Cheryl Gill

Cheryl Gill is an author, speaker, and educator dedicated to making estate planning clear and approachable for everyone—not just the wealthy.

Her book simplifies a complex topic with step-by-step guidance that empowers readers to protect what matters most.

Through her speaking engagements, blog, and newsletter, Cheryl continues her mission to educate and inspire.

When she’s not teaching, she enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest by foot, bike, or kayak, and uncovering family history through her passion for genealogy.

Patty Grasher

Books:

Explore Vancouver Washington

Patty Grasher is the author of the best selling Vancouver, Washington Guidebook. 

When not writing she is having too much fun coordinating the Northwest Book Fair, producing the bi-weekly radio show of Northwest Book Talk and working part time at the Fort Vancouver Bookstore.

Website: NorthwestBookTalk.com

Mary B Hansen

Mary B. Hansen is a writer and certified archivist who turns forgotten history into haunting mystery.

In The Traveling Archivist: Eastern Oregon, she blends fact and fiction to uncover the buried stories of a community built on silence and survival.

Drawing on her background in archives and information science, Mary explores how truth hides in plain sight. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her partner, two cats, and a clever Australian Shepherd.

Website: MaryBHansen.com 

Jonno Heyne

Jonno is a comic book writer and sequential illustrator from Vancouver, Washington.

Passionate about graphic novels, he promotes literacy through local libraries and has exhibited work at Vancouver’s Archer Gallery.

His indie press, Lawndart Books, publishes children’s titles and a young adult superhero series set in a shared, witty universe.

Fascinated by origin stories, Jonno celebrates everyday heroes who discover their own strength and purpose, reminding readers that everyone has the power to make the world better.

Website: lawndartbooks.com

William Hrdina

William Hrdina began writing in college in 1998 and has since completed more than 40 novels and 150 short stories across genres including sci-fi, fantasy, satire, and suspense.

A Chicago native with degrees in philosophy and religion, he now lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife and pets.

His audio stories have aired on NPR stations nationwide. Known for his wit and versatility, William continues to write every day.

Website: WilliamHrdina.com

Ellen Jacobson

Ellen Jacobson is a cozy mystery and romantic comedy author best known for her North Dakota Library Mysteries and Mollie McGhie series. A chocolate enthusiast and cat lover, she has lived and worked around the world—from Scotland to New Zealand—and even spent years sailing and camper traveling before settling in northern Oregon with her husband and imaginary cat, Simon. With over 40 published books, Ellen brings humor, heart, and a dash of adventure to every story she writes.

Website: EllenJacobsonBooks.com

Paola Kay

Zorro’s Night in Question by Paola Kay is a heart-warming picture book for ages 2–7 about kindness, friendship, and perseverance.

When Zorro, a small dog, is locked out on a rainy night, his brave search for warmth leads to unexpected animal friends and one big surprise.

Inspired by the author’s own dog, this gentle bedtime story celebrates compassion and courage. Paola Kay lives in Portland, Oregon, with her family and two Boston Terriers.

Karen Kent

Karen Kent is an indie author of middle grade stories who invites readers on magical adventures filled with friendship, laughter, and wonder.

Originally from the East Coast, she now calls the Pacific Northwest home, where she lives with her family, two dogs, and a cat.

When not writing, Karen tends tomato plants, creates collage art, or hunts for sea glass along local beaches.

A member of SCBWI Western Washington, she shares her stories at karenkentbooks.com.

Mike Lawrence

Mike Lawrence is a Portland-based author and illustrator best known for his acclaimed graphic novels Star Scouts and Bea Wolf (with Zach Weinersmith).

His colorful, imaginative storytelling blends humor, adventure, and heart, inspiring readers of all ages.

Mike’s work has been praised for its dynamic art style and empowering themes of courage, curiosity, and friendship.

When not drawing or teaching comics, he enjoys exploring Portland’s creative community and sharing his love of visual storytelling with young readers.

Webpage:  mlawrenceillustration.com

Temple Lentz

Temple Lentz is a nonprofit CEO and former elected official whose career has centered on leadership, community, and civic engagement.

Her debut novel, Not Quite Home, explores what happens when compassion meets conviction and two women from vastly different worlds join forces to help unhoused women build stability and belonging.

Drawing on real-world insight and deep empathy, Lentz crafts a powerful story about partnership, purpose, and the challenges of turning good intentions into lasting change.