top of page

Meet the 2026 Headliners

Learn more about the headlining authors of The Big Ohio Book Con and discover where you can meet them during the convention!

leigh_bardugo.png

BOOKS BY LEIGH:

71VEo-DRKkL._SL1500_.jpg
91h7R0ZFyLL._SL1500_.jpg
81pqCEtTAgL._SL1500_.jpg

Leigh Bardugo

Leigh Bardugo is the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of The Familiar, The Invisible Parade, and the Ninth House trilogy. She is also the creator of the Grishaverse (now a Netflix original series) which spans the Shadow and Bone trilogy, the Six of Crows duology, the King of Scars duology—and much more. Her short fiction has appeared in multiple anthologies, including The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy. She lives in Los Angeles and is an associate fellow of Pauli Murray College at Yale University.

WHERE TO FIND LEIGH:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 5-7 p.m.: In Conversation with Leigh Bardugo
      & Liz Climo (Main Stage)

81-Rj5KPeGL._SL1500_.jpg
andie_burke.png

BOOKS BY ANDIE:

91H64ezcczL._SL1500_ (1).jpg
81v0ujqhsQL._SL1500_.jpg
81tK4B063oL._SL1500_.jpg

Andie Burke

Andie Burke writes books with queer kissing and happily ever afters. She was originally an English major who decided to jump into a pediatric nursing career. Her writing is inspired by over a decade spent working in hospitals with patients of all ages. After the last couple years spent in the pandemic ER, she escaped to an outpatient pediatric sedation unit. Andie lives in a blue house in Maryland with an alarming number of books and an embarrassing number of ultra-fine point pens. When she’s not writing, she’s probably feeding snacks to the two small human creatures who live with her or trying not to kill her chaotic houseplants. You can find her on Bookstagram adding to her ever-expanding TBR or letting her ADHD brain happily dissociate while listening to Taylor Swift.

WHERE TO FIND ANDIE:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m.: Beyond the Binary: Writing Authentic LGBTQIA+ Stories​ (Main Stage)

liz_climo.png

BOOKS BY LIZ:

71pZKoyBn3L._SL1500_.jpg
71AbxzQfgnL._SL1500_.jpg
711VYCA7bbL._SL1500_.jpg

Liz Climo

Liz Climo is a cartoonist, children’s book author, illustrator, and animator. She grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and moved to Los Angeles after college to work as a character artist on The Simpsons. She is the author of the Rory the Dinosaur series, The Little World of Liz Climo, Lobster Is the Best Medicine, Please Don't Eat Me!, and Best Bear Ever! Her books have been translated into ten languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter.

WHERE TO FIND Liz:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 5-7 p.m.: In Conversation with Leigh Bardugo
      & Liz Climo (Main Stage)

81-Rj5KPeGL._SL1500_.jpg
mai_corland.png

BOOKS BY MAI:

91xQ1xLCS2L._SL1500_.jpg
91StUVXrMOL._SL1500_.jpg
91bTVjdJeiL._SL1500_.jpg
81j6w91vsIL._SL1500_.jpg

Mai Corland

Mai Corland is a New York Times and international bestselling author, born in Seoul and adopted into New York. She studied at Rollins College and the University of Miami. Due to a variety of questionable decisions, she currently lives in the cold again with her partner, children, and a goldfish who will outlive them all. When not writing, you can find her asleep or clutching her latte machine. 

WHERE TO FIND MAI:

  • Friday, June 5

    • 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Love in a World on Fire: The Rise of Romantasy (VIP Cocktail Party)

charlie_donlea.png

BOOKS BY Charlie:

91GLhGh61uL._SL1500_ (1).jpg
91pSsrkCrOL._SL1500_.jpg
812MGpLfgsL._SL1500_.jpg
81+GV5n6tPL._SL1500_.jpg
81bkcRodbPL._SL1500_.jpg
81Y0fmQM7aL._SL1500_.jpg

Charlie Donlea

Charlie Donlea is the USA Today, IndieBound, and #1 internationally bestselling author of critically acclaimed, propulsive thrillers including The Girl Who Was Taken, Twenty Years Later, Some Choose Darkness, and Those Empty Eyes. Published in nearly 40 countries and translated into more than a dozen languages, his books have sold nearly 2.5 million copies in the U.S. alone. Donlea has been praised for his "soaring pace, teasing plot twists" (BookPage) and talent for writing an ending that "makes your jaw drop" (The New York Times Book Review). He was born and raised in Chicago, where he continues to live with his wife and two children. Visit him online at CharlieDonlea.com.

