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Rebecca Benston

Owner/Author/Publisher

She is the author of The Rona Shively Stories mystery series as well as a number of inspirational works including Wise Up to Rise Up.  She is also the owner of Higher Ground Books & Media (HGBM); an independent publisher located in Springfield, Ohio.  HGBM publishes works that are inspirational, motivational, and education.  Books available through HGBM include devotionals, memoirs, fiction, children’s books, poetry and assorted non-fiction works.  The company has been in business since 2013 and continues to grow.

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John Baldasare

Author

He has a Bachelors in Sociology and a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio and has worked as a therapist, manager, and executive director in addictions, mental health, and trauma programs for over 40 years. He has directed treatment services in Ohio, Arizona, Virginia, and South Carolina. His website is www.FatherJohnBaldy.com, with Facebook pages “SLUGSociety” and “Dayton Model of Recovery”. He currently provides consultation and training services, as well as public speaking.

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Daniel K. Held

Author

He is both an Ohio Licensed Independent Social Worker and ordained United Methodist Elder (pastor) living with his wife of 51 years, Sue, in retirement.    With degrees from Sterling College, the Ohio State University, and United Theological Seminary, he works intentionally to both improve and express his deeper understanding of God and people.  Such understanding forms the basis for his faith and love of God, neighbor and self.  His work has included individual, marital and family counseling, educational workshops and seminars, pulpit ministry and writing over the span of now 50 years.   The latter includes his blogsite:  www.pastordanheldblog.com.

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Rev. Mark Etter

Author

He has been a pastor for thirty years and is currently the pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church in Erlanger, KY. Rev. Etter has published several books of Adult Bible studies and numerous devotions and youth studies with Concordia Publishing House in St. Louis. He is a certified pastoral coach for the Ohio District of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod in Cleveland, OH and has served in several capacities like LWML counselor, evangelism chairman, and circuit counselor for the larger church. He and his wife, Joan, have three grown children and one grandchild (so far).

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Forest Godin

Author

He lives in Springfield, Ohio with his wife Carol.  He is the author of Miracles: I Love Them, a devotional memoir detailing God's miracles and how they have shaped his life.

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Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

Author

She has been writing professionally since 1995. She's an author and award-winning journalist.  Her work has appeared in Vitamin Retailer Magazine, Dining Out, The Paterson Press, The Montclair Times, The Jersey City Independent, NJ Health & Fitness, The Aquarian Arts Weekly, The Westsider, Manhattan Spirit, music.com, Tattoo Review, Punk Magazine, gasm, and Exit, to name a few.She has self-published her first two books "On the Guest List: Adventures of a Music Journalist" and “Love Cats.” Her third book, “The Gypsy Smiled” was published traditionally by GenZ Publishing. She resides in Union County, New Jersey, with her husband, Dennis, and their beloved cat, Nicholas. Interests include: music, animals, and living a healthy lifestyle. 

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Stephen Bowman

Author

He is a 53 year-old child of God.  He's battled addiction, depression and catastrophic illness.  A counselor and licensed clergyman, he enjoys working with and helping people.  When he's not helping others, he enjoys fishing and an occasional walk.

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Jen Hernandez

Author/Illustrator

Jen is a local artist who creates many different styles of paintings, she finds her groove with a sort of abstract impressionistic street art. She is willing to try new combinations and techniques to convey the feeling that she is striving for in each individual piece of art. Arti St Gallery & Studio is a direct extension of her and her artwork. Using art therapy techniques she designs her teachings to reflect that the emotion is more important that the formal technique of each piece. To see more artwork from Jen please visit www.artistreetstudio.com

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Derra Nicole Sabo

Author

She is the author of  Dear You.  A Human Anomaly 🖤 Writing started out as an escape for me, then somewhere along the way it became my passion. The pen speaks for me when my lips fail to. My past demons are now my life lessons. Love loudly & hate silently. 
Cali girl, born and raised. My family & friends are my everything. Beach baby, foodie, coffee addict, bookworm, writer, blogger, movie buff, music maniac, night owl.  With a cup of coffee in my hand and a piece of honesty from you, I'll bring my walls down and show you my unguarded soul.

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Frank Adkins

Author

Frank Adkins is a life-long automotive enthusiast who enjoys building, driving, showing, and racing antique vehicles.  He has published two automotive books, Chrysler Performance Upgrades (CarTech, 1999) and How to Build High Performance Chrysler Engines (CarTech, 2001).  In addition, his technical articles have appeared in numerous regional and national hobbyist publications.  He is an ASE certified Master Automobile Technician who worked in various shops and dealerships for more than twenty years before transitioning into teaching Automotive Technology.  He and his wife, Kristan, have two adult children and four grandchildren.  They enjoy vacationing in northern Maine.  They are also active in several car clubs. 

