Our Published Authors
CNYRW is proud to support its published authors. Click on a name to find out about each author, including website and E-mail links. If you are a CNYRW author with new information to add to your bio, please notify us as soon as possible so that we may update this page.
- Jason Barret
- Laurie Bishop
- Gwyneth Bolton
- Gayle Callen/Julia Latham
- ALee Drake
- Holly Greenfield
- Nicki Greenwood
- Ellen Hartman
- Jenni Holbrook
- Michelle McAdam
- Mary Reed McCall
- Cari Quinn
- Shannon Robinson
- Maggie Shayne
- Susan St. Thomas
- Cara Summers
- Kari Lee Townsend
- Christine Wenger
- Barbara Witek
Jason Barret
Jason lives in the same rural New York State community where he was born, but that hasn't stopped him from having his share of adventures. From confronting a man with a gun, to braving a house fire, to facing an escaped murderer, Jason has had plenty of excitement. When he's not facing danger or writing about it, he enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, as well as candlemaking and restoring his 1972 MGB. Jason enjoys writing of relationships, real science twisted enough to make a new world come to life, and things belonging to the realm of the paranormal. He shares his home at the foot of the Adirondack Mountains with his wife, Janice, where they are visited frequently by birds and wildlife, and the occasional night visitor with fangs.
Laurie Bishop
As a child, Laurie was accused of always having her "nose stuck in a book." She started writing poetry in grade school, and as a young teen made her first attempt at a novel. Then she picked up her grandmother's copy of Jane Austen's PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, and thus began her love affair with the Regency.
In 2002 Laurie won the RWA's Golden Heart Competition for Best Regency. The winning manuscript was published by NAL/Signet books as THE BEST LAID PLANS in November of 2003 and was rated a TOP PICK by Romantic Times Book Club. In addition, THE BEST LAID PLANS was a finalist entry in the 2004 BOOKSELLER'S BEST contest. Her second book, DECEIVING MISS DEARBORN (May 2004), also received excellent reviews and earned a 4 star rating from Romantic Times.
Today Laurie Bishop lives in her college town--a small upstate New York community on the shores of Lake Ontario. She has a Master's degree in Human Services and Counseling, her field of employment, but at night she collaborates with her cat and writing partner, Tojo. Laurie also writes contemporary romance.
Gwyneth Bolton
Gwyneth was born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey. She currently lives in Syracuse, New York with her husband Cedric. When she was 12 years old, she became an avid reader of romance by sneaking her mother's stash of Harlequin and Silhouette novels. In the 90s, she was introduced to African American and multicultural romance novels and her life hasn't been the same since. While she had always been a reader of romance, she didn't feel inspired to write them until the genre opened up to include other voices. And even then, it took finishing graduate school, several non-fiction publications, and a six-week course at the Loft Literary Center titled "Writing the Romance Novel" before she gathered the courage to start writing her first romance novel. She has a BA and an MA in creative writing and a Ph.D. in English. She teaches classes in writing and women's studies at the college level. When she is not working on her own African American romance novels, she is curled up with a cup of herbal tea, a warm quilt, and a good book. Her first romance novel, I'M GONNA MAKE YOU LOVE ME, was published by Genesis Press in March 2006.
"A refreshing new voice in the literary industry, Gwyneth Bolton is a name to watch out for." - The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
Gayle Callen/Julia Latham
Gayle has two sides to her writing personality. She writes Victorian historical romances as herself, and medievals under the name Julia Latham, both for Avon Books.
Named the "Notable New Author of 1999," Gayle has also won the Holt Medallion for "Best First Book" the Laurel Wreath Award for "Best Historical," and was a finalist in the "National Readers Choice Awards."
Gayle resides in Central New York with her husband and three children. A past President of the Central New York Romance Writers, she is also a member of Romance Writers of America, Novelists Inc., and the Authors Guild.
"Gayle Callen writes one dazzling gem of a book after another." - New York Times bestselling author Christina Dodd
ALee Drake
Alee will never lack for settings for her novels because she is fortunate to be married for 36 years to her best friend and travel buddy, Wladziu. Together they have walked the volcano rim in Hawaii, and snorkled at the City of Refuge (Have you ever been eye to eye with a moray eel?). They have salmon fished the Kenai River in Alaska, and strolled at midnight down the river walk in San Antonio (very romantic). On trips to Asia they walked a section of the Great Wall in China, and visited a Snake Farm (not her choice) in Thailand.
ALee and Wlad have been blessed with five amazing children and three grandchildren. During the school year she is an elementary teacher.