WHERE TO FIND CHARLIE:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 2-3:45 p.m.: I Didn't See that Coming: Mastering the Art of Twists & Turns (Main Stage)

a_rae_dunlap.png

BOOKS BY A. Rae:

81W9ugOBQcL._SL1500_ (1).jpg
91p5QaJt7xL._SL1500_.jpg

A. Rae Dunlap

A. Rae Dunlap is the USA Today bestselling author of acclaimed historical novels The Resurrectionist and The Dreadfuls. She studied film and Victorian literature at Northwestern University and spends her days as a trailer editor at Disney, bringing to life the magic of the world’s most influential storytellers for audiences everywhere. She lives with her husband in a small mountain town in California and can be found online at ARaeDunlap.com.

WHERE TO FIND A. Rae:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 4-5:45 p.m.: Past as Prologue: Horror’s Historical Lens (Main Stage)

sarah_beth_durst.png

BOOKS BY Sarah:

81N3mx4P3PL._SL1500_ (1).jpg
91X3ntVoAQL._SL1500_.jpg
81XIlEFh3NL._SL1500_.jpg
81n94KJlQQL._SL1500_.jpg
81VXZqohf-L._SL1500_.jpg
81TgF1km05L._SL1500_.jpg

Sarah Beth Durst

Sarah Beth Durst is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty books for adults, teens, and kids, including cozy fantasies The Spellshop and The Enchanted Greenhouse. She's been awarded the American Library Association's Alex Award, the Libby Book Award for Best Fantasy, and the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award. Several of her books have been optioned for film/television, including Drink Slay Love, which was made into a TV movie and was a question on Jeopardy! She lives in Stony Brook, New York, with her husband, her children, and her ill-mannered cat. Visit her at sarahbethdurst.com.

WHERE TO FIND Sarah:

  • Friday, June 5

    • 8-9:30 p.m.: Author Keynote Discussion at the VIP Cocktail Party​

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 10-11:45 a.m.: Spells & Small Towns: The Ultimate Cozy Fiction Panel (Main Stage)

noelle_ihli.png

BOOKS BY Noelle:

Untitled design (46).png
Untitled design (48).png
Untitled design (47).png
71B3Ul-sqmL._SL1500_.jpg
81tqDOlfZyL._SL1500_.jpg
71j1kdHI4cL._SL1500_.jpg

Noelle W. Ihli

Noelle W. Ihli is the internationally bestselling, Bram Stoker Award-longlisted author of thrillers, including Ask for Andrea, Gray After Dark, and Run on Red. A member of the International Thriller Writer’s Association and Horror Writers Association, she lives with her family in Idaho and can be found online at NoelleWIhli.com.

WHERE TO FIND Noelle:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 2-3:45 p.m.: I Didn't See that Coming: Mastering the Art of Twists & Turns (Main Stage)

tj_klune.png

BOOKS BY TJ:

81oWdu-iXKL._SL1500_ (1).jpg
81qAdAchCXL._SL1500_ (1).jpg
81MnY8Q7OLL._SL1500_.jpg
81ckOmrw2xL._SL1500_.jpg
81JkA0m5pDL._SL1500_.jpg
8195sOjjt-L._SL1500_.jpg

TJ Klune

TJ Klune is the #1 New York Times and #1 USA Today bestselling, Lambda Literary Award–winning author of The House in the Cerulean Sea, Under the Whispering Door, In the Lives of Puppets, the Green Creek Series for adults, the Extraordinaries Series for teens, and more. Being queer himself, Klune believes it's important—now more than ever—to have accurate, positive queer representation in stories. Learn more about TJ at TJKluneBooks.com.

WHERE TO FIND TJ:

  • Friday, June 5

    • 8-9:30 p.m.: Author Keynote Discussion at the VIP Cocktail Party​

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m.: Beyond the Binary: Writing Authentic LGBTQIA+ Stories (Main Stage)

paula_lafferty.png

BOOKS BY Paula:

91dBx1XRu4L._SL1500_.jpg

Paula Lafferty

Paula Lafferty is the author of La Vie De Guinevere, a feminist timeslip reimagining of King Arthur’s legend that was independently published through a hugely successful Kickstarter campaign before being traditionally released by Kensington Publishing as The Once and Future Queen. It has since become an international sensation, published in 10 countries and translated into 8 languages, with an audiobook edition narrated by Julia Whelan. Born and raised in Kansas, she earned BFA in Film Production from Chapman University and a Master of Divinity from Saint Paul School of Theology. She now lives with her husband, daughter, and dog in the Kansas City, KS area and can be found online at PaulaLafferty.com, on Instagram @paulalafferty_writes and on Tiktok @paulalafferty.

WHERE TO FIND Paula:

  • Friday, June 5

    • 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Love in a World on Fire: The Rise of Romantasy (VIP Cocktail Party)

maddie_martinez.png

BOOKS BY Maddie:

913RcWyaJqL._SL1500_ (1).jpg

Maddie Martinez

Maddie Martinez (she/her) was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She has a BA in Political Science from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts and an MA in International Peace and Conflict Resolution from American University in Washington, DC. You can now find Maddie in New York City, filling her tiny apartment with an unwieldy number of books. The Maiden and Her Monster is her first novel.

