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.
- Laurie Bishop
- Gwyneth Bolton
- Gayle Callen/Julia Latham
- Amy Garvey
- Holly Greenfield
- Ellen Hartman
- Nancy Henderson
- Michelle McAdam
- Mary Reed McCall
- Jenna Mindel
- Shannon Robinson
- Maggie Shayne
- Susan St. Thomas
- Cara Summers
- Christine Wenger
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
Amy Garvey
Amy has been writing since she was a kid, but she took a fantastic detour to the other side of the desk as an editor for Kensington Publishing for six years before her own novels were published. Focusing on contemporary romances with a side of murder and a healthy dose of steam, Amy's work can be found in the Brava anthology WICKED WOMEN WHODUNIT, as well as the novel MURDER IN THE HAMPTONS. I LOVE YOU TO DEATH, a collection of loosely linked stories featuring a trio of fun, funny couples trying to solve murders while falling in love, was released in February 2006. Amy has three more books under contract with Brava.
A very recent transplant to the Central New York region, Amy lives in Fulton with her husband and three children, as well as overweight, temperamental dog named Lucy.
"MURDER IN THE HAMPTIONS is an Agatha Christie style mystery with a cast of wonderfully eclectic suspects and lots of juicy secrets...Garvey mixes wry humor and hot sex with a tangled mystery and comes up with a recipe for pure fun." - Romantic Times Magazine
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.
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.
Nancy Henderson
Nancy has always had a warped imagination. It wasn't until after high school that she began putting words to paper. In 2003, she received "The Call" with the publication of BLACKBIRD, a historical romance with a Native American hero. The sequel, HEART'S BONDAGE, was published in 2005. Her third historical romance, MAN OF HER DREAMS, was published in December 2005. She is currently working on a paranormal series as well as a contemporary and two more historicals.
Nancy lives in upstate New York and serves as butler to her menagerie of cats and very spoiled Lhasa Apso.
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
Jenna Mindel
Whether Jenna is ice skating on frozen ponds, horseback riding through flowered meadows or inking deals in the financial world, writing is her passion. She has always held dear the dashing heroes and unique heroines found in fairy tales and folklore. But once she read Georgette Heyer's THE CONQUEROR, she knew she had to create her own characters and happily-ever-afters. Originally from Central New York, Jenna now resides in the woods of Northern Michigan with her husband, Steve.
"A thoughtful and well-developed tale from talented author Jenna Mindel, LABOR OF LOVE is a completely satisfying read; a delicious blend of gentle humor and poignant heartache that is perfect for a cozy evening's relaxation." - Romantic Times Magazine
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
Maggie is a RITA award-winning author, and winner of numerous other industry awards including multiple Career Achievement and Reviewers Choice awards from Romantic Times, Favorite Author and Critics Choice Awards from Affaire de Coeur, The Golden Leaf From NJRW, and many others. She is a USA Today, Waldenbooks, B. Dalton, and Ingrams A-List Bestseller. An RWA member since 1988, Maggie has served 6 terms in various board of director positions in two chapters, 4 of those as president. She led the FF&P Chapter in its fight to protect the paranormal RITA category, conceived and created that chapter's PRISM Awards Competition, and coordinated the contest its first year. She also conceived and then helped develop, and authored the proposal for RWA's new Adbook Project, Romance $ells. Maggie is a member of CNYRW, FF&P, Heart of Denver Chapter, PAN, and The Authors Guild.
"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).
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