries to break a 200-year-old curse. Monroe’s spirit is transported into a pregnant young woman in 2004, and he struggles to free himself and the girl’s unborn child.

About the Author: Gary was a newspaper reporter and editor before becoming a fiction writer. Living in diverse communities across America gave him a good foundation to write stories that appeal to young, old, rich or poor.

LYNN CAHOON

Genre: Cozy Mystery, Romance

An Amateur Sleuth’s Guide to Murder

Meg Gates could use a guidebook for life.

Now, at twenty-six, Meg has taken the ferry ride of shame from Seattle back to Bainbridge Island to live with her family. At least she has her rescue cocker spaniel, Watson, by her side. But it’s Meg who could use a rescue—and she’s hoping it will come in the form of a part-time gig doing research for a bestselling mystery writer.

That’s when the lightbulb goes on: Meg will write her own guidebook—a manual on criminal investigation. But before she can impress her new boss with her pet project, the author’s manager is found dead on the rocks beneath the author’s Gothic mansion.

Now it’s time to put her guide to the test, as Meg sets out to clear her employer of suspicion and solve the crime.

About the Author: Cozy mysteries are the softer side of the mystery genre. As a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Lynn has sold over a million books in the genre and has several different series, including her longest running – the Tourist Trap mysteries with currently 18 books available for readers to binge. She’s known for her found family and community tropes, leaving the reader to enjoy a comforting ending and return to normalcy.

ERIN CHESNUT

Genre: Sweet, Contemporary Romance

Call My Bluff

Olivia Cohen has a plan: graduate from Cypress Valley State University, get a master’s degree and then save the world—one child at a time. The last thing she needs or wants is a distraction . . . especially when that distraction comes with pretty eyes, a charming smile and an infuriating habit of catching her off guard.

About the Author: Erin Chesnut writes sweet, Hallmark-style contemporary romance with themes of family, endurance and finding your way home. Her books include character chemistry and banter with swoon-worthy kisses and happy endings without explicit content or foul language. Her Cypress Valley Sweethearts series currently consists of two titles: Fight for Me (released April 2024), which follows Jake Tanner and Lexie Preston, and Call My Bluff (releasing September 2025), which follows Noah Campbell and Olivia Cohen. Her books are perfect for fans of Karen Kingsbury’s Baxter series.

WILLIAM CLARK

Genre: Inspirational

A Walk on the Sunny Side

William Clark’s unique insights shine through his unforgettable stories, brimming with inspiration and humor. This mix of true and fictional tales will warm your heart, make you laugh out loud, and occasionally bring a tear to your eye.

About the Author: Seven of William’s inspirational books have been published in the past nine years as well as an entertaining short story collection. He has also published stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul books.

JOSEPH CRUEY

Genre: Young Adult

The Wraith of Magdalena

Grace Connors was only eight when the organization called Mother ripped her from her family and turned her into a test subject. Years of captivity, genetic manipulation, and mental experiments left her with powers no child should ever wield — and a darkness she struggles to contain. After a violent escape, Grace finds unexpected refuge in the quiet city of Magdalena, mentored by Evan Graham— a rogue agent who once served the very people who broke her. As she rebuilds her life and learns to control the storm inside her, whispers of a masked protector begin to echo through the streets. They call her The Wraith. But peace can’t last. When Mother resurfaces with a new and even deadlier plan, Grace must make a choice: run again — or stand and fight for the city that gave her a second chance?

About the Author: Joseph Cruey is new to the indie author world and has a passion for the written word. An electronics repair technician by day, he also raises chickens, practices martial arts, and enjoys spending time with friends and family.

CRAIG CRUISE

Genre: Youth Fiction, Young Adult, Poetry

Mussopo

Dive into the remarkable world of Mussopo and His Great Adventure, where Mussopo embarks on his first daring journey, discovering the value of friendship, bravery, and self-discovery. Join Mussopo and his companion in the wilderness as they face thrilling challenges and unforgettable moments.