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Janet Kay Teresa

Author

She was born and raised in Ohio. She enjoys warmer weather during the winter months and traveling. She is a self employed Gardener, and a free lance writer. Currently she became a Certified Christian Temperament Counselor.

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Willie Deeanjlo White

Author

Willie Deeanjlo White was born and raised in Springfield, Ohio.  He is a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor and holds a Master’s degree in Psychology as well as a Bachelor’s in Health and Human Services.  He currently works as the supervisor of an Addiction Treatment Program that houses over 200 clients. 
He is an Ordained Pastor in the Pneuma Life Network of Churches and humbly serves as an Associate Pastor at Greater Grace Temple in Springfield, Ohio under Bishop Ronald Logan.

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Yvonne Green

Author

Yvonne Green is a compassionate woman of God who loves giving back to her community.  She is a Minister/Evangelist/Prayer Warrior who loves to encourage others and minister to youth and young adults. Yvonne accepted her calling to minister in July of 2011and preached her first sermon on March 14, 2012 under the leadership of Pastor Larry D Coleman at Restored Life Ministries and she has been on fire for the Lord ever since. Yvonne firmly believes we are in control of our own happiness. She believes failure only leads to the road to success. Yvonne’s favorite mottos are,  “Give loved one’s flowers while here on Earth,” “Do not be a carbon copy, be original and unique,” and “We have to be the person God created us to be.”  Yvonne lives in Springfield, Ohio.

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Amy Land

Author

Amy was born in Idaho, but moved to Indiana until the age of 13. She later moved to Dunnellon, Florida where she now lives with her husband and six-year old son.  She is a stay-at-home mom who enjoys writing stories to read to her son.  

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Judy Frisby

Author

Judy Frisby is a 28-year veteran of the hairstyling industry who began her writing journey in 2014.  The Real Prison Diaries, a true story, began as a coping mechanism between mother and daughter after her beloved child became incarcerated. Judy went from a stranger to the judicial system to being driven by raw grief in a desperate attempt to be a voice for her child. Judy and her husband live in Harrod, Ohio. She is the mother of four and grandmother to four, one grandchild in which she and her husband raise due to incarceration. Judy enjoys being with family and spoiling their grandchildren.

In 2016 Judy founded The Isiah's Hope Project in Allen County Ohio, a non-profit that provides children of Ohio assistance and transportation to regular visitations with their incarcerated mothers.

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Joe Siccardi

Author

Joe Siccardi has been an editorial writer, editor and publisher for 52 years and posts a blog at https://wisdomfromafather.com/.   As he states, "I'm the ordinary Joe walking along this journey called life and sharing it with you!" He is the proud father of five children, 18 grandchildren, three great-granddaughters and another great-granddaughter expected in the fall. He currently lives in Dover-Foxcroft, ME, after life experiences in Paterson, Totowa, Ogdensburg and Newton, NJ; Belvidere, IL;  Toledo, OH;  Washington, DC; Laurel, MD; and Seneca Falls and Willard (Romulus), NY. He has written three book, My Name Is Sam … and Heaven Is Still Shining Through, an expansion of his novella, Heaven Shining Through, and the nonfiction Wisdom From a Father … one dad’s thoughts on life, a collection of short stories culled an d updated from the blog of the same name.

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Sandra Bretting

Author

Sandra Bretting is the author of a critically acclaimed cozy mystery series The Missy DuBois Mystery Series, produced by Kensington Publishing of New York.  A graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, she spent two decades writing feature stories for national newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times and Houston Chronicle.

After a near-death experience in 2018, she penned Shameless Persistence: Lessons from a Modern Miracle. The book explores how prayer changed her story; what the Bible says about prayer; and ways prayer has altered lives in modern times and the past.  Sandra is a longtime member of The Writers’ League of Texas and the national chapter of Sisters in Crime. She lives with her family in a suburb of Houston, Texas. 

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Jasmine Ogletree

Illustrator

Jasmine Ogletree is a self-taught artist who has been practicing her artwork since 2010, specializing in abstract and textured acrylics and watercolors.  

  Jasmine has dedicated her time in the beginning of 2019 to develop and transcend her spirituality through the expression of her artwork.  Since then, Jasmine has showcased and exhibited her artwork in local restaurants, yoga studios, galas, and galleries; displaying her award-winning painting, Awaken Rebirth. 

  Jasmine’s goals for 2020 are to continue using her artwork to develop her spirituality while helping others develop their own.

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Terra Kern

Author

Terra Kern resides in Clarkston, Michigan and is not only the author of Forgiven And Not Forgotten, but the author of the Little Jenna Jafferty series for children, as well as a
contributing author of the anthology, Girl Get Up and Win. She has been married for 37 years to her husband Bill, and is mother to three children who have blessed her with nine grandchildren thus far. She has been serving the Lord for most of her adult life and has been an ordained minister for over 25 years.