ALee believes in one true love, the strength of family, the magic of serendipity, and happily ever after. She is intrigued with signs that suggest the comforting presence of angels, the messages of love in nature and the whispers of age-old wisdom in the wind.
Holly Greenfield
Holly Greenfield lives in Upstate New York with her husband and two sons. She has always had a weakness for romance of any kind. The harder it tugs at the heartstrings the better. Holly lives for writing. Her love of the written word came when she needed an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From there, it became an addiction and the characters haven't stopped talking since.
Holly is also an active member of Romance Writers of America; CNYRW chapter, and Celtic Hearts Romance Writers chapter.
Nicki Greenwood
Nicki Greenwood graduated SUNY Morrisville with a degree in Natural Resources. She found her passion in writing stories of romantic adventure, and combines that with her love of the environment. Her works have won several awards, including the Rebecca Eddy Memorial Contest. Her first book, EARTH, debuts April 2nd, 2010 in print and eBook through The Wild Rose Press.
Nicki lives in upstate New York with her husband, son, and assorted pets. When she's not writing, she enjoys the arts, gardening, interior decorating, and trips to the local Renaissance Faire.
Ellen Hartman
Ellen Hartman has been making a living as a writer since she got her creative writing degree from Carnegie Mellon University and went to work for Microsoft. She spent fifteen years writing technical manuals no one ever read until she finally decided to take a shot at writing what she really loves--romance.
Ellen wrote much of her first novel in the back of a preschool classroom while she was trying to ease her younger son's separation anxiety. She had agreed to stick around for a day, maybe two. Somehow--the exact chain of events is hazy--one day turned into a full year of scribbling in a notebook on the bench in the corner. Her son is now a completely independent elementary school student (phew!), and that book became her first sale to Harlequin Books.
Ellen is still employed as a writer, working at the local university. In her spare time, she writes romance, reads as much as she can, and hangs out with her sons.
Jenni Holbrook
Jenni Holbrook spent her summers as a teenager on the beautiful shores of Lake George, NY. Her mind was always filled with stories and she loved it when everyone gathered around the campfire and told them. She loved to create neighborhood shows. Any way to tell or perform the stories that constantly played in her head. She was always in need of a creative outlet, whether it be theatre, dancing, or books, it didn't matter.
As Jenni got older, the practical side took over and she went to Nazareth College where she earned her degree in Business Education. Jenni has worked as a teacher and also spent a few years in the Marketing world. However, the pull to create stories never left her and one day while sitting along the shores of Owasco Lake, Jenni pulled out pen and paper and started to write. Finally, she felt like she'd come home.
Today, Jenni lives in Western, NY with her husband and her three children. When she's not carting her kids from one hockey rink to the next, she can be found in her 'cave' crafting her next Romantic Suspense novel.
Michelle McAdam
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Michelle McAdam has had romance on the mind for as long as she can remember. She began putting those stories to paper in graduate school, and arrived at her dream when her first book, SOMEWHERE LOVE, was accepted by The Wild Rose Press for publication in Fall 2008. Michelle credits her success to her amazing husband and two terrific kids--who occasionally even allow her to write.
Michelle believes that romance novels are all about beginnings. They energize us and allow us to fantasize about falling in love over and over again. Her life thus far has been filled with such beginnings. The ones she reads. The ones she writes. And the one she is fortunate enough to live. Her hope is that her readers will get as much enjoyment from reading them as she has gotten from writing them.
Mary Reed McCall
As a young woman, whenever Mary wasn't in tap or ballet class, playing the flute or piano, enacting a dramatic role on the stage of her local community theater, or interacting with any of her six sisters, she was reading--books and stories of all kinds, but particularly romances. Drawn by the intense emotions, vivid descriptions, and happy-ever-after endings penned by her favorite authors, Mary decided early on that she, too, wanted to write powerful stories that might wend their way into readers' hearts. However it wasn't until she finished her undergraduate degrees in Russian and English and her Master's degree in English Literature that she was able to seriously pursue her life-long dream.
Now married to her college sweetheart, and the mother to two wonderful girls, Mary teaches high school English in Upstate New York--and feels extremely fortunate to also have the chance to weave her tales of passion and intrigue, creating worlds where justice always prevails over evil, and where love does indeed conquer all.
"Vividly drawn characters, pageantry and intrigue - and tender, heartfelt emotion... A magical, medieval tale that captures your heart and won't let go." - New York Times bestselling author Samantha James
Cari Quinn
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Cari Quinn has been writing since she was a teenager, and a few years ago decided to work toward publication. That day came in November 2009 with her first book, a short erotica titled FULL DISCLOSURE. Cari is also an editor at a romance publisher, and a proofreader and graphic designer at a newspaper. In between, she writes, drinks coffee, and sometimes even sleeps.