About the Author: Craig has written two novels about the adventures of an opossum named Mussopo. He also offers bookish accessories including postcard illustrations from the book and custom poetry written on the spot.

ASH DAVIS

Genre: Business, Humor, Short Stories

Blessings in Elbow Grease is not your average business book. It’s what happens when a woman with no backup plan, no trust fund, and no chill decides to start a business in the middle of a global crisis—with a laptop, a $1,000 emergency fund, and a whole lot of prayer.

Blessings in Elbow Grease is packed with real talk and hard-won lessons that apply far beyond business. Whether you’re launching a side hustle, navigating motherhood, or just trying to survive a Tuesday, these pages will remind you that small steps count, faith still works, and sometimes the best way forward is to start messy and fix it as you go.

About the Author: Ash Davis is a business owner, storyteller, and Southern mama with a heart for helping women rise. A nonprofit executive turned entrepreneur, Ashley founded her advertising agency with nothing more than a prayer and a kitchen table during one of the hardest seasons of her life. Today, she helps brands grow with strategy and purpose while encouraging other women to step boldly into their callings—especially when it feels like everything is stacked against them.

She lives and works in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, where sweet tea, second chances, and stories with soul are always welcome.

RUTH DAVIS

Genre: Sevier County History

A Portrait of Patriots and Pioneers in Sevier County

Ruth’s book details the 100+ patriots who fought in the Revolutionary War and then came to Sevier Co. They formed the county and its government, built cabins, schools and churches.

About the Author: Ruth C. Davis is a historian and author who has written about the history of Sevier County, Tennessee, specifically focusing on Revolutionary War patriots and pioneers. She is also involved with the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and historic preservation efforts, including work on local cemeteries.

NEIL DESIATO

Genre: Spiritual Formation

Optimal Discipleship

The apostle Peter, in his second epistle, tells us that God’s Word and promises are given as we encounter the revelation of Jesus Christ. His promises are unveiled when we experience His glory and goodness. In these moments, Jesus, the divine catalyst, implants His promises in our hearts like seeds, designed to grow and produce His life within us—just as a natural seed grows in the soil to reproduce its life. As the character of Christ develops within us, the living Word works in us, washing, cleansing, and pruning us from the filth of this world, transforming and conforming us into His divine nature. This ongoing transformation, both powerful and hope-filled, encourages us to remain committed and dedicated to our spiritual journey and inspires others to follow Christ.

About the Author: Optimal Discipleship is Pastor Neil DeSiato’s journey of discovering how Christ was and is uniquely discipling him and how Christ uniquely and personally disciples all God’s children.

STEPHANIE EDWARDS

Genre: Romantic Suspense, Children’s Books

Lowcountry Charm

Nancy Parsons becomes the sole caregiver to her five grandsons, following a fatal car accident involving her son and daughter-in-law. As unexplainable and frightening occurrences take place, Nancy works to identify who is responsible and a way to protect her family. In the meantime, she reconnects with an ex-boyfriend and finds an heirloom charm bracelet with an otherworldly connection. Uncovering this romantic spark and the bracelet bring both happiness and complexities to Nancy’s life. Will she uncover who is wreaking havoc and put an end to the chaos before someone is hurt?

About the Author: All of Stephanie’s novels feature women supporting each other through harrowing obstacles and sweet romantic storylines set in small towns. Her children’s picture books are about her dog, Shadow.

RALPH ELLIS

Genre: Fiction, Satire, Mystery

The Accident Report

The Accident Report is set in the summer of 1974 and stars Ronald Truluck, a rookie reporter with visions of Watergate swirling through his brain. He wants to uncover a scandal to make his bones as a journalist, but the paper he works for, The Eagle of Millerton, NC, runs pet-of-the-week pictures on the front page, not corruption stories. And Ronald is a stoner who’s loosey-goosey with the facts. With a little help from his friends, he lands the story—with results nobody expected.

About the Author: Ralph Ellis is a seasoned journalist and a newbie novelist. His goal is to create sparkling fiction based on the hours, days, and years he spent grinding out stories about hubcap thefts and sewer regulations.