 

When Terra isn’t writing, you can find her spending time with Lexi and Lacey, her rescue pup and kitten. In the summer months you’ll be sure to find her tending her
flower beds as she loves the beauty of nature and finds her gardens to be the perfect place for walking and talking with God, just like Adam and Eve did in the beginning. If she’s not there, then she is traveling with her husband exploring shorelines and
enjoying the sun, sand and surf. In the summer evenings, she keeps her eyes to the skies awaiting the artistry of God as He paints breathtaking sunsets.


You can contact her at Terra@littlejennajafferty.com

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A.R. Ratliff

Author

A.R. Ratliff was born on June 11, 1951 in Beattyville, KY.  He served in the U.S. Army for seven years as an MP around Bamberg, Germany.  He continued his service in the U.S. Navy for 14 years and retired at the rank of Chief Master at Arms with an honorable discharge in 1994.  He wrote the story of Detective Joe Ruddy while serving in the Navy, utilizing his knowledge of law enforcement and his love for mystery.  He received many medals of commendation throughout his military career including a Navy Achievement Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, Rifle Marksman ribbons, and an expert pistol shot medal. 

 

Throughout his life, A.R. charmed many with his musical talents and his quick wit.  He was a musician since childhood, playing country guitar, writing, and singing hundreds of original songs.  Sadly, A.R. passed away in 2011 after a bout with cancer.  This book was a labor of love for him and is being published as a tribute to him and for his years of service as well as the years of love and joy that he provided for family and friends all over the world.  He will forever be missed by those who knew and loved him.

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Jean Walters

Author

Jean Walters is a Saint Louis based teacher of self-empowerment principles for over thirty years. She has studied metaphysics extensively and applies universal principles to every area of her life. Walters has written weekly and monthly columns for major Saint Louis newspapers and publications and been published all over the United States. Her books include: Set Yourself Free: Live the life YOU were meant to Live, Be Outrageous: Do the Impossible; Dreams & the Symbology of Life; Look Ma, I'm Flying.
Walters has designed and presented classes and workshops in empowerment, meditation, universal laws, dream interpretation, and strengthening intuition for organizations, colleges, universities, spiritual groups, and businesses around the Midwest.
Presented: "Best Psychic in Saint Louis" Award for 8 years.
From her Saint Louis office, she works with people around the world as a Transformational Coach and Akashic Record reader. She has given over 35,000 readings with the emphasis on providing insight regarding personal growth, life purpose, strengthening relationships, and moving through obstacles.

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Tramaine Hannah

Author

Tramaine Hannah is a Los Angeles California native whose military life landed her in Dayton Ohio. Proving that God has a sense of humor. She is the daughter of a non-denominational minister and the third of six children. Until they age of fourteen she endured the trauma of growing up with a house full of kids and only one bathroom. Today, she is the mother of only one daughter. After years of writing only poetry and short stories in the quiet of her bedroom, she was introduced to Christian Apologetics and quickly grew a passion for defending the faith. That passion began to weave itself into her stories and what was once a hobby became her way of sharing Christ.

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Dr. Kerry Olitzky

Author

Dr. Kerry M. Olitzky is an associate at Mersky, Jaffe & Associates (MJA), a consulting group that specializes in fundraising and executive search solutions. At MJA, he focuses on new membership models, creating income centers for nonprofits, as well as start-ups. He also helps in strategic planning for boomers, and for recovery centers and programs. He is the former long time executive director of Big Tent Judaism (previously the Jewish Outreach Institute), a national independent organization dedicated to bringing Judaism to interfaith families and the unaffiliated. He served as visiting professor at the Abraham Geiger Kolleg in Berlin, Germany and has been a Fellow at the City University Graduate Center in its Jewish Studies Program. He has been named as one of the 50 Leading Rabbis in North America by Newsweek. Formerly, he served as vice president of the Wexner Heritage Foundation, the premier adult Jewish learning and Jewish leadership program in North America. Previously, he was national Dean of Adult Jewish Learning and Living of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion where he served on the faculty and administration for 15 years following his tenure as rabbi at Congregation Beth Israel in West Hartford, CT. A leader in the development of innovative Jewish education, particularly for adults, he has shaped training programs for clergy of all faiths, especially in the area of pastoral care and counseling in the Jewish community.  He has done pioneering work in the area of Jewish Twelve Step spirituality, as well as Jewish Gerontology. 