WHERE TO FIND MADDIE:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 3-4:45 p.m.: From Fairytale to Fear: A Descent into Dark Fantasy (Main Stage)

seanan_mcguire (1).png

BOOKS BY Seanan/Mira:

9781250339324_FC (3).jpg
81l17RpDy0L._SL1500_.jpg
71E9Du8wYnL._SL1500_.jpg
7156w0LSNxL._SL1500_.jpg
81EGgctKr9L._SL1500_.jpg
81kCa1asRNL._SL1500_.jpg

Seanan McGuire/
Mira Grant

SEANAN McGUIRE is the author of the Hugo, Nebula, Alex, and Locus Award–winning Wayward Children series, the October Daye series, the InCryptid series, and other works. She also writes darker fiction as Mira Grant. Seanan lives in Seattle with her cats, a vast collection of creepy dolls, horror movies, and sufficient books to qualify her as a fire hazard. She won the 2010 John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer, and in 2013 became the first person to appear five times on the same Hugo ballot. In 2022 she managed the same feat, again!

WHERE TO FIND Seanan/Mira:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 3-4:45 p.m.: From Fairytale to Fear: A Descent into Dark Fantasy (Main Stage)

ashley_poston.png

BOOKS BY Ashley:

81NQk2+KlpL._SL1500_.jpg
711VQLN7bqL._SL1500_ (1).jpg
81EVFgsl3jL._SL1500_ (1).jpg
81XB9ILKibL._SL1500_.jpg
81p65anDC1L._SL1500_.jpg
91yFaiXGHKL._SL1500_.jpg

Ashley Poston

Ashley Poston is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Dead Romantics, The Seven Year Slip, and A Novel Love Story. She has also written over half a dozen young adult novels. After graduating from the University of South Carolina with a BA in English, she pursued a career in the publishing industry where she helped design and implement marketing strategies for novels. Now, she writes full-time from her little grey house, and spoils her three cats. When not writing, she bides her time between South Carolina and New York, and all the bookstores between.

WHERE TO FIND Ashley:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 10-11:45 a.m.: Spells & Small Towns: The Ultimate Cozy Fiction Panel (Main Stage)

page_powars.png

BOOKS BY Page:

81QyuB48U5L._SL1500_.jpg
81R926IqEFL._SL1500_ (2).jpg
91DSgI4BhFL._SL1500_.jpg

Page Powars

Page Powars is the New York Times, USA Today, and #1 Indie bestselling author of And They Were Roommates, The Borrow a Boyfriend Club, and more coming down the line. He was raised by video game lore that requires stringboard analyses to understand. He lives in Brooklyn with his partner.

WHERE TO FIND Page:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m.: Beyond the Binary: Writing Authentic LGBTQIA+ Stories​ (Main Stage)

jade_presley.png

BOOKS BY Jade:

91fqK2OCZjL._SL1500_.jpg
91CA2XU+LCL._SL1500_.jpg

Jade Presley

Jade Presley is a pen name created to write romantasy stories that pair rich world-building with characters that will make you blush and leave you thirsting for more. When not writing, Jade goes on epic quests during game night or hangs with her family and Irish Wolfhound in her Colorado mountain home.

WHERE TO FIND Jade:

  • Friday, June 5

    • 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Love in a World on Fire: The Rise of Romantasy (VIP Cocktail Party)

breanne_randall.png

BOOKS BY Breanne:

91AET6OGDBL._SL1500_.jpg
81XjuN6gEAL._SL1500_.jpg
81jjXOW6VDL._SL1500_ (1).jpg

Breanne Randall

Breanne Randall is a NYT bestselling author who lives in the sleepy foothills of Northern California with her husband, two daughters, and a slew of farm animals. When she’s not writing, you can find her wandering the property searching for fairy portals or serving elaborate stuffed animal tea parties.

WHERE TO FIND Breanne:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 10-11:45 a.m.: Spells & Small Towns: The Ultimate Cozy Fiction Panel (Main Stage)

markus_redmond.png

BOOKS BY Markus:

811peMVWMOL._SL1500_.jpg

Markus Redmond

Markus Redmond is an actor, director, screenwriter, and author of Blood Slaves and the forthcoming Blood Rising. Known for his roles on Doogie Howser, MD, NYPD Blue, Murder One, Mad About You, Angel, and Fight Club, he wrote and starred alongside Whoopi Goldberg and Sharon Stone in the indie film If I Had Known I Was a Genius. He wrote, directed, and starred in the Amazon Prime thriller The 6th Degree, and has multiple screenplays in development. He lives in Los Angeles.

