2024 Virtual Faculty
USA Today bestselling author Tamera Alexander is one of today’s most popular writers of inspirational historical fiction. Her novels continue to garner reader loyalty around the world, with her latest, Colors of Truth, hitting both the U.S. Amazon and the Netherlands bestsellers lists right out of the gate. A Million Little Choices, her highly-anticipated dual timeline NOV 2023 release, is already drawing industry acclaim. Tamera lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband Joe and two lovable but rambunctious Australian Terriers, not far from the Southern mansions that serve as the backdrop for many of her critically-acclaimed novels. They enjoy life with their adult children—and first grandchild—who live nearby.
Karen Ball has worked nearly 40 years in publishing as an executive and acquisitions editor, building fiction lines for Tyndale, Multnomah, Zondervan, and B&H Publishing Group. In addition, Karen is the owner of Karen Ball Publishing Services, LLC, a former literary agent with the prestigious Steve Laube Agency, and the co-creator of Write from the Deep with Erin Taylor Young. A popular speaker and podcaster, Karen appears at writers conferences, womens’ retreats, and other events across the country.
Jeane’s love of books started her on the road to publishing in 1989 when she went to work for NavPress, as a sales representative. That early start brought her to where she is now, the founder and president of Tall Oak Media, a company that specializes in publicity, of all types, both for publishers and individual authors. She has had a career in book publishing since 1989, and her own firm, Tall Oak Media , celebrated 21 years of business in September of this year. She has been fortunate to work with hundreds of celebrated authors over the years, for both fiction and non-fiction. Tall Oak Media comes out of her love for amazing stories, and hard- working authors. Tall Oak is a full-service publicity agency that handles everything from publicity campaigns to consulting. And while there have been many changes to publicity in the past 21 plus years, Jeane is happy to still be doing something that she loves. Jeane is a proud small-town girl who loves supporting her community in every way possible, through the school, church, local businesses, and civic groups. When not working, you can find her working on her upcoming podcast, having coffee around her fire pit, or working with the Peoria Tribe of Oklahoma, where she is honored to serve on the enrollment committee. More information can be found at talloak.media
Julie Gwinn, currently a literary agent with The Seymour Agency, has more than a decade in Christian publishing including serving as marketing manager then Fiction Publisher for B&H Publishing Group and Marketing Manager for Abingdon Press.
Prior to joining the publishing industry, Gwinn has more than 20 years’ experience in advertising, marketing and public relations. She uses her previous experience to aid her authors at every phase of their publishing plan. She lives in Nashville, TN, with her husband and two children and also enjoys freelance editing, and DIY projects around the house.
Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of 90 novels and novellas with over five million copies in print. She’s known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Her numerous awards include the RITA®, the Carol, the Christy, the HOLT Medallion, the National Reader’s Choice, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice. Robin is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America®. When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog and a persnickety tuxedo cat.
Tara Johnson is an author and speaker, and loves to write stories that help people break free from the lies they believe about themselves.
Tara’s debut novel Engraved on the Heart (Tyndale) earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly, and was a finalist in the Carol and Christy awards. Tara has been published by Tyndale House, Annie’s, and Guideposts. In addition to being published in a variety of digital and print magazines, she is a certified body language expert and has been on radio, television and podcasts. She is a history nerd, especially the Civil War, and adores making people laugh. She, her husband, and children live in Arkansas.
Award-winning author Jenny B. Jones writes rom-com with sass and Southern charm. She lives in the great state of Arkansas, where she’s currently at work on her 25th novel, a Christmas screenplay, raising her son, and expertly avoiding anything that resembles housework. Check out Finding You, the movie adaptation of her novel There You’ll Find Me.
Dana R. Lynn grew up in a suburb of Chicago, IL, but now lives in northwestern PA with her husband, three children, and enough animals to start her own petting zoo. She began her career as a teacher of the Deaf and hard of hearing, but currently works as an educational interpreter. She has been crafting stories all her life and is often seen jotting down ideas wherever inspiration strikes. Her friends know to be careful what they say…it might end up in a book. You can contact Dana at www.facebook.com/WriterDanaLynn or www.authordanarlynn.wordpress.com.
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure? Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; Golden Scroll awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.
Michelle Stimpson’s journey from journaling during a family crisis to becoming a bestselling author is a story of resilience and inspiration. With over fifty books to her name, including beloved titles like “Boaz Brown” and the award-winning “Mama B” series, Michelle’s unique storytelling style captivates readers worldwide. She’s not only an accomplished author but also a dedicated educator, holding a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. Michelle is passionate about helping others achieve their dreams. When she’s not writing or coaching, you might find her dancing with her granddaughter or indulging in red velvet cake. Discover more about Michelle’s literary world at www.MichelleStimpson.com.
Award-winning author Janice Thompson got her start in the industry writing screenplays and musical comedies for the stage. Janice has published over 150 books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children’s books and more. She particularly enjoys writing light-hearted, comedic tales because she enjoys making readers laugh. Janice is passionate about her faith and does all she can to share the joy of the Lord with others, which is why she particularly enjoys writing. Her tagline, “Author, Baker, Mischief Maker!” sums up her take on life. She lives in Spring, Texas, where she leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends, and three mischievous dogs. When she’s not busy writing or playing with her nine grandchildren, Janice can be found in the kitchen, baking specialty cakes and cookies for friends and loved ones. She loves to blog about cakes, cookies, and other sweet treats on her Out of the Box Baking Blog. No matter what she’s cooking up—books, cakes, cookies or mischief—she does her best to keep the Lord at the center of it all.
Jaime Jo Wright, the coffee-fueled and cat-fancier extraordinaire, has entwined her life with the legendary Captain Hook, residing serenely in Wisconsin’s rural woodlands. Her literary vocation involves penning chilling Gothic tales, a baffling change from that of Austenites, with a strong preference to the master of dark, Edgar Allan Poe. Two mischievous urchins adorn their family, who keep their mother on her toes – providing an exhilarating amount of chaos. Jaime hosts a popular podcast, MadLit Musings (www.madlitmusings.com), and by day is a social media manager for many other amazing authors in the industry. Find out more about Jaime at www.jaimewrightbooks.com.