He is the author of over 75 books and hundreds of articles in a variety of fields, including four books on addiction and recovery, all published by Jewish Lights. His opinion pieces are published in leading publications throughout North America and in Israel. Among his most recent publications are: a new translation and commentary on the book of Job with Leonard Kravitz (Wipf and Stock), an inclusive haggadah called Welcome to the Seder (Behrman House) and children’s books: Where’s the Potty of this Ark (Kar-Ben) and The Littlest Candle: A Hanukkah Story (Kalaniot)

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H.S. Daniels

Author

H.S. Daniels is an author, educator, and life coach. He uses his life experiences to provide books and speaking events primarily targeted toward today's youth.

In his off time, Daniels can be found speaking in schools, churches, and youth centers.

 

Daniels has worked in law enforcement, social work, and currently in education. He has a BS in Criminal Justice, a MA in Business, and a second BA in Education.

 

Daniels lives with his wife and children in the peaceful nature of Wyoming where they both work with children and run their own business.

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Arlene Nichting

Author

Arlene Nichting lives in New Richmond, Ohio.  She has written several stories in the Woody & Butch series.  She has owned and managed three businesses, now retired.  She loves being with children all ages, especially her grandchildren.   Alene enjoys singing, music, swimming, bicycling and walking.  She feels very blessed with a wonderful husband, family and friends. 

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Brend W. McIntyre

Author

Brenda W. McIntyre is a freelance author who has held a variety of jobs over the years. She has been a house parent at a residential children’s home, the Acquisitions Supervisor in an academic library, and a prison librarian. Currently she works with children with developmental disabilities and troubled youth who are part of the Georgia Network for Educational and Therapeutic Services (GNETS) program. Her first love, however, has always been writing. Her articles appear in a variety of publications including: His Voice, GEORGIA Magazine, Clubhouse Magazine (Focus on the Family), The Upper Room, The Christian Pulse, Light From the Word, and Georgia Backroads

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Theresa Garee

Author

Theresa is a mother of 2 girls, 4 dogs and 2 parakeets. She lives with her family in a suburb of Columbus, Ohio. She calls Columbus the ugliest city she has ever lived in but it is hard to compete with her previous home cities of Portland, Oregon and Fairbanks, Alaska.
Theresa began writing after finishing a 12-step program called Celebrate Recovery. She learned that all her childhood trauma no longer need to dictate her future and she wanted to offer healing through her books. Each book is designed to share hope and the gospel to its readers.

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Ron Isaacs

Author

Ron Isaacs, know as “the teaching rabbi” has published more than 120 books that make learning and lore easily accessible to readers of all ages and beliefs. From his Every Person’s Guide to Judaism series to Ask the Rabbi, to Do Animals Have Souls, his books are invaluable sources of information and definitive reference works for people of all faiths. His children’s picture book with Karen Rostoker Gruber (Farmer Kobi’s Hanukkah Match) was named one of the Best Children’s Books of 2015 by the Bureau of Education and Research. He currently serves Beth Judah Temple in Wildwood New Jersey as its spiritual leader and also works for Stein Hospice in his role called Chords of Comfort, bringing his song and guitar to put a smile on the face of his clients. He can be reached at www.rabbiron.com and one can follow his blogs at https://thoughtsfromrabbiron.wordpress.com/

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Sarah Brady

Author

Sarah E. Brady lives in Hanover, Pennsylvania.These days she is attending college at Messiah University. She is majoring in Human Development and Family Science and minoring in communications. After college, she is planning to get a job working as a mental health advocate. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family and playing with her two cats (Hermione and Ginny).

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Rebecca Whited

Author

Rebecca is a broken, flawed child of God who is trying to use the gift of writing to share the love of Jesus. She is a mother to one amazing, not so little anymore, daughter. She lives in Ohio with her husband and daughter. “Bits & Pieces” is her first published writing, though she has been writing since she was in grade school. When she is not working, or being a chauffeur to the next sporting event, Rebecca enjoys digging into the Word of God, attending and organizing church functions and diving into a good book, especially by a bonfire. It is through her writing that she hopes to share a glimpse into what God has done in her life, and what he can do with others if given the
opportunity.

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Rev. Jerry C. Crossley

Author

Jerry Crossley has pastored churches for more than half a century (since 1960), serving congregations in the mountains, small towns, the city, and a little village. Along the way, he also served as a chaplain to a Civil Air Patrol squadron, a volunteer fire department, a prison, some local hospitals, and a retirement community.  Each year of his life he has found the Gospel increasingly compelling. And if the Gospel is worth its salt, it will always be Good News. 

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Jennifer Bolton

Author

Jennifer lives in New Jersey, near the beaches of Delaware Bay with her husband,  three grown daughters, two grandchildren,  a couple of chickens,  and last but not least her dog Chewie. As a young girl Jennifer was called to work for the Lord,  and has been blessed to serve as senior pastor for two United Methodist congregations.  However, her passion is to share God's unconditional love with as many people as possible. Jennifer now hopes to share this love and glorify God through her new hobby, writing books!

