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.
Armani Borden
Born in Detroit and raised in Ohio, Armani Borden is a graduate of Bowling Green State University. She received a bachelor’s degree in film production, loves action and comedy films, and books and music are her life. She listens, sings, and plays music every day. Borden grew up playing by herself in her room, which helped her develop such a big and vivid imagination.
Dianne Borsenik
Dianne Borsenik is active in the northern and central Ohio poetry scenes and regional reading circuit. She is a member of the Ohio Poetry Association and Literary Cleveland. Her performances in 2019 include “We’re No Angels” at Speak of the Devil in Lorain, Ohio, 2 Chefs & a Beat – “Poetic Justice Edition” at Porco Lounge and Tiki Room in Cleveland, Ohio, the Sun & Moon Poetry Festival in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and the Edith Chase Symposium Resurrection River Poetry Reading in Kent, Ohio. Her poems have appeared in hundreds of journals, anthologies, and magazines, and in numerous projects and art gallery events. Two recent books are Raga for What Comes Next, and Heaven We Haven’t Yet Dreamed, both from Stubborn Mule Press. In 2011, Borsenik founded NightBallet Press, and has since published over one hundred titles for poets throughout Ohio and across the United States. Lit Youngstown printed her poem “Disco” on their tee shirts, which makes her feel like a rock star. Learn more at http://www.dianneborsenik.com.
Diana Bosse
Diana Bosse has jotted notes in her diary, written hundreds of grocery lists, and published a few articles in company newsletters as well as The Cincinnati Enquirer, The Island Packet, Ladies Home Journal and Women’s Day. Publishing and SELLING a “real” book is a big deal for her.
Diana grew up on a cul-de-sac in a small mid-western town in what she refers to as “the last great era to be a child” – the 1960’s. She attended grade school and high school where she “didn’t learn a thing, but had a great time”, then went on to drop out of graphic design school in the early 1980’s.
For twenty-five years she worked in the corporate world for the same company where she made a decent living without a college degree and was able to travel to amazing cities like Atlanta, Dallas, New York, Seattle and Hong Kong on the company dime. Not too shabby for a kid that thought Gatlinburg, Tennessee was the edge of the earth.
Diana currently does meaningful work for an incredible organization – the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Cincinnati.
She lives in Loveland, Ohio with her tolerant husband, Steve, and equally tolerant cat, Madison Grace. All three enjoy spending as many weeks as possible in Maddy’s big litter box by the sea, Hilton Head, South Carolina.
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.
Shawn Boyd
Shawn Boyd was born and raised in Whitehall, Ohio, where he still resides. Shawn served as a combat communications specialist in the U.S. Army Reserves. He has been a Deputy Sheriff for over twenty-five years, spending time working in the jail, court services, community relations, and as the Deputy assigned to the Children’s Services Intake building. He helped create and taught a program about gangs and gang awareness for almost ten years.
Shawn and his wife Kathy have been married for twenty six years and have three children, Ashley, Andrew and Shawn Ryan. They are also blessed with two granddaughters and four grandsons. The publishing of this book culminates a life-long dream. “Special thanks to everyone who supported and encouraged me along the way, even when I was ready to give up on myself.”
Conor Bracken
His chapbook, Henry Kissinger, Mon Amour, was selected by Diane Seuss as winner of the fifth annual Frost Place Chapbook Competition (Bull City Press, 2017), and his translation of Mohammed Khaïr-Eddine’s Scorpionic Sun (CSU Poetry Center, 2019) was the first English translation of the avant-garde Moroccan writer’s work. Another translation—of Jean D’Amérique’s No Way in the Skin without this Bloody Embrace—is forthcoming from Ugly Duckling Presse in 2022.
His debut collection of poems, The Enemy of My Enemy is Me, won the 2020 Diode Editions Book Prize, and was published in 2021. His poems and translations have earned him fellowships from Bread Loaf, the Community of Writers, The Frost Place, Inprint, and the Sewanee Writers’ Conference.
A former poetry editor at Gulf Coast, he is currently an assistant poetry editor at Four Way Review. He lives in Ohio, and teaches classes regularly with LitCleveland. Visit his website at: https://www.conorbracken.com/
Susan Bradley
First and foremost, I’m a Mom. My second passion is books. I love mystery/thriller/suspense novels. My first novel, Unraveled, was released Spring 2013 from Evernight Teen. The sequel, Uncovered was released in July 2014. I have a MFA from Seton Hill University.
Read MoreFirst and foremost, I’m a Mom. My second passion is books. I love mystery/thriller/suspense novels. My first novel, Unraveled, was released Spring 2013 from Evernight Teen. The sequel, Uncovered was released in July 2014. I have a MFA from Seton Hill University.
Dustin Brady
Dustin Brady writes funny, action-packed books for kids. Although he regularly gets locked out of his own accounts for forgetting passwords, Dustin still remembers the Super Mario Bros. 3 Game Genie code for infinite lives (it’s SLXPLOVS). Dustin lives in Strongsville, Ohio, with his wife, kids, and a small dog named Nugget.