WHERE TO FIND Markus:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 4-5:45 p.m.: Past as Prologue: Horror’s Historical Lens (Main Stage)

jason_rekulak.png

BOOKS BY Jason:

91puw8POkwL._SL1500_ (1).jpg
81cURyD8aYL._SL1500_.jpg
71ApLrdzDCL._SL1500_.jpg

JASON REKULAK

Jason Rekulak is the author of Hidden Pictures, a national bestseller and winner of a Goodreads Choice Award, and The Impossible Fortress, a finalist for the Edgar Award. He is represented by Doug Stewart at Sterling Lord Literistic, and by Rich Green and Ellen Goldsmith-Vein at The Gotham Group. He lives in Philadelphia with his family.

WHERE TO FIND Jason:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 2-3:45 p.m.: I Didn't See that Coming: Mastering the Art of Twists & Turns (Main Stage)

greer_rivers.png

BOOKS BY GREER:

81Y7Cc3TxhL._SL1500_.jpg
71reqMYmciL._SL1360_.jpg
61cc3oOZw4L._SL1500_.jpg

GREER RIVERS

Greer Rivers lives by the mountains with her real-life book husband and their three furbabies. Obsessed with history and folklore, she’s also a sucker for reality TV and proudly owns her titles as a messy eater, shirt ruiner, and steadfast non-sharer of food and wine. She adores romance, especially the dark and twisty kind, and her main goal as an author is to create a safe place for readers to feel too much. 

WHERE TO FIND GReer:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 1-2:45 p.m.: Fire & Spice: From Slow Burn to Full Blaze (Main Stage)

melissa_Roehrich.png

BOOKS BY Melissa:

91kx7L1z+YL._SL1500_.jpg
61RGX79JrDL._SL1360_.jpg
91O8ioOHWEL._SL1500_.jpg

Melissa K. Roehrich

Melissa K. Roehrich is the bestselling author of dark romantasy, including The Legacy Series and the Lady of Darkness novels. She lives on a small farmstead in North Dakota, where she and her husband homeschool their three sons alongside four dogs, several barn cats, chickens, and someday, hopefully, goats.  Readers can find her at MelissaKRoehrich.com, @melissa_k_roehrich on Instagram, and @authormelissakroehrich on TikTok.

WHERE TO FIND MElissa:

  • Friday, June 5

    • 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Love in a World on Fire: The Rise of Romantasy (VIP Cocktail Party)

shain_rose.png

BOOKS BY Shain:

81RKOdgRO4L._SL1500_ (1).jpg
81SPDMc71BL._SL1500_.jpg
81XVfjtUhNL._SL1500_.jpg

Shain Rose

Shain Rose is a USA Today and #1 internationally bestselling author of romances with edgy, morally gray heroes who will do quite literally anything for the women they adore.  She lives where the weather is always changing, with a family she hopes will never change. When she isn’t writing, she can be found reading or living her best life with her wild children, grumpy cat, lazy dog, and Mr. Rose. Readers can find her at ShainRose.com, @author.shainrose on Instagram and, @ShainRoseAuthor on TikTok.

WHERE TO FIND Shain:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 1-2:45 p.m.: Fire & Spice: From Slow Burn to Full Blaze (Main Stage)

mia_sheridan.png

BOOKS BY MIA:

91obRjfgU+L._SL1500_.jpg
51eO828JvzL._SL1000_.jpg
81sCYaSGHML._SL1500_.jpg
813hInvxi8L._SL1500_.jpg
81cHT2yjjXL._SL1500_.jpg
81sRikHUh6L._SL1500_.jpg

MIA Sheridan

Mia Sheridan is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Her passion is weaving true love stories about people destined to be together. Mia lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her husband. They have four children here on earth and one in heaven.

WHERE TO FIND MIA:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 1-2:45 p.m.: Fire & Spice: From Slow Burn to Full Blaze (Main Stage)

tara_sim.png

BOOKS BY Tara:

91CNVZ3e+nL._SL1500_.jpg
814slZTMNdL._SL1500_.jpg
81TP7r8vOnL._SL1500_.jpg

Tara Sim

Tara Sim is the critically acclaimed YA and Adult fantasy author of the We Shall Be Monsters duology, The Dark Gods Saga, the Scavenge the Stars duology, and the Timekeeper trilogy who can typically be found wandering the wilds of the Bay Area, California. When she’s not chasing cats or lurking in bookstores, she writes books about magic, murder, and mayhem.

WHERE TO FIND Tara:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 3-4:45 p.m.: From Fairytale to Fear: A Descent into Dark Fantasy (Main Stage)

amy_spalding.png

BOOKS BY Amy:

71I2dQBV1JL._SL1500_.jpg
81bidWp1UgL._SL1500_.jpg
71Dli3JXL5L._SL1500_.jpg

Amy Spalding

Amy Spalding is a Human Rights Campaign Visibility Award-winning author of authentic, funny, and diverse novels representing the LGBTQ+ community, including For Her Consideration, At Her Service, We Used to Be Friends, and The Summer of Jordi Perez (and the Best Burger in Los Angeles), which was named a best book of 2018 by NPR, The Boston Globe, Kirkus Reviews, and more. She has a B.A. in Advertising & Marketing Communications from Webster University and an M.A. in Media Studies from The New School. She also studied longform improv at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre. Raised in St. Louis, she now lives in Los Angeles and can be found online at TheAmySpalding.com.