 

Illustrator-Angelina Bolton

Angelina lives near the Delaware  Bay with her husband, and two cats,  Binx and Eeyore. She has always had a passion for the arts and crafts,  and has a degree in Advertising Art.  Although Angelina respects computer animation, she likes drawing the good old fashioned way, and is inspired by her love of Japanese animation. Angelina can almost always be found with paper and pencil,  drawing something new.  

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Your Name Here

Author

New Authors Coming Soon!

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Mya Benston

Author

She is a young author from Springfield, Ohio.  She has written two books in a series; Whobert the Owl and Snowy the Owl.  These books were written when Mya was just 10 years old and she is currently working on some other ideas she has for teen fiction.

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Chuck David

Author

He lives in Monongahela, Pennsylvania with his wife and fantastic son along with 3 boxers, and a cat.

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Charlotte Hopkins

Author

She is a freelance writer and reporter whose work has appeared in numerous magazines, newspapers and websites.  Combining her love of research and her passion for writing, she has developed the 365 Days Book series.  She resides in a small town in Pennsylvania.

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Yasmin S. Brown

Author

Yasmin Brown is a healthcare professional, former Sunday school teacher, poet and entrepreneur who struggled to funnel her way through sexual assault and domestic violence all before the age of eighteen.  The aftermath manifested into her adulthood leading to lack of self-confidence, self-love, self-control and depression.

She has climbed the mountain to regain her life back creating “Deliverance” an interactive series of trials and tribulations that manifested throughout her youth carrying into young adulthood.  Silence of abuse, triumphant by faith and encouraged into a brighter future is what she brings to you in a three-book series, “The Silent Destruction”, “The Point of Abuse” and “Deliverance.”

Yasmin found through her healing journey she loved to help others.  Receiving the Unsung hero award in 2012, she found herself wanting to help youth and young adults like her.  Empathizing with cause and effect of trauma Yasmin continues to advocate and share her story with other survivors.

More information can be found on Yasmin Brown at https://yiryelements.com/, facebook.com/yiryelements, Instagram (@yazlibra3) and Twitter (@yiryelements).

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Forrest Henslee

Author

He is the author of Overcomers, Change Your Thoughts, Change Your World.  He is also the director of the Overcomers Ministry in Springfield, Ohio. He currently lives in Springfield, Ohio with his wife, Vicki.

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Brandy Hambrick

Author

Brandy Hambrick is the author of The Key:  The Adventure Begins.  Hambrick, a writer and teacher from Cincinnati, Ohio, is known to reach children through innovative approaches in the arts and education, primarily focusing on creative methods to promote literacy.  It is her mission to empower children to become positive and confident builders of their futures, and creating stories that will teach kids the beauty of imagination, the importance of leadership, the promise of a good education, and achieving the goals they dream. For more information, visit www.brandyhambrick.com

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Jennifer Marchese-Darrow

Author

She is a recovering addict and mother to two young men; Jordan and Noah. My book reflects upon watching and enjoying them as they grew. The other part of my little book of poetry is that of my struggles with post-partum depression and anxiety. I try to let people that are going through what I did with depression and anxiety that it does get better. I am definitely living proof.

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Linda Phillipson

Author

She and her husband live on a farm in central Mississippi with a rat terrier called Shady Lady, a cat, J.K. and a mule called Ruth, who loves pears.  She and her husband had an egg farm for several years, with twenty thousand hens and two thousand roosters, the inspiration for ‘The Magic Egg’.

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John Salmon, PhD

Author

He has worked with children and families since 1986 in settings as varied as church, community, school, and private practice.  John currently sees children and families in an outpatient setting to help them identify the personal strengths and available resources that will enable them to more successfully navigate life's struggles and transitions. He also assists children and families in developing the skills necessary to develop successful relationships and become involved in communities that will support them through life's changes.

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Nancy Flinchbaugh

Author

She is a Christian contemplative. Each morning she begins her day with God in the silence. From this expansive space of love, she journals and writes and some days she receives letters from the Earth, what she considers messages from God. Several years ago she answered a call to speak for the Earth. Now the Earth is also speaking to her. She leads contemplative retreats focused on listening for God in nature and walking the labyrinth. She has written two novels, Revelation in the Cave (Spiritual Seedlings, 2012) and Revelation at the Labyrinth (2017, eLectio Publishing). She is a member of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby, a coaching client of AllWriters’ Workplace and Workshop and maintains websites at SpiritualSeedlings.com and Nancy.flinchbaugh.com and a Facebook page at Nancy Flinchbaugh, Author. Email her toNancy.Flinchbaugh@gmail.com to invite her speak, lead a retreat or discuss her writing. She lives in Springfield, Ohio with her husband, Steve, and cat, Emily Rose.

