2025 Heart of California Book Faire Authors

ERIN GARCIA writes to build a more inclusive world. With insight into neurodiversity and chronic illness, she demystifies complex behaviors and dismantles harmful stereotypes. Her books, The Case of Sensational Stims and Tiger Livy, empower families with practical tools and heartfelt storytelling. Erin is passionate about helping parents advocate for their children through accurate information and empathy—making her work a trusted resource for those navigating unique childhood journeys.

KATHLEEN GORMAN is a local Madera resident, Nona, and retired reading specialist/kindergarten teacher. After teaching for 30 years, she changed gears and started writing and painting. She has published four children’s picture books. Kathleen shares her love of children’s books with her three young grandchildren, and their classmates. Their favorite story is Twisty Green Monster. Kathleen’s latest book, The Mystery Hidden in a Name, is historical fiction based on the history of the Merci Boxcar.

JENNIFER LAMBERT, an author from Merced, California, writes children’s stories to inspire children. Her background in history and anthropology enriches her tales, such as the rhyming Sammie in Jammies and the touching Can an Elephant be a Butterfly? She is also developing “The Dynamic Duo Detectives” chapter books and the poetic Seasons of Wonder. Currently, Jennifer is working on a picture book about a young boy learning to cope with inner conflict through fighting monsters.

REBECCA LANGSTON-GEORGE is the author of nineteen books for children including the global bestseller For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai’s Story. She’s the Regional Advisor for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Central-Coastal California and serves on the board of The California Reading Association. She loves to talk to those interested in writing for children.

JANET NICHOLS LYNCH is the author of seventeen books, including Ellen of Allensworth, a children’s historical novel. Her novel More to Life, about the humor and challenges of growing old, is forthcoming fall 2025. Her YA novels include Messed Up, Racing California, My Beautiful Hippie; Commie Pinko, and Wheel of Fire. Janet has also written nonfiction for children including Clara Schumann, Pianist and Composer; and Florence Price, American Composer.

NIKIKO MASUMOTO is an organic farmer, memory keeper, and artist. She is Yonsei, a fourth generation Japanese American, and gets to touch the same soil her great-grandparents worked in California where Masumoto Family Farm grows organic nectarines, apricots, peaches and grapes for raisins. In 2025, she has a new children’s book out, Every Peach is a Story, co-authored with her father, David Mas Masumoto. Together they have also co-authored Changing Season and The Perfect Peach. Website:  www.masumoto.com

DON MAYHEW is a former journalist from California who’s written about sports, movies, music, television shows, books, toys, fatherhood, education, 9/11, deaf culture, fireworks, and life in the San Joaquin Valley. He’s a big fan of Dr. Seuss, the Boston Red Sox, and Bruce Springsteen. Roscoe & Muldoon: The Mayor Is Mad is his first novel for middle-grade readers.

ANDREW MENSCH, a longtime CAL FIRE professional, has served in specialized roles including Hazmat, Recruit Training, and Peer Support. Inspired by his own experiences as a firefighter and the child of one, he now writes children’s books that explain and honor public service. His stories foster empathy and understanding for families of first responders, offering comfort to kids and sparking meaningful conversations about sacrifice, service, and the strength found in family.

KAREN MOORE is a former Literacy Tutor and Title I Instructional Aide for Sierra Unified School District. She has six published titles including the award-winning GRACIE AND THE RADAR GIRLS. She lives and dreams in the foothills of Central California. She loves spending time with her grandkids, reading, traveling, and anything dark chocolate.

MICHAEL NEER writes fables and legends about the quest for the secrets of life. He also has created coloring books and puzzle books on various themes for kids and adults. He has enjoyed a long career of organizing words in creative ways as an English teacher, curriculum specialist, magazine publisher, book editor, and long-time meditation teacher. He has won awards for journalism, newsletter writing, and teaching, and makes his home in Fresno, Calif.

