Author Profiles
Ohio has a rich literary heritage as well as some wonderful contemporary authors. Learn more about them here! You can sort by various categories and see who has participated in our annual book festival by using the category search on the left, or search by keyword (including partial author names) by using the search field on the right.
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Bobby Bostic
Bobby Bostic, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, embarked on a journey marked by adversity, transformation, and
an unwavering commitment to redemption. Born into a challenging environment, Bobby’s teenage years were
filled with turmoil, leading him down a troubled path. At the age of 16, in December 1995, he became involved
in a series of criminal activities, culminating in a life-altering moment. Alongside an associate, he committed
robberies and assaults, resulting in a staggering 17 charges, including kidnapping and armed criminal action.
His fate took an irreversible turn when he was offered a plea bargain of a life sentence, an offer he chose to
reject.
Opting for a trial instead, Bobby faced a jury that found him guilty of all counts. His sentencing was nothing
short of controversial and unjust, as he received a staggering 240-year prison sentence. The judge’s decision,
based on biased grounds and overlooking Bobby’s age and potential for rehabilitation, left him facing an
equivalent of life without parole. Despite the circumstances, Bobby maintained his resilience and expressed his
commitment to personal growth and redemption during his sentencing hearing, highlighting his desire to take
college courses and rehabilitate himself.
While incarcerated for over 25 years, Bobby Bostic embarked on a transformative journey. He endured the loss
of his mother to cancer and his brother due to gunshot complications, experiences that only strengthened his
resolve. During his time behind bars, he pursued education vigorously, obtaining his G.E.D., a Paralegal
Diploma, and an Associate of Science. His commitment extended beyond academics, as he completed
rehabilitation classes and even authored several books, including an autobiography, poetry volumes, and
insightful works on various topics. Bobby has authored the following books:
• Humbled to the Rise: Still, I Rise
• Dear Mama: The Life and Struggles of a Single Mother
• Mind Diamonds: Shining on Your Mind
• Time: Endless Moments in Prison
• When Life Gives You, Lemons Make Lemonade
• A Generation Misunderstood: Generation Next
Bobby’s story serves as a testament to the potential for growth and change within individuals, especially those
who were juveniles at the time of their offenses. He aspires to challenge the system that sentenced him to die in
prison and advocates for a second chance, aligning with the belief that America is a country that offers
redemption and opportunities for those who have made mistakes. His vision goes beyond prison walls, and he
aims to make a positive impact on society, focusing on helping troubled youth and advocating for justice
reform. Bobby Bostic’s journey is a compelling narrative of resilience, self-improvement, and the pursuit of a
second chance in a world that sometimes seems unforgiving.
Learn more at http://www.minddiamonds.net and http://www.FreeBobbyBostic.com.
Tim Bowers
Tim Bowers fueled his childhood imagination with comic book superheroes, television comedies and his grandparents’ many animals, including dogs, cats, chickens, a talking parrot, a house pig and a squirrel monkey, named Joe. It’s no surprise that Tim’s career in illustration would be filled with humorous stories and animal characters. Bowers has illustrated over fifty children’s books, including collaborations with Olympian Kristy Yamaguchi (Dream Big, Little Pig!) and singer/songwriter Kenny Loggins (Footloose). Several of Bowers’ books have been New York Times Bestsellers and he has received numerous state book awards, including the prestigious Texas Bluebonnet Award, for the book Memoirs of a Tortoise. When he isn’t creating art for a children’s book, he is probably strumming his ukulele and writing songs… filled with humor and animal characters. Tim and his family live in Ohio. To find out more about Tim and his art, visit http://www.timbowers.com.
Kristy Boyce
Kristy Boyce is the nationally bestselling author of Dating and Dragons, Dungeons and Drama, Hot British Boyfriend, and Hot Dutch Daydream. She played her first role-playing game in high school and has been friends with that group ever since. In fact, she even married the DM. Nowadays, she teaches psychology as a senior lecturer at The Ohio State University. When she’s not spending time with her husband and son, she’s usually writing, reading, or watching happy reality TV. Kristy lives in Pickerington, Ohio.