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Gabriella Granovitz

Author

She is one of our newest authors and part of our "Young Authors Program". She wrote and illustrated her first book at the age of 8!

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Henryk Hoffmann

Author

Born, raised and educated in Poznań, Poland, Henryk Hoffmann immigrated, in 1992, to the USA, where he has taught Latin, German, English and History. He has also authored five reference books, including “A” Western Filmmakers: A Biographical Dictionary of Writers, Directors, Cinematographers, Composers, Actors and Actresses (2000, 2008), Leksykon gwiazd kina amerykańskiego (A Biographical Dictionary of American Movie Stars, 2006; written in Polish in collaboration with his daughters, Beata and Katarzyna) and Four Hollywood Legends in World Literature: References to Bogart, Cooper, Gable and Tracy (2016). His professional honors include the Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition (2000) for his first book, a two-time inclusion in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers (2002 and 2005), an entry in Gale’s Contemporary Authors (2005) and an Honorary Diploma from the Polish Federation of Film Societies (2006). At present, Hoffmann works at Perkiomen School in Pennsburg, PA, where he teaches Latin and German. He is an active member of the Western Writers of America and lives, with his wife, Betsy, in Lititz, PA.

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Debra Mays

Author

Debra Mays (Cafaro) was raised in an Italian family, growing up she watched her mom, grandma, and aunt when they cooked. She is a Food Network junkie and her favorite show is the Pioneer Woman. When she met her husband he taught her all about flavor and that is when she began to watch the Food Network. Experimenting and trying new recipes. She is a nurse specializing in Geriatrics and is always helping someone. She is a compassionate caring person with a heart of gold. Debra not only loves to cook, but enjoys fishing, watching mysteries, bowling, bingo, and her grandkids.

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Keith Heck

Illustrator

Keith has been drawing as long as he can remember. He graduated from Pennsylvania College of Art & Design with a degree in Illustration. He lives in South Central Pennsylvania with his wonderful wife and son. Keith enjoys a wide array of music, movies, books and games. In his spare time he loves performing with his son in local community theatre productions.

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Stephen Shepherd

Author

Stephen Shepherd earned his BA and MA degrees in English from Northern Michigan University and his MFA in Creative Writing from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. He has taught college writing for over thirty years, and his first novella, The Last Chord Concert, received a major review in Publishers Weekly. Most recently, Stories at the Edge, a collection of short stories, were published in 2019, and a collection of 71 reflective essays, God: The Power Source of Everything, was published in 2018. In addition, Mr. Shepherd was a former voting member of the Grammy’s, based on six CDs consisting of 68 original songs. His two most recent singer-songwriter albums Escape Is Not A Place and Livin’ On Borrowed Time rose to #1 on the US Roots Music Chart. Mr. Shepherd lives in Cedar Rapids with his wife and their cat Charlie in Iowa’s Creative Corridor.

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Will O'Toole

Author/Illustrator

William O’Toole is a beloved husband, father, teacher and sports cartoonist and journalist who has been utilizing his love of cartooning for many years to bring joy and laughter to all around him. His cartoons encumber a number of topics such as sports, politics, entertainment and many other forms of media. He has written and drawn for publications and websites  such as NESN, YES Network, CBS Sports, Sportingnews.com, Americanthinker.com, Fanrag.com and Thesportsdaily,com. where his endearing and wacky characters found a home. Zooverbs is a chance to combine these caricatures with and array of animal verbs for students and kids of all ages, young and old, big and small to expand and enrich their vocabulary and writing while sharing many laughs along the way.  

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Hubert Neal, Jr.

Illustrator

Hubert Neal, Jr is a Professional Artist with expertise in Illustration, Painting, Writing, Graphic Design, and Photography

 

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Hubert’s family is from Belize, Central America.

 

By the age of 9, Hubert knew he wanted to be an Artist, and thankfully, his mother found just the right place for him to develop as an Artist. At the age of 13, Hubert was accepted to the prestigious The Chicago Academy for the Arts where he studied Visual Arts, Theater, Music, and Writing. Upon graduation, he was awarded the Academy’s first Headmaster’s Award. From there, Hubert was accepted to The School of Architecture, Art, and Planning at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York where he studied Fine Arts, specifically, Drawing, Painting, Photography, and Graphic Design.

 

Hubert’s most recent projects are ‘a soft soul’, which is a collection of his poetry, and The Adventures of Anna, Avery, and Max, where he provided the illustrations.

 

Hubert is proud to be a part of the Higher Ground family!

