Elizabeth Hein

Elizabeth Hein writes women’s fiction with a bit of an edge. Her novels explore the role of friendship in the lives of adult women and themes of identity. She has published two novels, How to Climb the Eiffel Tower and Overlook. She is currently working on another novel and a mystery series.

In 2002, Elizabeth was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a cancer of the blood. During her extensive treatment, she met dozens of other cancer patients and developed close relationships with several of them. These friendships were the inspiration for her recent novel, How To Climb The Eiffel Tower. A cancer diagnosis is a life changing experience, yet it does not necessarily change a life for the worse.

Elizabeth Hein grew up in Massachusetts within an extended family of storytellers. Her childhood was filled with excellent food and people loudly talking over each other. After earning a…

Fia Essen

Fia Essen – that’s me. I grew up on the move, and then I kept going. I still haven’t really settled down anywhere. I’m not ready to say I’ve settled. You could say I got lost in transition. But I’ve found some great people and places on my journey to… well, destination unknown. And my journey through life is what gives me ideas for the stories I write.

What is the first piece you remember writing (from childhood or young adulthood)?

I wrote a short story when I was nine years old. I had just started a new school in Dubai and I was still learning English. Predictably, the story was about the adventures of a girl from Sweden who had just moved to “The Desert of Arabia”.

What is your favorite aspect of being a writer? Your least favorite?

The best thing about being a writer is…

Renee N. Meland

Renee N. Meland lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two dogs. Her favorite obsessions are Rome, learning new recipes, and exploring the world around her. She is an avid reader of speculative fiction, and believes that telling stories is the best job in the world.

What is the first piece you remember writing (from childhood or young adulthood)?

I remember writing a fantasy piece, that we used cardboard and wallpaper to make into a book. It was called Yendor (my dad’s name spelled backwards)

What is your favorite aspect of being a writer? Your least favorite?

I get paid to play pretend. Least favorite part? It’s very hard to stand out when there are millions of other books out there.

Do you believe in writer’s block? If so, what is your best tip for beating it? If not, why not?

I believe in it…

Kylie Betzner

That awkward moment when we’re asked to describe ourselves to strangers . . . For starters, I’m an incurable nerd. I love all things fantasy and even do a little cosplay on the side. I’m a natural-born comedian, self-identified coffee junkie, and now leader of The League of Comedy Fantasists, a group designed to bring comedy to the masses. Did I forget to mention I’m an author? My first novel, The Quest for the Holy Something or Other is available in both paperback and e-book formats on Amazon! But seriously, the titles I am most proud of are sister, auntie, and friend.

Growing up in a small town surrounded by cornfields, I had nothing better to do than fantasize about unicorns and elves. As an adult, I still refuse to grow up, and spend most of my time creating stories of comedic fantasy. When I’m not writing, which is hardly ever, I enjoy reading, drinking coffee, and spending time with my family…