WHERE TO FIND Amy:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m.: Beyond the Binary: Writing Authentic LGBTQIA+ Stories​ (Main Stage)

shannon_spann.png

BOOKS BY Shannon:

stagesetspann.png

Shannon J. Spann

Shannon J. Spann is an NYC-based writer from Virginia, where she grew up as one of six sisters and spent most days crafting stories in the woods (and subsequently performing them for anyone who would listen). A lifelong fan of ghost stories, old movies, and all things theatrical, Shannon can most often be found wandering Central Park, exploring her local bookstore, or hunting down a sunbeam to read in. You can find her on Instagram @ShannonJSpann

WHERE TO FIND Shannon:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 3-4:45 p.m.: From Fairytale to Fear: A Descent into Dark Fantasy (Main Stage)

erin_sterling.png

BOOKS BY ERIN/Rachel:

71Oh0IR0bML._SL1500_ (1).jpg
71K6XhRnIXL._SL1500_.jpg
81FX8xe1vCL._SL1500_.jpg
81ZsR8qby7L._SL1500_.jpg
81+Bx8pyGoL._SL1500_.jpg
91-cYYb73yL._SL1500_.jpg
91UrlDUZpnL._SL1500_.jpg
91I0uftMAkL._SL1500_.jpg

ERIN Sterling/
Rachel Hawkins

Born in Virginia and raised in Alabama, Rachel Hawkins has been writing since Kindergarten when her first book, a tense thriller involving a unicorn, a witch, and a princess, was called, “very imaginative!” by her teacher and “a searing work of genius” by her mother.
 

Since then, Rachel has written over a dozen books for children and adults (sadly all unicorn-free thus far), and been published in more than twenty countries. As Rachel Hawkins, she wrote the New York Times-bestselling THE WIFE UPSTAIRS, a Southern Gothic twist on JANE EYRE that the Southern Review of Books called, “a thrill ride,” and Entertainment Weekly dubbed, “a gothic thriller laced with arsenic.” Her latest thriller, RECKLESS GIRLS, also debuted on the New York Times list with Kirkus calling it, “a soapy, claustrophobic page-turner.”
 

When not writing modern Gothic thrillers as Rachel Hawkins, she also pens paranormal romantic comedies under the name Erin Sterling. Her debut romance, THE EX HEX, was a Book of the Month pick as well as a New York Times and USA Today Bestseller.

Rachel currently lives in Auburn, Alabama with her husband, son, and five cats. (Yes, five. She knows.). In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and picking up an assortment of creative hobbies she will give up on after a week or two. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram.

WHERE TO FIND ERIN/Rachel:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 10-11:45 a.m.: Spells & Small Towns: The Ultimate Cozy Fiction Panel (Main Stage)

maria_tureaud.png

BOOKS BY Maria:

81ROBrLtm1L._SL1500_ (1).jpg
81eSCV0M6jL._SL1500_.jpg

Maria Tureaud

Maria Tureaud is an editor and acclaimed author of middle grade and adult fiction, including This House Will Feed, a supernatural gothic historical novel set amidst the Ireland’s Great Famine. Born and raised in County Clare on the west coast of Ireland, she now lives with her husband and son in New Jersey and can be found online at AuthorMariaTureaud.com.

WHERE TO FIND Maria:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 4-5:45 p.m.: Past as Prologue: Horror’s Historical Lens (Main Stage)

neena_viel.png

BOOKS BY Neena:

819Pna+jldL._SL1500_ (1).jpg
91F7gLReETL._SL1500_.jpg

Neena Viel

Neena Viel is a horror writer who lives in a cabin in the Washingtonian woods with her husband and the best dog on the planet. Her passion for philanthropy (almost) rivals her love for ghost stories. 

WHERE TO FIND Neena:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 4-5:45 p.m.: Past as Prologue: Horror’s Historical Lens (Main Stage)

carter_wilson.png

BOOKS BY Carter:

71DJgu2MiiL._SL1500_.jpg
71cIEW0pVGL._SL1500_.jpg
710yJtDBUtL._SL1500_.jpg
71yfI1pxj+L._SL1500_.jpg
81JIOE+71qL._SL1500_.jpg
51y3-cJJv7L.jpg

Carter Wilson

Carter Wilson is the USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of ten psychological thrillers, known for their intense emotion, tight pacing, and haunting twists. His books have received starred reviews from every major trade publication, have been optioned for film and television, and his 2025 novel Tell Me What You Did was selected as a national monthly pick by Barnes & Noble.

In addition to his fiction, Carter is the creator and host of Making It Up, a podcast featuring unscripted, revealing conversations with fellow writers about the creative process. He is also the founder of Unbound Writer, a company devoted to helping writers find their voice through coaching, immersive retreats, and online classes.

