Alexandra Rowland
@_alexrowland
Alex Rowland is a hybrid author of several works including A Taste of Gold and Iron (Tor Books, 2022) and Running Close To The Wind (Tordotcom, 2024), which is an Amazon Editors Pick. Their most recent self-published novel Yield Under Great Persuasion was picked up by Tor UK and is coming to print in 2026. They hold a degree in world literature, mythology, and folklore from Truman State University and are the co-host of the Hugo Award nominated podcast “Be the Serpent”.
Social Media: Alex’s Instagram and Website.
Barbara Perez Marquez
@mustachebabs
Barbara Perez Marquez was born and raised in the Dominican Republic and now lives in the USA. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing and writes short stories and fiction. She is one of the creators behind the Eisner-nominated graphic novel series, The Cardboard Kingdom. She is the author of the forthcoming graphic novels To Dance the Moon and Stars (Joy Revolution, 2026), The Library of Memories (Little, Brown, 2026) and Drawing Attention (First Second, 2026), as well as the adapter of the forthcoming graphic novel adaptation of the bestselling novel To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before (Simon & Schuster BFYR, 2026).
Social Media: Barbara’s Instagram and Website.
J.R. Cathers
@jrcathers
J.R. Cathers is the self-published author of Child of Shivay (Veils of Terr Book 1), a romantic fantasy that weaves together ancient magic, forbidden love, and the journey of self-discovery. A lifelong lover of fantasy, J.R. has spent years crafting immersive worlds and complex characters that delve into themes of identity, power, and belonging. When not writing, J.R. is often found hiking trails, rock climbing, or chasing inspiration in wild, untamed landscapes that fuel the imagination.
Social Media: J.R’s Instagram and Website.
A.L. Sterling
@a.l.sterling
A.L. Sterling is the self-published author of Foresyth Conservatory, a dark academia murder mystery set at a 1920s occult graduate school. An award-winning scientist, she holds a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering and writes dark and sparkling tales where intellect meets intuition.
Social Media: A.L.’s Instagram and Website.
Kiara Valdez
@dezinpub
Kiara is an Afro-Dominican writer and graphic novel editor from New York City. She graduated from Williams College with a double major in English Literature and Japanese, and spends her free time reading, writing, and enjoying a long list of other hobbies she can’t keep up with. She is the author of the forthcoming graphic memoir Stepping Up (HarperCollins, 2026) and the forthcoming picture book Mami’s Magic Words (Viking Children’s, 2026) and has authored several children’s books for Scholastic.
Social Media: Kiara’s Instagram and Website.
Bea Northwick
@beanorthwick
Bea Northwick is the author of the award winning self-published gothic romance novel The Cruel Dark and its novella Lover. her most recent self-published novel, the gothic romantasy Blackwicket, is a BookLife Editor’s Pick. She is a former reference and research librarian with a love of magical, spooky, and romantic things. She owns too much perfume, can’t pick an aesthetic, and is obsessed with 80s movies. Bea lives with her family, dogs, and one very old black cat in the sunny American South.
Social Media: Bea’s Instagram and Website.
C.A. Farran
@c.a.farran
C.A. Farran grew up by the sea on a steady intake of fairytales, renaissance faires, and mythology and spent her childhood searching the woods for monsters and magic. Now, she spends her days photographing nature in Maine with her husband and wildling daughters, writing dark fantasy, and chasing said wildlings through the forest. She is the author of the self-published trilogy A Dreamers Misfortune (Songs of the Wicked, Lament of the Wolf, Elegy of the Dreamer) and the standalone fantasy rom-com The Ballad of the Last Dragon.
Social Media: C.A.’s Instagram and Website.