MARIA POWELL fell in love with picture books as a child and has never outgrown that passion. As a mom, a grandma, and the morning librarian at an elementary school, sharing books brings her joy. Mrs. Powell loves the power of the written word and is thrilled to be a member of the children’s literature community.

BARBARA ANN is a published author of Souvenirs of Our Love and Beyond My Souvenirs. She loves writing romance stories that are wholesome and clean. Her stories invite readers to explore the themes of adventure, love and self-discovery. Barbara is a retired English Language Learner program secretary. When she is not writing romance, she enjoys time with family, playing her piano or violin, and gardening. She lives in the Central Valley with her husband Mark.

JANELL COBERLY began writing stage plays for her siblings at age 10. She’s published fantasy, paranormal, suspense and launched her first middle school book for children in 2024. She writes in multiple genres, belongs to Writer Critique and marketing groups, and participates in book fares. Currently she is working on a forthcoming series of children’s books for middle schoolers. She lives in Central California.

VICKI THOMAS says, “When the writing gnat bit me, I started writing feverishly and I wrote seven hand-written books in two series, put them in white binders, and I’ve been editing ever since. Three of the books in the RELICS ADVENTURES series have been published by a traditional publisher. The first book is The Long Dark Cloak; the second, The Golden Lantern; and the third is The King’s Scepter and also available for your enjoyment.“

DAVID BOROFKA is the author of three short-story collections, Hints of His Mortality (winner of the 1996 Iowa Short Fiction Award), A Longing For Impossible Things (Johns Hopkins Poetry and Fiction Series), and The Bliss of Your Attention (JHUP). He is also the author of the novels, The Island (MacMurray & Beck) and The End of Good Intentions (Fomite Press). Now retired from Reedley College, he teaches fiction workshops for the Writer’s Program at UCLA.

MATT LEEDY is a former reporter for newspapers including The Express-Times, The Sun, and The Fresno Bee. He lives in California with his wife, daughter, son, and two dogs. Dugout Dreams: The Heart and Heartbreak of a Travel Baseball Team is his first novella.

FABIANA SANDOVAL is an award-winning poet who resides in Porterville. Her writing career spans for over two decades, and includes writing for magazines and newspapers. She was recently featured on Bold Journey magazine and Telemundo. Fabiana has published four books and some of her poetry is included in several literary anthologies that have been published in Chile, Italy, Mexico, and other countries around the world. She is a member of arts organization The Cove Rincon.

TWYLA SMITH’s short stories have captivated readers of Woman’s World and many other women’s magazines for years. Active in a working critique group as well as a member of Central Valley Fiction Writers, Twyla has honed her craft and developed a unique voice in the literary world. Her debut novel, The Moonshiner’s Wife, has earned a five-star rating from Reader’s Favorite and rave reviews from her growing number of fans.

RHONDA HERB is an author of romantic suspense novels who worked for many years in the medical industry. Her published books include The Jewel of Paradise and Deadly Relations. Rhonda lives in Fresno with her husband and two dogs.

KIMBERLY KNIGHT is a USA Today Bestselling author of steamy, emotional, and unapologetically addictive romances. Her books span MM, contemporary, erotic, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance. She lives in California with her husband and daughter and loves true crime, cooking competitions, and rooting for the San Francisco Giants. A two-time Desmoid tumor survivor, Kimberly fights hard, loves harder, and pours it all into her stories.

YEIRI FARIAS loves reading romance, cozy mysteries, and horror books. Her poetry and short stories have been published or are scheduled to appear in Gypsophila Zine; Vial of Bones Zine; Flies, Cockroaches, and Poets; The San Joaquin Review, FURROW, and others. Love Me Under The Stars is her debut novel. She is a general editor at Vial of Bones Zine, and Eurydice Lit Mag, as well as the Editor-in-chief of Abundance Literary Magazine.