Shannon Robinson
Shannon Robinson has always been an avid reader of the romance genre - historicals and paranormals being her favorites. She began her first manuscript in 2002 with the thought of writing for fun. She's now a member of CNYRW and RWA, and a member of several online chapters including Celtic Hearts Romance Writers, Hearts Through History, and Erotic Romance Workshop.
Besides her hectic writing life, Shannon is a busy wife and mother of two. When she's not working on her craft, Shannon enjoys the outdoors, Taco Bell Soft Taco Supremes, getting a pedicure, and being with friends.
Maggie Shayne
New York Times bestselling author Maggie Shayne has published 48 novels and 22 novellas, has written for 7 publishers and 2 soap operas, has racked up 15 Rita Award nominations and actually, finally, won the damn thing in 2005. Her advice column, “Shayne on You” runs weekly in the Norwich Evening Sun.
Maggie lives in a beautiful, century old, happily haunted farmhouse named “Serenity” in the wildest wilds of Cortland County, NY, with her 8-month-old English Mastiff, “Dozer,” and his favorite chew toy, the feline, “Glory,” who keeps the dog firmly in his place.
"Maggie Shayne delivers romance with sweeping intensity and bewitching passion. Readers will lose themselves in her dark enthralling brew of love, danger, and perilous fate!" - Jayne Ann Krentz
Susan St. Thomas
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After her fifth grade class made a mockery of her first dramatic play, Susan gave up writing in favor of painting and playing the guitar. Years later, the stressed scientist and mother of two bought her first romance novel on a whim.
Susan began to write for pleasure, and then, with the goal of publication, and continues to hone her craft. The scientist-turned-science-teacher spends her days teaching the laws of nature, and evenings penning sensual romances. Her first book, MELTDOWN, will be released by The Wild Rose Press in fall 2008.
Cara Summers
Cara has written thirteen books for Temptation, Duets, and Blaze. Her books have been nominated for many industry awards, including the Holt Medallion, the National Readers Choice Award, the Award of Excellence, and the Golden Quill. In 1997, Cara was nominated for Romantic Times Magazine's Career Achievement Award in Love and Laughter, and her novel, THE BLACK SHEEP, won the New Jersey Romance Writers Golden Leaf Award for Best Short Contemporary Romance.
When she isn't working on her next Blaze, Cara teaches writing at Syracuse University and Onondaga Community College. She is a frequent presenter at conferences and workshops. In her spare time, Cara tries to keep tabs on her three sons and enjoys her latest hobbies - inline skating and cross-country skiing (weather permitting).
Kari Lee Townsend
Kari lives in Upstate New York her very understanding husband, her three busy boys, and her oh-so-dramatic daughter, who keep her grounded and make everything she does worthwhile. She's a long time lover of reading and writing with a Masters in English Education. She chose to stay at home with her children and do what makes her happier than anything else she's ever tried ... write books. She writes both young adult and adult books, filled with action, adventure, romance and laughter. Trust her when she says that her life is her material. *grin*
Christine Wenger
Christine has a dual Master's Degree in Probation and Parole Studies and Sociology from Fordham University. The knowledge gained from such studies certainly has not prepared her for what she loves to write the most--westerns! Christine sold her first book, THE LADY AND THE COWBOY, to New Readers Press, the publishing division of Laubach Literacy. The book was subsequently chosen by the Publishers Liaison Committee of the Public Library Association's Adult Lifelong Learning Section as one of 1998's "Top Titles for Adult New Readers." Christine has also written several freelance articles for Senior World, a publication f the Metropolitan Commission on Aging, as well as for the Syracuse Newspapers. Born and raised in Central New York, Christine still lives in the area with her husband Jim--the model for all her heroes. In her spare time, Christine is a devoted fan of bull riding and rodeo (watching it, not doing it!) and, of course, reading and writing a great book!
"Happiness is a book by Christine Wenger!" - Patricia Kay
Barbara Witek
Barbara was born and raised in Mexico, NY, not far from the shores of Lake Ontario. She loves the outdoors, and ice skating and cross country skiing are still her favorite winter sports. She loves dogs, and has a very big, very lovable yellow lab named Cooper. Barbara lives in Upstate NY with her husband and three children.
Barbara's high school English teachers instilled the love of reading and writing. By the time she took her senior Creative Writing elective, she was hooked! Nowadays, Barbara is a wife, a mother, and a persistent writer. She writes adult romance as herself, and young adult romance as Barbie Jo Bogart. She believes that dreams can happen if you never stop believing.