Johnell is a former public relations exec who switched to writing picture books, middle grade and graphic novels. She traveled and worked with international clients before marrying a diplomat, and now moves to a new country every two-three years. Some of her favorite adventures included swimming with dolphins in the oceans of New Zealand and Israel, and snorkeling with nurse sharks in Belize. Watching her three TCK (third-culture) kids experience a childhood so different from her own rural upbringing has inspired many stories.

Michelle Lin is a bilingual screenwriter and script consultant in China’s film and television space and has worked with studios such as Perfect World Entm't, Warner Bros China, Wanda Entm't, and CJ Entm't. She has also co-created an award-winning radio show that taught conversational English to over a million Chinese. Beijing Normal University published her novella and listed it as a summer must-read. Parts of the book were adapted into a limited TV series nominated for a Golden Eagle Award. Michelle’s debut MG graphic novel, The Riceball Fairy, is set for publication in fall 2026.

Tim writes under the pen name Francis S. Poesy and has developed an exciting backstory for Mr. Poesy, as he believes writers of children’s stories should be more interesting than a technical writer who lives outside of Philadelphia with his wife, his son, and his daughter’s dog (don’t ask). Tim is a serial doodler and maker of very occasional comics but aspires to write graphic novels, not draw them.

Annette was born in Japan and moved to California as a child. She recently moved to Columbus, Ohio where she illustrates and writes children’s books. In 2020, Annette won a mentorship with middle grade author Sylvia Liu through the Author Mentor Match program. Her debut graphic novel, SELFIES BY SUMIE will be published in 2025 with Viking Press. Annette is represented by Elizabeth Bennett of Transatlantic Agency. When Annette is not working on her books, she enjoys gardening, oil painting and spending time with her two mischievous Corgis.

Sarah E. Steinberg’s architecture jobs did not lead to designing real-life secret rooms, so she began making children’s books with lots of them. Sarah is an author-illustrator with a traditional watercolor background, working on picture books and graphic novels. Her early reader series ADVENTURES OF NICKI AND RICKY (with Rowena Zahnrei) combines the scientific method with the steps of storytelling. Sarah is currently making a picture book, two webcomics, and six or seven other projects, depending on when you ask. She finds magic in mossy Oregon with her son & partner. Sarah is represented by Allison Remcheck at Stimola Literary Studio.

Nicole Harwood is an author/illustrator from Vancouver, WA. As a professional ASL/English Interpreter, she transforms English phrases into the visual medium of ASL regularly. She can be found on local community theater stages, working towards publishing her debut graphic novel, or spending time with her husband and three Neurodivergent sons.

Russ was raised by a pack of crazed hillbillies in the backwoods of Tennessee. Instead of whittling away the time, he was always found with a pencil or a paintbrush in his hand. He followed his childhood dream of becoming an artist and now creates picture books, graphic novels, and chapters books for young readers.