Awarded Pulp Detective‘s Best Newcomer of 2015, MATT ABRAHAM currently lives in Stockton, California where he splits his time between being a father, husband, and author. Currently he’s finishing his series, THE BLACK CAPE CASE FILES, which follows Dane Curse, a former villain turned PI, as he navigates the powered underbelly of Gold Coast City, and NORTHLAND MYSTERIES which stars Detective Jake Carter and his partner Dr. Nafissa Rayan. You can find him at mattabrahambooks.

VERONICA GIOLLI was a founding member of Writers of the Purple Sage Publishing Consortium in Reno, Nevada, and belongs to several writers groups, Sisters in Crime, and Writing for Publication. While living on an Indian reservation, she acquired firsthand knowledge of the tribal customs and spiritual practices of her Native American heritage. This in part provided inspiration for Whispers in the Wind.

A Madera native and writer of action thrillers, J. MENDEZ NAPIER has published two novels from his three book series, THIRTY-NINE SKETCHES. His debut novel, White Horse Red Blood, follows a desperate man on a mission who’s searching for his missing family, and willing to break every law to reach them. The author’s artistic background incorporates sketches of the journey into the series, thirty-nine in all. More can be found @39Sketches

NANNETTE POTTER is the award-winning author of the BLADE BROUSSARD international thriller series. An adventuress at heart, she lives vicariously through her fearless and impetuous characters. Beyond writing, she loves spending time with family and traveling the globe, where she dreams up future high-stakes conspiracies.

CORA J. RAMOS is a local Fresno author of 30 years. Novels: Dance the Dream Awake (romantic suspense) and Haiku Dance (historical romantic suspense). Short stories of mystery and suspense, some of which are included in Valley Fever anthology, one of which was published in a German anthology. Cora is a past president of the Fresno chapter of Sisters-in-Crime, past member of Romance Writers of America and current member of Central Valley Fiction Writers.

KARON RUIZ is a wife, mother and grandmother who loves her crazy life in Central California. Family inspires her, Faith grounds her, and pursuing her passion of writing humbles her. Grace In The Shadows is a story of healing and redemption that asks us all (even its author) to look into our souls and to judge not, but instead to believe in the Lord’s power to transform..

JOHN BOWERS discovered his love of writing in the seventh grade. He began his first novel at age 13 and before he graduated high school, he wrote four more. Today he is the author of three popular science fiction series: the STARPORT series; the NICK WALKER, U.F. MARSHAL series; and the FIGHTER QUEEN saga. Now retired, he is a computer programmer by profession, but a Born Novelist by birth.

Rising Star Award winner JEFF CATES grew up wrangling runaway farm animals before teaching sixth grade, fighting forest fires, and leading the Valley Writers Group. Nearly eighty of his paid stories and articles have appeared in the U.S. and Europe. If you enjoy thrilling tales, plot twists, and cliffhangers, check out The Dread Naughts, Tales from the Rook’s Branch Tavern, and The Reb Riley Files. The first two came out this year..

JAMES GARCIA JR was born in Hanford, California, but raised in Kingsburg. He was the 1994 winner of the Writer’s International Network/Writers’ Inter-Age Network writing contest in the horror category (Fresno). His six novels are typically horror or paranormal books with an edgy or crossover slant. Kingsburg or the California Central Valley are the settings.

GARRETT K. JONES is a Hanford native who holds a BA in Creative writing and a MAR in Biblical Studies. He hosts multiple podcasts, including the Write Way on YouTube as well as hosts a monthly writing workshop at the Kings County Library in Hanford.

LESLIE ANNE LEE is an award-winning author and screenwriter best known for Child of Dawn, Silken Waters, and the newly completed Ashwalker, the epic third installment in her LEGENDS OF THE VALE series. Her writing weaves myth, romance, and destiny into emotionally resonant fantasy worlds. A devoted mother and storyteller, Leslie believes in the power of words to awaken courage and connection. Her work continues to inspire readers and viewers across generations..

