Nicolas DiDomizio’s debut novel, the mother-son buddy comedy Burn It All Down, was released in 2021 and praised by James Patterson as “highly entertaining” and “unforgettable.”

Duane Michals was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and after taking art classes at the Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh, he attended the University of Denver, where he received his undergraduate degree in 1953.

Mia P. Manansala is a writer from Chicago who loves books, baking, and badass women. She uses humor (and murder) to explore aspects of the Filipino diaspora, queerness, and her millennial love for pop culture.

Mandy McHugh is a first-time novelist from Troy, NY. She holds an MA in English from the College of Saint Rose and a BA in English Education from Le Moyne College.

Ira Marcks writes and draws graphic novels for young readers. His latest books Shark Summer and Spirit Week have been recommended by The New York Times, BuzzFeed, and the American Library Association.

Lyn Liao Butler was born in Taiwan and moved to the U.S. when she was seven. Before becoming an author, she was a professional ballet and modern dancer, and is still a personal trainer, fitness instructor, and yoga instructor.

Lauren Tarshis is the author of the New York Times bestselling I Survived series. Each of these historical fiction books focuses on an iconic event from history and tells the story through the eyes of a child who was there.

Ellen Kushner is the author of several renowned fantasy novels for adults and children, including Swordspoint and The Golden Dreidel. A writer first, Ellen is also a former NPR radio host and teacher.

Emma Kress is a writer and educator living with her family in Saratoga Springs, NY. A graduate of Vassar College and Columbia University’s Teachers College, she also earned her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults at the Vermont College of Fine Arts.

Meredith Ireland was born in Korea and adopted by a New York librarian. Her love of books started early and although she pursued both pre-med at Rollins College and law at the University of Miami, stories were her fate.