RACHEL ENRIQUEZ

Genre: Fantasy

A Promise of Power

Neith Dracos has lived nothing but war. The idea of it, at least. Trained since birth to be the catalyst for her father’s ambitions, she will have to decide if these ambitions are also her own. Born a king’s bastard, Calithea Ironne has lived a life of privilege and peace. But she will soon find her world fractured as war comes to her home, uncovering long-kept secrets. All Nara Nyanthi wants is a quiet life with the woman she loves. As one of the most powerful wielders in the Esērii, she finds herself at odds with the High Council over their designs for her. When a long-feared war begins, Nara will be faced with choosing where she stands and what she believes in. Three women unknown to one another will soon find their lives intertwined as war rages and Etherborn return to the known world.

About the Author: Rachel Enriquez is a former tech professional turned literary fantasy author driven by a lifelong passion for immersive storytelling and imaginative world-building. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, she lives with her husband and their two sons.

LAUREN FISCHER

Genre: Middle Grade Coming of Age Mysteries (ages 10-14)

Orphanland

Will buried secrets from a small town’s past help orphans of the opioid crisis build a brighter future? Willa Johnson moved to the Southern Ohio Children’s Home after her mom died of an overdose. The old mansion is a haven for kids in the heart of the epidemic but teeters on the edge of financial ruin. The newest resident is Kacey, a nonbinary teen kicked out by parents who reject their identity. Willa and Kacey bond over the discovery of a hidden set of diaries and unintentionally dig up a dark history that will forever change the kids’ future – for better or worse.

About the Author: Lauren’s passion lies at the intersection of science and the humanities. She hopes to inspire fresh curiosity—a desire to learn more about topics that unite us, even if they seem challenging.

K.R. GADEKEN

Genre: Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Young Adult

Nabukko

In Nabukko, the first book in a young adult sci-fi mystery trilogy, a young woman with missing memories encounters a peculiar group of colonists on an unknown world. In the second book, Daedalus, the young woman and her fellow survivors embark on a perilous journey to uncover clues about their mysterious circumstances. The Nabukko Trilogy explores themes of trust, survival, and the search for truth in a physically and socially treacherous world.

About the Author: K.R. Gadeken was born and raised in Northern Colorado, where she found a love for the mountain wilderness and exploration at an early age. She traveled for a bit before returning to Colorado to earn a Bachelor’s in Astronomy. She later moved to Tennessee with her partner and earned a Master’s in Geography. She longs to travel the world again soon. As an author, she uses her career as an excuse to read far too many books.

TOM GARBER

Genre: Fantasy Fiction Comedy

The Chronicles of the Wise Old Chicken

The Wise Old Chicken is a selection of outlandish stories featuring The Wise Old Chicken, who aids animals, plants, and humans, always ending with a rescue, a moral, or a witty remark.

About the Author: Tom Garber is a retired engineer and imaginative author who recently released a volume of comical and lighthearted tales. He has facetiously titled the book The Chronicles of the Wise Old Chicken, and has injected many of the stories, but not all, with his distinctive brand of humor.

PATRICIA GILLIAM

Genre: Science Fiction, Superhero, Nonfiction

What Goes Around

Rescued from a collapsed skyscraper when he was eight, Caleb lives in the city of Cycad Cove, where battles between heroes and villains are almost commonplace.

Unable to remember his early childhood, he develops an ability to envision upcoming dangers and sometimes even averts them. This comes in useful as he and his adoptive brother, Dominic, salvage the superpowered tech heroes and villains often leave behind.

When an unexpected visitor offers Dominic and Caleb a salvage job that seems too good-to-be-true, they eventually decide to take the risk. The journey from Cycad Cove to Perilous Island could solve all their financial problems and provide Caleb answers about his past–if they can survive it.

About the Author: Patricia Gilliam is the author of The Hannaria Series (sci-fi) and Heroes of Corvus (urban fantasy/superhero). She is also a contributor to several anthologies and the creator of Seriescraft 101 character and world-building resources.