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Robin Lynne Melet

Author

Robin Lynne Melet was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. She attended Trotwood-Madison High School and is a college graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass
Communications from Wright State University in Fairborn, Ohio. She is an eleven-time Published Poet with Eber and Wein Publishing Company and a former Published, Feature Columnist with The Dayton City Paper. Robin loves to be an inspiration, an encourager andan empowerer to others. She loves her dog, Rockin’ Rocko, photography and cooking yummy meals for her friends and family. She is an achiever and an overcomer. She has served as a home health caregiver specializing in brain challenges like Alzheimer’s and forms of Dementia since 2012 (currently eight years) and provides care to the elderly. She simply wants to share her journey with God to the world. One of her favorite bible passages is from Matthew:15-16. “Let your light shine before others so they may see your good works and give
glory to your Father who is in Heaven.”

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Antoinette & Domenic Lombardi

Authors

Domenic and Antoinette Lombardi began dating when they were teenagers. And soon afterward Domenic was called to fight in the Korean War. During his time in combat, he wrote his love, Antoinette, over 200 letters. She saved every one of them. She also put together scrap books that contained newspaper clippings of the war, photographs, holiday cards, and other memorabilia; as well as more recent newspaper clippings of celebrations such as their anniversaries and birthdays. Domenic had his own collection of memories, several typed, as well as handwritten notebook diaries, filled with the truth he experienced fighting for The United States. Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta spent several months at the home of The Lombardis in Florham Park, New Jersey, ferreting through the photo albums, love letters, and notebook dairies in order to put together this wondrous memoir. The happy couple have been married over 65 years, as of this second printing.

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Talia Stone

Author

Talia Stone is a wife, mother, and counselor from the Midwest who is the author of Despising the Shame. She lives with her husband and son on a quiet lake in a small, rural community. 

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Timothy D. Starnes

Author

Timothy D. Starnes is a dark comedy playwright, amateur historian,game designer, and entrepreneur in the wild world of ghost tours, haunted houses, and strange exhibitions – he never intended to write a book geared for children,but, much like anyone who has been struck by lightning or a meteorite would say- it randomly, with no provocation, happened.

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Marjorie Joseph

Author

Over the years, Marjorie Joseph has partnered with her Heavenly Father, and has penned a number of unique stories and experiences.  Her journey as an author has led her far away from the course she would have chosen for herself. Writing is no longer a hobby or pastime. It is a God-given ministry with the potential to impact lives for the better one reader at a time.  She sees writing as a tool given to her by God for the purpose of reaching the lost for Christ, and to offer hope to those who know Him as their Lord.

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Terri Kozlowski

Author

Terri Kozlowski is a proud Native American warrior: Athabascan; Tlinglet Tribe - Raven Clan. Rediscovering her true path in life, one of joy and love, she learned to transcend the fear that the egoic mind keeps bringing to the forefront of our lives. Terri is now a successful soul and life coach whose mission is to inspire others to master their fear and overcome their limiting beliefs.  

We can find her online at www.TerriKozlowski.com

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Mark Tedesco

Author

Mark Tedesco is a published author and educator living in California; he is intrigued by the stories that shape and define persons, places and histories. In The Words of My Father, Mark explores the connection between faith, the search for meaning and the kinship that results. 


Besides writing, Mark is an educator and he loves to engage his students in his love of history, literature and of each person’s unique story. His colleagues consider him to be somewhat of a Renaissance man since his interests span education to fitness, travel to literature, technology to contemplation.

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Deborah Armstrong Bryant

Author

Deborah Armstrong Bryant is a mother of two young-adult children as well as a Middle School Counselor.  She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, a Master’s in Education, and a Masters in School Counseling.  After spending years as a self-employed piano teacher and singer-songwriter, she transitioned into public education as a platform to serve, support, and uplift others.  She has spent many years studying personal development and the power of positive thinking, and she is amazed at how vastly she improved her own life through these practices!  She is now inspired to use her writing to share with others what she has learned and found helpful on this amazing life journey.

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Alex Uhl

Illustrator

My name is Alex, I’m a freshman student in high school and I’ve been creating art and writing as a common hobby for years now. There is no limit to what I can do, so ask if you’d like me to create for you. 

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Amanda Price

Illustrator

Amanda Price is a self-taught photographer and painter. Amanda has been painting professionally since 2003 and photographing professionally since 2015.  She is inspired by the strange and unusual. Her works often include bold colors, course textures, and has a macabre influence. She can be found working from her home studio in St. Clair, Missouri.

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Curtis Brower

Illustrator

My name is Curtis Brower, 36 years old, a husband and father of 4 beautiful daughters. Born in Ft. Myers, FL and raised in Nashville Tn, now reside in Sullivan Mo about an hour from St. Louis.

 I work as a real estate agent and my wife and I operate our own construction and lawn care business , but art has always been my passion and hobby since childhood.