A seasoned public speaker and natural interviewer, Carter is known for his dynamic onstage presence and his deep curiosity about the craft of writing. He lives in Erie, Colorado, and travels frequently to speak at conferences, moderate author panels, and lead writing workshops.

WHERE TO FIND Carter:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 2-3:45 p.m.: I Didn't See that Coming: Mastering the Art of Twists & Turns (Main Stage)

Meet the Featured Authors

Learn more about the Featured Authors at The Big Ohio Book Con and discover where you can meet them during the event!

em_anderson.png

BOOKS BY E.M.:

91Ke-rcgayL._SL1500_ (1).jpg
81epA6DTSxL._SL1500_.jpg

E.M. Anderson

E.M. Anderson (she/they) is a queer, neurodivergent writer and the author of The Keeper of Lonely Spirits and The Lord of the Wood. Their work has appeared in SJ Whitby's Awakenings: A Cute Mutants Anthology and Wyldblood Press’s From the Depths: A Fantasy Anthology, among other publications. Visit website.

WHERE TO FIND E.M.:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m.: Beyond the Binary: Writing Authentic LGBTQIA+ Stories​ (Main Stage)

    • 2-5 p.m.: Featured Author Signing Tables (General Admission, Black Cat Room)

kalynn_applewhite.png

BOOKS BY Kalynn:

71bDvO5zQhL._SL1500_ (1).jpg
71pBg3CP8tL._SL1360_.jpg
71yBXph0DDL._SL1360_.jpg

Kalynn Applewhite

Kalynn is a writer at heart with a lifetime love of fantasy. Through her books she pursues her passion for exploring feminist themes through fiction. Kalynn loves playing games, taking hikes, and eating super dark chocolate. She lives in Ohio with her husband and their menagerie of children, cats, chickens, and houseplants. Visit website.

WHERE TO FIND Kalynn:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: Indie Author Central (General Admission)

    • 4-5:45 p.m.: Past as Prologue: Horror’s Historical Lens (Main Stage)

  • Sunday, June 7

    • 9 a.m.-2 p.m.: Indie Author Central (General Admission)

    • 2-3 p.m.: Book Launch Central (General Admission)​

    • 3-5 p.m.: Indie Author Central (General Admission)

kalie_cassidy.png

BOOKS BY Kalie:

91mT-ayqEhL._SL1500_.jpg
81jGIouh1lL._SL1500_.jpg

Kalie Cassidy

Kalie was born and raised in Southern California and spent over a decade working in LA as a professional theater actor, coach, and acting teacher. She now lives in Cleveland, Ohio with her two children and husband. She spends most of her time dreaming up new stories in her library, gardening, walking the nearby woods, and learning about “real” weather. Visit website.

WHERE TO FIND Kalie:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 3-4:45 p.m.: From Fairytale to Fear: A Descent into Dark Fantasy (Main Stage)

alyssa_day.png

BOOKS BY Alyssa:

nobodyquest.png

Alyssa Day

Alyssa Day is the pen name (and dark and tortured alter ego) of author Alesia Holliday. As Alesia, she wrote her first book, an award-winning account of life as a military family during war-time, during the long nights when her Navy flyer husband was on deployment after 9/11.  As Alyssa, she's an award-winning and New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of romantasy, paranormal romance, and mystery novels whose books have won many awards, sold more than a million copies, and been translated into many languages (although she’s holding out for Klingon). She has lived with and battled chronic depression for her entire life and finally admitted it to her family—and the world—in 2014. Life is better now, because depression lies and tells us we’re alone. We’re not. Visit website.

WHERE TO FIND Alyssa:

  • Friday, June 5

    • 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Love in a World on Fire: The Rise of Romantasy (VIP Cocktail Party)

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Featured Author Signing Tables (General Admission, Black Cat Room)

  • Sunday, June 7

    • 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Featured Author Signing Tables (General Admission, Black Cat Room)

alex_erickson.png

BOOKS BY Alex:

91g+FGsFzmL._SL1500_.jpg
81WG74CYrLL._SL1500_.jpg
81ploBDdQRL._SL1500_.jpg
71eFsDq4dbL._SL1500_.jpg
717eV-UQHyL._SL1500_.jpg
81PjDydIqKS._SL1500_.jpg

Alex Erickson

Alex Erickson is the author of the Bookstore Cafe Mystery Series, the Furever Pets Mysteries, and the Cat Yoga Mystery Series. He lives in Ohio with his family and resident felines, who provide endless amounts of inspiration. When he's not writing, he enjoys spending his time gaming or playing music. Visit him online at AlexEricksonBoooks.com

WHERE TO FIND Alex:

  • Sunday, June 7

    • 10-10:30 a.m.: Black Cat Chat with Alex Erickson (& Real-Life Black Cats) (Breakout Stage)

    • 10:45 a.m.: Featured Author Signing Tables (General Admission, Black Cat Room)

sarah_davis.png

BOOKS BY Sarah:

81gSnZNLk6L._SL1500_.jpg
71MiBqdc0GL._SL1500_ (1).jpg
71uOVYuNWBL._SL1500_.jpg
81uNStNy4HL._SL1500_.jpg
816A8rWG8EL._SL1500_.jpg
81-iwUTq4mL._SL1500_.jpg

Sarah Forester Davis

Sarah is the author of nine young adult and new adult romantic suspense books. Her books have been read in over fifteen different countries and she has a fandom of readers all around the world. Visit website.