Erin Alon Brain
Tiara J. Brown
Tiara J. Brown grew up in Northeast Ohio and studied media at Ohio University. Although The Tales of Alexandria Stecklar: The Locket is her first published novel, she has been held captive by the art of story-telling since she was twelve-years-old. When she is not writing or reading, you can be found swing dancing, hiking, or traveling.
H.M.S. Brown
H.M.S. Brown is an avid knitter, crocheter, and voracious reader who stumbled into writing during lockdown in 2020 after complaining to her mom about a book she didn’t like. When her mom challenged her to write her own, the small town of Grant’s Crossing, Ohio, was born. H.M.S. Brown is a graduate of both Indiana University and The Ohio State University, as well as a returned Peace Corps volunteer, so be prepared to see occasional mentions of the Hoosiers, the Buckeyes, and all things Bulgarian within her novels. She lives in central Ohio, doing the bidding of her evil, yet adorable cat, Michonne, but also keeps a day job to maintain a roof over her books and yarn stash. Wayward Guilt is H.M.S. Brown’s debut novel and Book 1 of her Heroes of Grant’s Crossing series. Watch for the follow-up to Wayward Guilt, Safe Now, to hit the shelves in early 2024.
E.A. Burnett
E.A. Burnett is an epic fantasy author who writes evocative tales set in lush worlds full of magic, animals, and strong female protagonists. Her passion for nature and experience working with wildlife shines through in fantastical worlds where animals and humans are close-knit. Silverglen and Isle Of Wings are two standalone novels set in the same universe—one full of magic and shapeshifters. Of Gryphons And Runes is the start of a new epic fantasy trilogy in a world created by Enchanters—one where humans are bound to other life forms. Her shorter works received an Honorable Mention (2013), a Silver Honorable Mention (2022), and a Finalist Award (2016) from the international L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest. Today, Burnett lives in the beautiful forests of Ohio with her husband, two little people, two corn snakes, and two rambunctious Labradors. Visit her at her website: https://www.eaburnett.com/, on Instagram (eaburnett_author) or Facebook (eaburnett.author).
Marcy Campbell
Marcy Campbell is an author of picture books and middle-grade novels, which have earned praise from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, School Library Review, The Horn Book, Kirkus Reviews, and many others. She is the recipient of multiple book awards, including the Ohioana Award for Juvenile Literature. Her picture books have been selected for the Junior Library Guild and named a Best Children’s Book of the Year by Bank Street College and National Public Radio. Her debut middle-grade novel, Rule of Threes, was selected by the State Library of Ohio for the Choose to Read Ohio list for 2023-2024. Marcy’s books have been translated into eight languages. She lives in Ohio with her family and multiple furry and feathered companions. Visit her at marcycampbell.com.
Alejandra Campos
With Chinese, Panamanian, and Salvadorian heritage, Alejandra Campos is a Hispanic voice like no other. Her polemic views on the subject of migration are a direct result of her personal experiences while living in El Salvador (one of the most violent countries in the Americas), Mexico, and the U.S.A. Traveling the world from a very young age, Alejandra settled in the United States and eventually became a naturalized citizen. Although her legal status has always been legitimate, her “adventures” in this country have mirrored those of illegal aliens in many ways. Alejandra’s outstanding academic background includes an Industrial Engineering degree, a M.S. in Food Science, and multiple academic awards. For more, visit amazon.com/Alejandra-Campos
Mary Kay Carson
Mary Kay Carson is the author of more than fifty nonfiction books for young people about wildlife, space, weather, nature, and history. After studying biology in college, and a stint in the Peace Corps, she began her writing career working on the classroom magazine SuperScience at Scholastic in NYC. Her books have received more than a dozen starred reviews, as well as multiple awards, including the 2019 AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books and the 2023 Giverny Award for Best Children’s Science Picture Book. She also gives presentations at schools and libraries. http://www.marykaycarson.com.