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.
Jane Bond
Jane Bond always wanted to write. But after earning a degree in Journalism from Ohio University, her life took another direction. As a single mom with two small daughters, she started law school in 1973 earning a law degree from the University of Akron in 1976. She started practicing law at a desk in the reception area of an Akron law firm at a time when women were uncommon and unwelcome as lawyers.…
Read MoreJane Bond always wanted to write. But after earning a degree in Journalism from Ohio University, her life took another direction. As a single mom with two small daughters, she started law school in 1973 earning a law degree from the University of Akron in 1976. She started practicing law at a desk in the reception area of an Akron law firm at a time when women were uncommon and unwelcome as lawyers.
Then came the opportunity to become a Summit County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney. That led to an offer to become the first General Counsel to the Summit County Executive. This involved her in settling a federal lawsuit on jail overcrowding and helping to plan a new county jail. With that experience in jail planning, she was offered a job in Cleveland as corporate legal counsel and criminal justice planner for The Voinovich Companies. The work took her into jails and prisons all over the United States.
She decided serving in the courts could have a greater impact than planning. She sought and received an appointment as Municipal Judge in the City of Akron. After two years as a municipal judge, she was appointed to the Common Pleas Court in Summit County. Now in an elected office with a six-year term, she was required to run for election after her appointment. She won and then was re-elected to two more terms, retiring in 2007 after eighteen years on the bench.
During her service as judge, she presided over thousands of criminal and civil cases. One of her most challenging experiences had been presiding over a complex series of criminal cases that collectively became known as “The Escort Case.” She drew on the facts of that case to write this compelling true story of the criminal justice system gone awry and the struggle to finally do justice.
Dr. Helen Bond
Dr. Helen Bond is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at Howard University. She received a Bachelor’s of Science in Education from The Ohio State University, a Master’s in Communication from West Virginia University, and a Ph.D. in Human Development from Virginia Tech. Dr. Bond has published widely including articles in the Sociology of Education: An A-to-Z Guide, International Journal of Knowledge and Learning, Journal of Transformative Education, Handbook of Research on Culturally Aware Technology, and the Weekly Journal of Higher Education published by the Association of Indian Universities. She also published chapters in the following books: Pathways to the Holocaust and the award winning Evoking Genocide chosen as the “Outstanding Academic Title” for 2010 by Choice Magazine, the leading journal of librarians around the English-speaking world. She grew up on a farm in Ohio, but now lives outside the Washington DC metro area.
Lindsay Bonilla
Lindsay Bonilla is a professional storyteller and children’s book author from North Canton, Ohio. She lives with her husband, two wild and creative kids, and her dog, Blitzen. While earning her Bachelor’s degree in theatre and religion at Northwestern University, she fell in love with folktales and world travel. Lindsay has performed interactive theatre, shared stories and taught workshops all over the world. These experiences have made her passionate about building understanding and relationships across cultures while inspiring the imagination. Today, Lindsay performs audience-participatory multicultural folktales through her company, World of Difference, Ltd. and offers engaging author visits at schools, libraries, festivals, and beyond. Her books include Parents’ Choice Award winner Polar Bear Island, I Love You With All of My Hearts, The Note Who Faced the Music, The Storyteller (selected for the 2025 Choose to Read Ohio booklist) and You’ve Got This. Forthcoming titles include The Hole (Penguin, 2025) and Family Is Always (Penguin, 2026). Learn more at http://www.lindsaybonilla.com
Louise Borden
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.