ROH MORGON writes dark fantasy with a bit of horror and is a past winner of the International Vampire Film & Arts Silver Stake Award. She’s best known for her supernatural suspense series THE CHOSEN, which includes Monster, Watcher, Runner, and the upcoming Seeker, along with with several related novellas. Roh is a member of the Horror Writers Association and the Central Valley Fiction Writers. Roh’s books are available on Amazon, Facebook, and her website, www.rohmorgon.com.

STEVE RAMIREZ is the author of the S’ORNE SAGA trilogy. His first book, The Great Migration, was a finalist in the 2021 Wishing Shelf Book Awards and the Self-Publishing Review Awards.

WAYLAND BRYANT JACKSON, 94, storyteller, poet, and artist, has been publishing for years, inspiring readers to explore the depths of the human experience. “With three books on Amazon and a fourth on its way, I invite you to immerse yourself in my diverse collection of writings, art, and videos. Each of us has unique views on life, and I encourage readers to share their views as I have mine, including their reactions to my writings.”

LYNN LASSO is a tenacious survivor. After a near-death experience reshaped her life, she felt called to help singles navigate change, rebuild after loss, and find fulfillment. With insight on dating, avoiding scams, and healing from heartbreak, she empowers others to rise strong and live with confidence. Her mission is deeply personal, and her passion is unwavering—because her greatest goal is simple: to see you win.

JONNI PETTIT says, “From farm kid to Air Force wife, to traveler, to sailor, to an unusual transition: I believe every day is an adventure. This book proves it. Since I attract strange experiences, few will have: huddling in a ditch with two small children as a tornado goes over us. Mine are funny, frightening, sad, silly, and terrifying—and each one is uniquely memorable and true. So, I wrote my book. Enjoy reading it. Thanks!“

MONIQUE TAYLOR is an award-winning author and devoted WWII researcher specializing in overlooked stories of the war. With degrees in English Literature (BA), History (MA), and Law (JD), she brings depth and precision to her work. Inspired by her father, a WWII combat glider pilot, Monique has authored numerous WWII articles and appears regularly on history podcasts and panels. She’s currently deep into research for two forthcoming books on the Battle of the Bulge.

DR. JOHN ZWEIFLER is a family physician with decades of experience in primary care, medical education, and health care administration. He explains why health care in America is clunky and expensive in Tipping Health Care 2024 and provides thoughtful, constructive solutions. His book, Management for Nerds weaves irreverent reflections on his own career to colorfully illustrate the strategic choices we make in our personal and professional lives. His books are available on Amazon.

TIM KAHL is the author of six books of poems, most recently Omnishambles (Bald Trickster, 2019), California Sijo (Bald Trickster, 2022) and Drips, Spills, Bursts, Tangles, and Washes (Cold River Press, 2024). He is also an editor of Clade Song. He builds flutes, plays them and plays guitars, ukuleles, charangos and cavaquinhos as well. He currently teaches at California State University, Sacramento, where he sings lieder while walking on campus between classes. Website | Soundcloud

TAYLOR LLOYD is from Clovis, CA and has written poetry all her life. She wrote a book with 65 poems in hopes to resonate with others going though the common struggles of life. It’s heartfelt, vulnerable, and uplifting.

ALICE MCMURTRY says, “I’m the author of Friction Strikes a Light Within, my debut poetry collection exploring resilience, love, and creative fire. A lifelong writer and special education teacher, I find joy in helping others find their voice too. I write from my garden bench with coffee in hand and the Cat-rio nearby. I’m fueled by words, community, and a passion for storytelling. Join my Everlasting Friends at www.readmybook.net and be part of the journey.”

DANNY ROMERO was born and raised in Los Angeles. His latest book Mi Vida Oakland (and other poems) won a 2024 Josephine Miles Award for Excellence from PEN Oakland. He is the author of the novel Calle 10 and another book of poetry, Traces. He teaches at Sacramento City College.