WHERE TO FIND Sarah:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: Featured Author Signing Tables (General Admission, Black Cat Room)

    • 2-3 p.m.: Book Launch Central (General Admission)​

    • 3:30-6 p.m.: Featured Author Signing Tables (General Admission, Black Cat Room)

  • Sunday, June 7

    • 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.: Featured Author Signing Tables (General Admission, Black Cat Room)

    • 3-3:45 p.m.: Ask Me Anything (AMA) with Indie Authors (Breakout Stage)

Kl_griffiths.png

BOOKS BY KL:

71gvP1cVFRL._SL1500_ (1).jpg
61PTkKpjcUL._SL1500_.jpg

KL Griffiths

KL Griffiths lives in her imagination and also with her husband in Northeast Ohio. When not reading, writing, or working at her local library, Kelly can be found backpacking, mountain biking, or eating ice cream. Visit website.

WHERE TO FIND KL:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: Indie Author Central (General Admission)

    • 2-3:45 p.m.: I Didn't See that Coming: Mastering the Art of Twists & Turns (Main Stage)

    • 4-5 p.m.: Indie Author Central (General Admission)

  • Sunday, June 7

    • 9 a.m.-5 p.m.: Indie Author Central (General Admission)

molly_harper.png

BOOKS BY Molly:

81jQlQ5HX0L._SL1500_ (1).jpg
81fsZVoEaoL._SL1500_.jpg
81F5JYhWkSL._SL1500_.jpg
8186rERmTHL._SL1500_.jpg
81gcjQlnXfL._SL1500_.jpg
61lJPxUyIGL._SL1360_.jpg

Molly Harper

Molly Harper is the author of more than forty paranormal romance, contemporary romance, mystery, women’s fiction, and young adult titles. A lifelong enthusiastic reader, she graduated with a Masters of Fine Arts from Seton Hill University, focusing on writing popular fiction. She lived in Kentucky for most of her life before recently moving to Michigan with her family…and she’s still figuring out how to choose outerwear and play complicated winter card games. Visit website.

WHERE TO FIND Molly:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 10-11:45 a.m.: Spells & Small Towns: The Ultimate Cozy Fiction Panel (Main Stage)

    • 1-5 p.m.: Featured Author Signing Tables (General Admission, Black Cat Room)

  • Sunday, June 7

    • 9 a.m.-5 p.m.: Featured Author Signing Tables (General Admission, Black Cat Room)

dl_jennings.png

BOOKS BY D.L.:

81LdDVS0dBL._SL1500_.jpg
81hkZDmV16L._SL1500_.jpg
71DXI4B-SfL._SL1500_.jpg

D.L. Jennings

David "D. L." Jennings is a fourteen-year veteran of the United States Air Force and Air Force Special Operations Command, and he finished writing his debut novel, Gift of the Shaper, while serving on his ninth combat tour. After separating in 2018, he spends his time reading and writing epic fantasy, traveling, listening to '90s punk, and bemoaning being an Ohio sports fan. Visit website.

WHERE TO FIND D.L.:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 10 a.m.-6 p.m.: Indie Author Central (General Admission)

  • Sunday, June 7

    • 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.: Indie Author Central (General Admission)

    • 3-3:45 p.m.: Ask Me Anything (AMA) with Indie Authors (Breakout Stage)

carter_keane.png

BOOKS BY Carter:

81VeM8mDukL._SL1500_.jpg

Carter Keane

Carter Keane resides in and is inspired by the frequently odd and often horrifying state of Ohio. Keane writes books where the monster and the monstrous, in the end, are not the same. Morsel is their debut.
 

Keane’s student loan debt hails from an overly expensive liberal arts college on a hill where they acquired a Bachelor’s of Creative Writing and Environmental Studies. They were radicalized by the one-two-punch of Literary Theory followed closely by a course on Sustainable Agriculture.

After college, Keane was a fast-fashion copywriter, donut glazer, apprentice commercial appraiser, pizza delivery driver, and an overworked employee at a nonprofit in quick succession. Visit website.

WHERE TO FIND Carter:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Featured Author Signing Tables (General Admission, Black Cat Room)

ed_lee.png

BOOKS BY E.D.:

91KvnZlMyWL._SL1500_.jpg
91KPbIMZ6pL._SL1500_.jpg
81GyQP++TmL._SL1500_.jpg
61ehpXW7k4L._SL1419_ (1).jpg

E.D. Lee

E. D. Lee is a gothic vampire from Ohio, who became a self-published author after falling in love with dark fantasy worlds. She has published multiple series that are perfect for spice-loving fans of ACOTAR, Powerless, Fourth Wing, and so much more. Visit website.

WHERE TO FIND E.D.:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.: Featured Author Signing Tables (General Admission, Black Cat Room)

  • Sunday, June 7

    • 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.: Featured Author Signing Tables (General Admission, Black Cat Room)

    • 3-3:45 p.m.: Ask Me Anything (AMA) with Indie Authors (Breakout Stage)

jennifer_mandula.png

BOOKS BY Jennifer:

91-PQahjttL._SL1500_.jpg

Jennifer Mandula

Jennifer Mandula lives in Cleveland, OH with her husband, three daughters, and a neurotic corgi. She first learned of the historical Mary Anning while studying for her master's in education at the University of Oxford. In her spare time she visits local bakeries and plans her next escape to the beach. The Geomagician is her debut novel. Visit website.

WHERE TO FIND Jennifer:

  • Friday, June 5

    • 8-9:30 p.m.: Author Keynote Discussion at the VIP Cocktail Party​

mindy_mcginnis (2).png

BOOKS BY Mindy:

81cwaOWMmnL._SL1500_ (1).jpg
91J0pPQrRBL._SL1500_.jpg
9780062320902_p0_v2_s600x595.jpg
81eduY9J92L._SL1500_.jpg
81FrH9uKzWL._SL1500_.jpg
91OtfWTx8uL._SL1500_.jpg

Mindy McGinnis

Mindy McGinnis is an Edgar Award-winning novelist who writes across multiple genres, including post-apocalyptic, historical, thriller, contemporary, mystery, and fantasy.


While her settings may change, you can always count on Mindy’s books to deliver grit, truth, and an unflinching look at humanity and the world around us. Visit website.

WHERE TO FIND Mindy:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Author Central (General Admission)

  • Sunday, June 7:

    • 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Author Central (General Admission)

    • 1-1:45 p.m.: In Conversation with Mindy McGinnis (Breakout Stage)

pixie_rella.png

BOOKS BY Pixie:

61KodVnwDNL._SL1499_.jpg

Pixie Rella

Known for blending gameplay and fantasy storylines, Pixie Rella is a professional gamer turned author with BLACKHEART, her bestselling Romantasy debut. Visit website.

WHERE TO FIND Pixie:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 10 a.m.-6 p.m.: Indie Author Central (General Admission)

  • Sunday, June 7

    • 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: Indie Author Central (General Admission)

    • 2-2:45 p.m.: In Conversation (Breakout Stage)

    • 3-5 p.m.: Indie Author Central (General Admission)

kris_renee.png

BOOKS BY Kris:

81y5ZMRQDcL._SL1500_.jpg
71DMfXNLzKL._SL1500_.jpg
71M0vM8bfqL._SL1500_.jpg
71R6wM+O+wL._SL1500_.jpg
61DOSSex9GL._SL1000_.jpg
51Um5nGkPdL._SL1000_ (1).jpg

Kris Renee

Kris Renee is currently deep in a passionate love triangle with TikTok, baking, and kissing books. She’s a sucker for a hero who’s part alpha-hole, part soft cinnamon roll — the kind of guy who broods like Batman but secretly adopts stray kittens.
 

When she’s not writing steamy monster or real people romances or rewatching her favorite movies for the gazillionth time, Kris is living her best Midwest life with her family, a towering collection of dangly earrings, and a disturbing addiction to peanut butter.
 

She reads a lot, decorates like she’s on HGTV, and fully believes that a good book and a bad decision are a perfect Friday night. Visit website.

WHERE TO FIND Kris:

  • Saturday, June 6

    • 9 a.m.-12 p.m.: Featured Author Signing Tables (General Admission, Black Cat Room)

    • 1-2:45 p.m.: Fire & Spice: From Slow Burn to Full Blaze (Main Stage)

    • 3:30-6 p.m.: Featured Author Signing Tables (General Admission, Black Cat Room)

  • Sunday, June 7

    • 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.: Featured Author Signing Tables (General Admission, Black Cat Room)

    • 3-3:45 p.m.: Ask Me Anything (AMA) with Indie Authors (Breakout Stage)

  • White Facebook Icon
  • White Instagram Icon
  • TikTok

Contact Us

The Big Ohio Book Con

June 28-29, 2025

Medina Fairgrounds Convention Center


735 Lafayette Road

Medina, OH 44256

 

 

Visit blackcatmedina.com for more info about your hosts.

 

Need a quicker response? Contact the Black Cat Books & Oddities team here.

Join our mailing list for all the latest updates and lineup changes.

© 2025 The Big Ohio Book Con, Black Cat Books & Oddities LLC

bottom of page