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Karen Scarberry

Author

Karen Scarberry – a wife of 40 years to Nick Scarberry, Mother to 4 grown children and Grandmother to 10 beautiful children.

For over 33 years, I have been a co-founder with my husband Nick, of a homeless Ministry first known as Helping Hands and later known as Hedges & Highways Ministry, to take the Word of God out to the streets to preach the Gospel and compel them to come into the House of the Lord. I and my husband’s goal in life was to feed, clothe and minister the Word of God to the people that this world seemed to forget. My most important thing in my life is my love for God, my family and to my country. I have lived my Christian life doing John 4:34: Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish his work. I am working to finish what Jesus started.

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Brittany Patrick

Author

Brittany Patrick is a recovering addict who was born and raised in PIttsburgh, Pa. She struggled with addiction for over a decade. She knows the work that needs to be put into recovery as well as everything your children go through while watching first hand. She has written the book “Daddy Goes to Treatment.” to get the discussion started. It is very close to her heart as she herself has two wonderful children who went through her struggle with her. Brittany wasn’t sure how to bring up the subject that hinders her children's lives from both sides of the family and gives them a bigger dispasistion than most. She has since got clean and sober and wants to end the cycle with her, but she needed a way to bring the subject up and talk about it while also letting her children know there is help out there, you just have to want it and you're not the only one going through this. Addiction has always been something people didn’t talk about and tried to hide, but now it is a worldwide epidemic that needs brought to everyone's attention while also giving hope that WE DO RECOVER, only by the grace of God. Brittany still works a 12-step program and has given her will over to a God of her understanding. She wants to spread wisdom, power, and truth with this book while letting people know that asking for help is perfectly fine. If you need a way to break the Ice with your children, grandchildren, foster child , or adopted child so that they can get a better understanding of what really happened and why this is the book for you.

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Ruzanna Krdilyan Hernandez, Ed.D

Author

Ruzanna Krdilyan Hernandez's goal is to impart her knowledge with anyone who wants to achieve as much as possible in a short period of time.  She credits her development of organizational skills over the years to accomplish many personal and professional goals in her life.  She comes from a humble immigrant background to being a successful middle-class mother of two, living in a wonderful community in Southern California.  She is currently serving as a public school principal while owning a small business, being a mother of two children, maintaining her home and her personal relationships.This book's goal is to to help readers be inspired and reflect upon their own lives to make changes as they see fit. I want to empower women everywhere to fight and pursue their dreams because they deserve it!  

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Robin M. Adams

Author

Robin Adams graduated with a degree in Liberal Arts, with minors in Child Development and Psychology.  Driven by her passion for writing and her love for children, she became certified as a Special Education Paraprofessional in the public-school system, using her skills to create educational materials for children with learning differences. She is a consummate writer, specializing in children’s literature, and her passion for writing and teaching spans a lifetime.  

Robin resides in Canton, Georgia where she continues to share her passion for writing with others.  In 2016 she founded Inklings, Creative Expressions as a source for educating and motivating writers of all ages, offering critique groups, classes, and author events.

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Christine Nekas-Thoma

Author

Christine Nekas-Thoma, a native and resident of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in English Education (6-12) and obtained a MA degree in Writing from Northeastern University in Boston. Since 1996, she has been teaching high school English and now also teaches advanced writing for students through UW-Green Bay. In her spare time, Christine enjoys spending time with family, finding inspiration in nature, and playing and coaching basketball, tennis, and piano. Christine is married to Phil and has two sons, Beckett and Gavin. You can follow Christine on her website at https://christinenekasthoma.com or her Facebook author page at https://www.facebook.com/christinenekasthoma 

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Joanne Piccari Coleman

Author

Joanne Piccari Coleman, M. Ed is a retired veteran teacher of healthcare management.  Joanne is a proud mother of six adult children and fourteen grandchildren.  Her memoir, One Day in May, is Joanne’s literary debut, which intimately describes her spiritual journey through the devastating diagnosis of lung cancer and subsequent surgery and recovery.  It describes her spiritual awakening in an uplifting, intense, and encouraging way.

IN MEMORIAM

We are saddened by the loss of these fine authors.  They were an integral part of Higher Ground Books & Media and are greatly missed.

Dominic Lombardi (Co-Author of 200 Letters, 62 Years & a War)

Yvonne Green (Author of Healing in God's Power)

Joe Siccardi (Author of My Name is Sam...And Heaven is Still Shining Through, Yes, There is a Santa)

A.R. Ratliff (Author of The Music Murder Industry) 

Jennifer Darrow-Marchese (Author of Because of You: Struggles That Lead to Happiness)

Janet Kay Teresa (Author of From a Hole in My Life to a Life Made Whole)

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