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.
Jeffrey A. John
Jeffrey Alan John, Ph.D., is an author and freelance writer who experienced journalism as a newspaper reporter, magazine editor and public relations writer before entering a life in academia, which he continues as a Professor Emeritus at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. He is the author of Lab Rats Can’t Say No: a story in the future, a science fiction mystery, and co-author with the late Frank L.…
Read MoreJeffrey Alan John, Ph.D., is an author and freelance writer who experienced journalism as a newspaper reporter, magazine editor and public relations writer before entering a life in academia, which he continues as a Professor Emeritus at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. He is the author of Lab Rats Can’t Say No: a story in the future, a science fiction mystery, and co-author with the late Frank L. Johnson of A Bird in Your Hand: A story of ambiguous justice, a true-crime tale. Dr. John enjoys tennis, fly fishing and restoration of a decrepit Triumph TR3 sports car in his spare time. He and his wife Karin Avila-John live in Dayton’s Oregon Historic District. Learn more about Dr. John at his website http://www.wordwritesshop.com and visit him on Twitter at @Jeffrey23671313
Angela Johnson
An Ohioana Award-winning writer of novels and poems for children, Angela Johnson is also a three-time winner of the American Library Association’s Coretta Scott King Award, presented annually for “outstanding inspirational and educational works that promote understanding and appreciation of the cultures of all peoples.” Johnson was born in Alabama and grew up in Windham, Ohio. Now a resident of Kent, Ohio, she was the recipient of a MacArthur Foundation “genius grant” in 2003. Visit her website: http://www.ajohnsonauthor.com/.
Richard O Jones
After twenty-five years writing the first draft of history as a writer and editor for his hometown newspaper, the Hamilton Journal-News, Richard O Jones left the grind of daily journalism in the fall of 2013 for a life of true crime. He is the author of two books on the History Press imprint, Cincinnati’s Savage Seamstress: The Shocking Edythe Klumpp Murder Scandal (October, 2014) and Ohio Bluebeard: The Strange Confessions of Alfred Knapp (Spring, 2015), and maintains the True Crime Historian blog, where he remembers the scoundrels, scandals and scourges of America’s past and publishes the Two-Dollar Terror series of novella-length ebooks. Mr. Jones, a creative writing graduate of Miami University, Ohio, spent most of his career as an arts journalist and has won numerous awards for his reviews and profiles. In 2004, he was named a Fellow of the National Endowment for the Arts Theatre and Musical Theatre program at the Annenberg School of Journalism. The Ohio Associated Press named him Feature Writer of the Year in 2011. Since leaving the newspaper world, Mr. Jones has become an active member of his local history community as a board member of the Butler County Historical Society, a member of the History Speakers Bureau and a regular presenter at Miami University in a program titled “Yesterday’s News.” The Michael J. Colligan History Project of Miami University presented Mr. Jones with a Special Recognition for Contributions to Public History for his coverage of the Centennial Commemoration of the Great Flood of 1913. Visit him online at http://www.truecrimehistorian.com.
Mabel C. Jones
Mabel C Jones is a Christian author who has been writing poetry and plays for her church and to encourage her friends and individuals for many years. I have appeared at various local churches reading my poetry as a narrator for both praise dance and choir concerts for many years. A couple years ago I decided to take many friends’ advice and put my poetry into a collection. I am presently working on putting together a volume two, also. I enjoy writing and encouraging others with my gift of poetry. And the delight in their eyes when they read it lets me know I have been a blessing to them…well, that is my thankful moment!
Saeed Jones
Saeed Jones was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and grew up in Lewisville, Texas. His work has appeared in the New Yorker, the New York Times, and GQ, and he has been featured on public radio programs including NPR’s Fresh Air, Pop Culture Happy Hour, It’s Been A Minute with Sam Sanders, and All Things Considered. He lives in Columbus, Ohio, and tweets @TheFerocity. Learn more at: https://www.readsaeedjones.com/
Mark Sebastian Jordan
Mark Sebastian Jordan writes the weekly History Knox column for KnoxPages.com, music reviews for Seen and Heard International, and program notes and music appreciation talks for the Mansfield Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra, and Mid Ohio Civic Opera. Jordan was included in the award-winning I Thought I Heard a Cardinal Sing: Ohio’s Appalachian Poets (Sheila-Na-Gig Editions 2022). He has appeared on numerous television shows, including Mysteries at the Museum, and was a background actor in the classic film The Shawshank Redemption.
Bradwin Jordan
Brad Jordan is a dedicated family man, coach, and avid sports enthusiast hailing from Toledo, Ohio. Brad is married to his lovely wife, Lisa, and they have been together for 23 years. Together, they are blessed with three wonderful children, Delaney, Julian, and Landon.
As a sports coach, Brad has a passion for helping others achieve their goals and reach their full potential. He has coached a variety of sports at different levels and has garnered a reputation for being an excellent motivator and mentor. When he is not on the field or court, Brad enjoys spending time with his family, watching sports, reading, and traveling. He believes that these activities provide him with a well-rounded perspective on life and help him to stay grounded.
Brad currently resides in Wapakoneta, Ohio, where he continues to be an active member of his community. He believes that it is important to give back to those around him, and he frequently volunteers his time to help those in need. Overall, Brad Jordan is a dedicated family man with a passion for sports and helping others. His love for life and his commitment to his family and community make him a truly inspiring individual.
Brad Jordan is an experienced customer service and recruiting professional with a Master of Business Administration degree. He has a successful track record in developing and executing strategies for both B2B and B2C companies, ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. He is a collaborative leader who thrives in fast-paced environments and has a passion for driving growth and achieving business objectives. Brad’s expertise has helped numerous companies achieve significant success in their respective industries. Brad has been conducting presentations and workshops throughout the United States over the last 20 years. Brad has a passion to educate himself and others on the topics of leadership, soft skills, and emotional intelligence. He has mentored countless people over the years, and he has the passion and drive to motivate others to succeed.
Timothy R. W. Jordan
Robin Judd
The child and grandchild of Holocaust survivors, Robin Judd is associate professor of history at The Ohio State University, where she directs the Hoffman Leaders and Leadership in History Fellowship program. At OSU, Robin teaches courses in the History of the Holocaust, Jewish History, and history of leadership. She serves as the President of the Association for Jewish Studies, the largest international learned society and professional organization representing Jewish studies, and is also the Vice Chair of the Leo Baeck Institute’s Advisory Board. In recognition of her work in Holocaust studies, Governor Mike DeWine appointed Robin to Ohio’s Holocaust and Genocide Memorial and Education Commission in 2021. https://history.osu.edu/people/judd.18