Veronica Mahara

Books: Traveled Hearts Series

Veronica Mahara, grew up in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and at seventeen journeyed west in a beat-up pickup truck that broke down in nearly every state—an adventure that sparked her lifelong love for the Pacific Northwest. After three decades as a hairstylist, she followed her passion for storytelling, writing the Traveled Heart series and her newest novel, Beyond Diamonds. Her historical romances blend 19th-century adventure, love, and courage as women fight to shape their own destinies.

Website: VeronicaSunMahara.com

Jamie Malton

Jamie Malton is an Amazon best-selling and award-winning true crime author whose work examines the psychology, forensics, and human stories behind real-world homicides.

She is the creator of the acclaimed anthology series Killer Case Files and Curated True Crime, and author of more than 500 crime stories and 30 books read worldwide.

Her latest release, Visiting Hours, investigates murders inside medical settings, blending investigative accuracy, narrative depth, and a strong commitment to victim advocacy.

Gretchen McLellan

Gretchen McLellan is a children’s author and lifelong lover of stories who grew up in a military family, moving across the U.S. and Europe before settling in the Pacific Northwest.

A former elementary reading specialist, she now writes picture books and middle-grade fiction that inspire empathy, imagination, and a love of reading.

Gretchen is the author of Button and Bundle, I’m Done!, and No Party Poopers!. She continues to write, teach, and champion stories that connect children across cultures and experiences.

Website: gretchenmclellan.com

Deb Menenberg

Deborah M. Menenberg is a retired Special Education teacher and lifelong storyteller who spent thirty-six years inspiring creativity in her students through writing and drama.

A graduate of Southern Oregon College and the University of Oregon, she has directed school and community plays, toured Britain’s waterways performing with the Daystar Theatre Company, and written the award-winning historical novel Uniquely Stella, winner of Red City Book Review’s Fan Favorite Award.

She lives on a floating home in Portland, Oregon, with her husband and their Golden Retriever, Flyer.

Jeff Monday

Armed with a lifted eyebrow and a sarcastic quip, Jeff Monday writes between the lines of what you said—and what you meant to say.

A storyteller, observer, and occasional pub philosopher, he captures life’s absurdities on the backs of cocktail napkins.

Jeff is the author of several books, including his best-seller Faceless and The War of the Three Realms series, whose cover artist has Vancouver ties.

Find him online at JeffMonday.net — or better yet, buy him a drink.

Connie Morgan

Born and raised in Washington’s Evergreen State, Connie Morgan has always sought purpose through learning and creativity.

From working at her family’s golf course to earning a Master’s in Psychology and counseling families for over twenty years, her life has been one of growth and service.

Writing now fulfills her lifelong passion to explore resilience, healing, and love.

Her first book, More Than Luck Required is a Journey of Healing, Hope, and Love

Website: ConnieMorganWriter.com

Northwest Independent Writer’s Association (NIWA)

Founded in 2011 by two Pacific Northwest indie authors, NIWA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping independently published writers achieve professional standards in writing, publishing, and marketing.

Our mission is to empower and connect authors across the Northwest through collaboration, education, and shared resources.

We provide guidance, networking opportunities, and a supportive community for independent writers who are building successful, professional careers in publishing.

Website: NIWAwriters.com

H H Rune

H. H. Rune is a Pacific Northwest writer whose storytelling is inspired by nature’s beauty and life’s quiet transformations.

After realizing she had allowed fear to shape her life, she committed to living extraordinarily within the ordinary.

Diagnosed with ADHD in her fifties, Rune channels deep empathy and social insight into her work. Her Find Me: Extraordinary Life Seeker series—a twenty-five-year passion project—reflects her mission to inspire others to live meaningfully and reach beyond their current selves.

Jasmine Sears

Children's auhor of Where the Veil Thins.

Website: instagram.com/where.the.veil.thins/

Martha Soria Sears

Martha Sears is a counselor, teacher, and guide who helps individuals access clarity and calm by engaging the subconscious through intuitive coloring.

After noticing that talking alone wasn’t enough to create lasting change, she developed a process where clients use color to express inner emotions and uncover hidden stress patterns.

Through hundreds of sessions, Martha observed consistent themes and translated them into a practical guide.

Her book empowers readers to interpret their own color expressions, reduce stress, and reconnect with creative insight.

Website: colorsforlifeworkbook.com

Brianne Shiraki

Brianne Shiraki is a Pacific Northwest author whose stories celebrate the beauty of everyday connections, resilience, and hope.

Drawing inspiration from her multicultural heritage and love of community, Brianne writes heartfelt fiction that explores belonging, identity, and the quiet strength found in family and friendship.

When she’s not writing, she enjoys exploring local trails, discovering new cafés, and spending time with her loved ones.

Her debut work introduces readers to her warm, authentic voice and lyrical storytelling.

Website: