SLO NightWriters

Anne R. Allen: Anne is the author of two comic novels published in the UK by Babash-Ryan: Food Of Love (2003) and The Best Revenge (2005). She is a freelance journalist as well as a prize-winning poet and fiction writer. Her work appears in dozens of print and online journals including the literary humor magazine, Opium. Don’t miss her informative blog at: http://annerallen.blogspot.com/

Mark Arnold: Mark is a journalist educated at the University of Missouri, J-School.  He was named one of the top 10 student science writers in the nation in 1986.  He holds a Ph.D. in communication in New Media Technology and taught college and university Journalism and Mass Comm courses.  He has published news events, and news commentary in newspapers and magazines. He is hard at work on his sci-fi novel, Wake of the Liar.

Leslie Baier: I am a daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. I’ve lived in San Luis County since 1959. I love the written word largely to the fact [that] you can take as long as need[ed] to get the exact meaning across – unlike conversing. And the older I get the harder it is to find the perfect word!

Jenny Brantlee: Jenny writes read-aloud, science-based Animal Adventures.  She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Smith College and has worked for several years as a naturalist and school group educator for Massachusetts Audubon Society and California’s Central Coast Natural History Association and Museum of Natural History.  She is currently seeking agent representation for her first book:  “The Monarch Grove,” about the migratory lives and loves of a Monarch butterfly dynasty.  Please reach Jenny at 805.234.7279 or heyjenny@gmail.com

Willy Bruijns, Treasurer: Willy is a recent transplant to the Central Coast. In 2008 she left Los Angeles and a long and successful career in magazine publishing and moved to Los Osos, where she lives with her husband, two cats, and the ghost of her late dog Jake. She took up creative writing in 2006 at UCLA’s extension program. Willy writes short and short, short fiction.

Leonard Carpenter: Much-published author of stories, poems, and eleven Conan the Barbarian novels. (In those days they called me “The Sequelizer.”) Experienced as a technical writer for Disney, Strasbaugh, and other soft- and hardware purveyors. My long-awaited unpublished bestseller is online at www.fatalstrain.com. My current project is Lusitania Lost, a historical adventure. (No, I am not a pseudonym for a guy in Rumania, as wikipedia said).

Evelyn Cole Turrill: Evelyn taught English for 23 years.   She had high school freshman teach Greek mythology to sixth graders across town by email.   She showed college freshmen how semantic analysis relates all subjects.  She has three published novels, short stories, poems, one textbook, a self-help e-course called “Brainsweep” an related articles called “Mind Nudges.” Novels available at Amazon.com, www.coles-poetic-license.com. Look for her on Facebook and Twitter. Read her blog at www.evycole.wordpress.com See the NightWriters Members’ Books Page for Evelyn’s novels.

Crystal Dickerson: Crystal is a poet and story teller.  She is an anthropologist and has live in San Luis Obispo since 1972.  She has two grown children and one grandchild.

Patricia Eby: has published stories in “New Woman”, “Good Old Days”, and Merced Sun Star Sunday Edition.

Sherry Eiselen: After the mountain of professional writing that goes along with teaching community college directing grant funded projects and running a business, I stumbled into fiction when I joined a Cuesta Emeritus writing class three years ago. I am currently working on my third novel. Published Books: The Human Side of Child Care Administration (non-fiction text book), Ahead of Time (novel) available on Amazon.com.

Paul Alan Fahey: Paul taught in higher education for over thirty years, retiring in 2008 from Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, California. He holds a BA from San Francisco State University, a M.Ed. from DePaul University and an Ed.D. from the University of San Francisco. For seven years, he was the editor of the award-winning international literary journal, Mindprints, a creative forum for writers and artists with disabilities. Paul’s short stories and nonfiction pieces have appeared in several online and print journals and anthologies including Thema, Kaleidoscope, Byline, The MacGuffin, A Cup of Comfort, My Mom’s My Hero, Long Story Short and in the Tolosa Press publications. He writes a regular column for Fiction Fix at www.coffeehouseforwriters.com and is currently at work on a novella. Contact him at paul1189@sbcglobal.net

Susan Gaddis: As one of the staff pastors of Father’s House, a church in Atascadero, Susan finds fertile ground for writing curriculum, brochures and manuals. Her articles have appeared in Ministry Today, Advance magazine and The Teaching Home; she has books published with pathway Press and Arrow Publishing. Susan also writes for the home schooling crowd and has created Family Discipleship Manuals for that niche. Author website: www.susangaddis.net. Word DIVAS website: www.worddivas.com. Holy in the Daily Blog: www.susangaddis.net/blog. Email address: suegaddis@att.net.

David Georgi: David comes to NightWriters from a 40-year career in education. He has authored dozens of academic publications and is now embarking on writing a novel based on family history, a children’s picture book about an eleven year old girl’s fight against a city that allows wildlife to be illegally slaughtered, and a YouTube TV series, TheGardenDude. You can see more than you want to about David at www.csub.edu/~dgeorgi

Byron K. Gibbs: I retired in 2006 after 30 years in law enforcement. I am an aspiring author, turning to writing to vent my creative energies. Art and music were out since I can neither draw a circle with a compass nor carry a tune in a bucket. My wife and I live in Cornville, Arizona, not far from Sedona. We enjoy riding our horses and rodeoing. Email me at: roperbk@commspeed.net

Ruth Goodnow: Ruth moved to San Luis Obispo from Washington, DC nine years ago. Her works of non-fiction and poetry have appeared in numerous publications. An amateur athlete, Ruth occasionally writes a sports piece for the GO section of The Tribune. Her first book, My Name is Rosie, written under the pen name Kate Updike O’Connor, is now available. Contact Ruth at her website for more information about her book: www.mynameisrosie.com. See also her listing on the Members Books page, under Kate Updike O’Connor.

Judythe Guarnera, Board Member: Judythe writes to entertain and influence.  She is retired from non-profit program management, but continues that work as a volunteer Senior Peer Counselor and a Mediator for Creative Mediation.  Judy is a graduate of the “Breaking Into Print” Writing Program. She serves as the Submission Manager for the NightWriters Column in the Tolosa City Press Publications and is the NW Secretary. She is published frequently in local publications including the Tribune, Tolosa Press and Women’s Press.

Susan J. Hardy: Susan is a credentialed children’s teacher, poet, author of: Spray The Scaries Away; I’m A Gift To The World; and Cookie Bake Cookbook. She is also a speaker, consultant and freelance writer. Contact her by email at sjhardy4@sbcglobal.net

Sharyl Ann Heber: Sharyl lives on the Central Coast of California.  She is a member of the San Luis Obispo Night Writers and has been scribbling out fiction for fifteen years.  Both screenwriter and novelist, her first two tales, Keepers of the Dream and As Beauty Does emerge from her love of fantasy and inspirations from trips to her favorite country, England.  She is both self taught from a case full of books on writing, and formally taught by attending classes and writer’s workshops. Contact her by email at sheber@charter.net

Laurel Anne Hill: Laurel is the author of Heroes Arise published by Komenar Publishing (www.komenarpublishing.com). She is a speaker and award-winning author who grew up in San Francisco. Her close brushes with death, love of family and respect for honor influence her writing and her life. She is a member of California Writers Club, Broad Universe, The Women’s National Book Assn and Women Writing the West. She continues to write short stories and narrative nonfiction. Contact her at laurelannehill@gmail.com

Debra Hinkle: Debra grew up in Manhattan Beach, California.  She moved to San Luis Obispo with her husband eleven years ago.  Debra has a B.S. in Business with emphasis in Information Systems.  She has only been writing for six years and has won awards in creative non-fiction and poetry.  She is collaborating on a book on grief issues.  You can find her work in Tales From the Corner, An Anthology.  Also, you can view  her work at www.kritiquekritics.com and she can be reached at debradavishinkle@pacbell.net.

John-David Hughes: John-David is a retired educator, most recently at Clovis California. I have been writing since I could read. Attended Cal Poly in the late 60′s. Degree in History, San Francisco State, with graduate work in Education. Of late I have been concentrating on poetry and some short stories that reflect some varied life experiences. I have as yet not made a serious effort to publish, concentrating on improving current works and writing a few new things. Now that there is time it just gets better. Email: jdhughes122@yahoo.com

Jeanne Kinney: Jeanne just finished a monograph about the builder of her lovely older home, Harry E. Lyman. This small but fun project was her first foray into publishing and into the strange world of historical research. With her degrees in English and Architecture and a background in building photography, this genre is an easy fit. She plans to do more along this line. She came to San Luis Obispo eight years ago and, soon after, started the slightly renegade Off the Cuff group which a small band of writers enjoyed for several years. She’d like to thank SLO Nightwriters for their support of that group and also acknowledge the subtle importance of the inspiration within the local writing community.

Janice Konstantinidis: I am interested in joining a writing group in the hope that this may help me develop my writing skills. I am Australian by birth and have lived in this area for just on six years. I am trying to write a book at the moment. I have written shorter pieces – prose poetry – most of my life – for pleasure. www.janicekonstantinidis.com.

John Lamb: Email: jojobahh@sbcglobal.net

Cary Larson-McKay: I am a new writer wanting to actualize what I have been teaching my students at CSU, Bakersfield aboutearly literacy. Picture books are my target genre, education is my intention, laughter is my mode.

Jim Leonard: I am a retired technical writer and manager of technical, management, and cost proposals. I am located on the Central Coast of CA to be near family and learn to “see as a child” again through interactions with my grandchildren. My personal spiritual journey led me to the California Old Missions and Benedictine Monasteries. In 2005 my book ‘A Little Bible Guide For Carly’ was published by Trafford Publishing in Victoria, BC, Canada. Order at: http://www.trafford.com/05-1070.

Photo with my granddaughter Carly Barnette.

Eve Malo: Eve is a writer and poet and the author if Dynamite Women: The Ten Nobel Peach Laureates of the 20th Century. Contact her at: evemluna@gmail.com

Sue McGinty: A former aerospace computer programmer and technical writer for McGraw-Hill, Sue has lived Los Osos for fourteen years. Her short fiction has been featured in three Central Coast Mystery Writer anthologies. She is president of the Central Coast Chapter of Sisters in Crime, an international organization of mystery writers and readers. Murder in Los Lobos is her first mystery novel. Sue’s website is: www.SueMcGinty.com and her e-mail address is: Suemcginty@aol.com

Nancy G. Moore, Program Director: Nancy is a native Californian who has traveled in search of adventure, education, and an income.  She recently moved to Avila Beach from Chicago, where she worked as a freelance editor and writer.  Nancy holds a PhD in Theatre and Dance History and an MA in English.  She has published many articles on dance, most recently in PAJ:  A Journal of Performance and Art, and is collaborating with several French writers on a book about Valentine de St.-Point, a Parisian contemporary of Isadora Duncan. Write to Nancy at hiwriter@earthlink.net

Cathe Olson: Cathe has published several natural foods cookbooks and numerous articles for national magazines. She was the director of the Central Coast Writers’ Conference and has served on the boards of the Central Coast Book and Author Festival, Friends of the Nipomo Library, and SLO Nightwriters. Cathe is currently working on a kid’s cookbook, and a fictional children’s series. Book reviews, healthy eating advice giveaways and more: catheolson.blogspot.com. Visit Cathe’s website at: www.simplynaturalbooks.com

Fayrene Parrish: As a Children’s Book Writer/Illustrator she was commissioned by The Space Needle in Seattle to create a book using some of her characters, The Shipmates© Visit The Space Needle.  She is currently finishing the next two adventures in The Shipmates Series.  Affiliations include the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators; SLO NightWriters; Artist/Sculptor member of the California Art Club; SLOPE, and is the founder of the Annual California Sculptors Symposium. Fayrene’s artwork is in significant collections throughout the nation including The United States Government, Boeing, Pacific Bell, Ford Motor Company. Visit her website at www.fayreneparrish.com, or send a comment to fayrene@charter.net

Charlie Perryess: AKA Chester & CS is pleased to be posted near his dear friend & fellow NightWriter, Ana Nimiti. He wedges in writing teen and adult fiction when he’s not teaching middle schoolers, fixing the house or walking the dogs. Though his novel-length manuscripts have won various awards, they’re still looking for good homes. His short fiction has appeared in Short Story, Pangolin Papers, Highlights, READ, With, and others. He’s pleased to have his fiction appear with Bruchac, Cirrone, Avi, Trueman, Vande Velde, in Heinmenann’s In Short: How to Teach the young Adult Short Story, & Darby Creek’s Lay-ups and Long Shots.

Anne Peterson: AKA Ana Nimiti, Anne considers herself a writer, artist, teacher and ardent participant in life. She has written five unpublished novels but has published articles and short stories in niche magazines about live-aboard sailing, health, and memoir that range from the underwater reefs of the Florida Keys and giant Sequoias of California, to Europe, Israel, Costa Rica and Mexico . Forty years of crippling arthritis have not deterred her curiosity and passion for learning and living. Anne considers herself an amateur—that is, a lover.

Carter Pittman: The offspring of two black-sheep, I proudly carry on the tradition. I am married and live on the Central Coast of California. It is difficult to answer the heading, “About Me,” because I have lived a life in which I have repeatedly redefined myself. I am not a linear person–I have been a farmer, craftsman, soldier, cartoonist, firefighter, teacher, writer, singer…the list continues. More about me: I like the outdoors, and never get tired of hiking new trails–I always have to see what lies beyond the next hill or bend in the path. My favorite diversion is loving my wife and daughter, reading a good book–or trying to write one. I enjoy writing a story damn near as much as reading one, and I have a lot of experiences from which to draw.

Corrie Lynne Player: is the author of six parenting books and a regular weekly column. Corrie Lynne has made family relationships her life’s work. She taught English at Cal Poly and Southern Utah University and organized SLO Nightwriters, as well as serving as its first president. She was given a life-time membership when she left San Luis Obispo for Cedar City, Utah. In 2008 she was chosen “Writer of the Year” by the League of Utah Writers. She has written four books on parenting, among them Loving Firmness: Successfully Raising Teenagers Without Losing Your Mind. (See three of Corrie Lynne’s books on NightWriters’ Members Books page.) A writer and family advocate, she lectures nationally about parenting and has written articles for Family Circle, Parents and Ladies Hone Journal. Contact Corrie Lynne through her website, www.corrielynneplayer.com or email her at corrieplayer@hotmail.com

Shirley Powell: Shirley retired to SLO from Carson where she became a founding member of NightWriters and plunged into classes, workshops and contests as she explored various genres. Her credits now range from the local Tribune newspaper to the National Motorist.  Most of her short pieces grew from traveling and exploring the outdoors. Shirley is a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of California. Her novel is yet unpublished. The encouragement, positive critiquing and camaraderie found in ongoing workshops inspires her to write.

Richard Rachlin: After retiring from his career as a US Attorney, Richard moved to the Central Coast to write thrillers loosely based on his experiences as a prosecuting attorney. He is hard at work on his first novel, Fools Justice.

Destry Ramey: Destry is a retired Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She has published articles for Medical Journals and an Infant Care Book for the Navy as Director of Pediatrics for the Navy Nurse Midwifery Program. She continues to dedicate her life to children through The Adventures of Hunter and Ramona Pug Series. Her published books, What About Me? and Why Am I Dark?, address contemporary real-life issues through the eyes of two little pugs. See the NightWriter Members’ Books page for information on her published books.

Darlene Roth: A veteran professional historian and public scholar, I have written (or contributed to) more than a dozen books in women’s history and local history – chiefly centered on Atlanta and Georgia. I have also recently published my first 2 creative pieces. I am currently working on several books having to do with the historian in each of us and what we can do to change history. Published books: All are out of print. I have the remaindered copies of “Matronage.”

Judy Salamacha: Judy, the Director Central Coast Writers’ Conference, has been writing since 4th Grade, but didn’t consider herself a writer until moving to the Central Coast eight years ago. Now a writer/journalist, she’s published in Travelhost, The Bay News, Sun Bulletin and currently her column “By the Bay” in Monday’s Tribune. She’s working on an circa-1869 Middle School Chapter Book. Become a Facebook fan and join us at the 2010 conference September 17-18.

Terry Sanville: Terry lives in San Luis Obispo, California with his artist-poet wife (his in-house editor) and one fat cat (his in-house critic). He writes full time, producing short stories, essays, poems, an occasional play, and novels (that are hiding in his closet). His short stories have been accepted by more than 85 literary and commercial journals, magazines, and anthologies (both print and online) . Terry is a retired urban planner and an accomplished jazz and blues guitarist – who once played with a symphony orchestra backing up jazz legend George Shearing.

Anne NW Schroeder, Board Member: A fifth-generation Californian, Anne combines her love of the West and her spiritual faith in novels, short stories and memoir. Her short stories have appeared in over 40 literary journals and magazines. Her agent is representing her novel in the CBA and she hopes to become a recognized Christian novelist in the very near future.  Her published books, Ordinary Aphrodite; Branches on the Conejo; and Scent of Cedars are available on Amazon.com and Anne’s website. Anne teaches writing courses through RWA and Women Writing the West. She has been a NightWriter since 1988 and credits this organization for her growth as a writer, speaker and inspirational presenter. Find Anne on her website: www.readanneschroeder.com. See also her book listings on NightWriters Members’ Books page.

LeAnn Smothers: LeAnn’s touchstone book was Five Smooth Stones by Ann Fairbairn, and is working on getting her own first novel published. Previously in the marketing field, her writing and marketing concepts (including a remake of Randy Newman’s “I Love LA” music video) garnered national awards. She and her artist husband, Ron, are delighted to reside in California again, loving the Central Coast’s plein air beauty, fabulous weather and farmers’ markets. You can contact her at ronandleann@comcast.net

Maria Spencer: Maria is a children’s book writer, unpublished at yet.

Richard Sobey Sudden: After many years of travel, 40 countries so far, I’ve returned to Paso to care for my 92 year old mum. Along the path I’ve worked on my manuscript that began as an oft repeated and embellished bedtime tale for my daughter Kealia, who’s now past 29 years. I’ve no published works to claim but many a scribbled poem and quiet note from the road. The road of experience, heartache, turquoise seas, and exotic loves. Historical fiction is my passion and all advice greatly appreciated.

Christine Taylor: Christine, (aka mousewords) is a California writer, artist, and social media consultant who loves mystery and adventure, is convinced that dreams can come true, and considers it her mission in life to help others realize that fact. She and her sister Stacy survived carbon monoxide poisoning, and used the experience to inspire a mystery novel, The Rosewood House, which is the first in the Barrister Mystery Series. Christine blogs at www.mousewords.net, where she rarely writes about herself in the third person.

Susan Tuttle, NW President: A native of Buffalo, New York, Susan moved to the Central Coast in 2004. She is the author of the suspense novel, Tangled Webs. She continues to win awards for her short stories, novels and, recently, her creative non-fiction. She was elected president of NightWriters in 2007. Susan writes sci-fi, fantasy, suspense, paranormal suspense and spiritual meditations. She is also a professional editor/writing coach. You can find her on Facebook, or contact her through her websites: www.susant-creations.com and www.susant-writer.com or email susantwriter.com See her suspense novel on NightWriters’ Members’ Books page.

Andrew Unetic: I arrived in SLO about 5 years ago after 30 years in Sonoma County and 2 years in South Australia. Most of my working life was as a trial lawyer primarily criminal defenses. For the last few years I have been pursuing my passion for voice acting. My favorite genre is audio books. I also enjoy writing and editing but I am not an author.

Anna Unkovich, NW Greeter: An award-winning teacher and speaker for over 35 years, Anna moved from Michigan to California in 2001.  While actively teaching, she had her own newspaper column titled, “Classroom with a View,” and upon retirement,  co-authored“Chicken Soup for the Soul in the Classroom.” Anna has published several short stories and poetry, and takes particular pleasure in writing fast fiction, or non-fiction articles.  She continues to teach part-time at Hancock College, but mostly enjoys the CA sunshine with her husband and two adopted cats. Check out her website at www.annaunkovich.com

Kalila Volkov: Kalila loves being in the Hi Hopes workshop.  She’s the author of Fishing for Equilibrium: The Power of a Diary (self-published in 2008), and she enjoys writing poems, several of which have appeared in Women’s Press and the local Sierra Club newsletter.  She works as a clerical sub for the school district and sings with Cuesta Master Chorale. See her listing on the Members’ Books page.

M. Christine Weber:  Christine lives on the breathtaking Central California Coast where she spends most days switching hats between her roles of wife, mother, administrative pastor, and writer. (Occasionally she stacks them one on top of the other and wears them all.) Her writing exploits include educational curriculum, short stories, articles, grocery lists, and a fantasy novel in progress. You can find her drinking raspberry lattes and blogging about books at mchristineweber.com

Barbara Wolcott: Barbara is a freelance writer specializing in science and how it impacts people. In 2001 she was nominated for a Pulitzer for a feature article on commercial fishing, and awarded first place in 1999 for a Damon Runyan parody-style article on off-track betting by the CA Publishers Association and the National Newspapers Association. Among her numerous publishing credits are her books David, Goliath and the Beach-cleaning Machine; Power From the Mountains; In and Around San Luis Obispo, and Small Town Perfect Storm.

Laurie Woodward: After I switched schools and grade levels I found we were putting more emphasis on teaching to the test. In this drill and kill atmosphere I saw how much creativity was being squelched.  I began to think of art as a living thing that we were killing in children. That was when the idea for Art-World came. I imagined a world born from every art piece that had ever been created. Then I thought of the destroyers of art and how their denying the creativity in children was like killing those wonderous creations. To me the evil Shadow Swine who try to turn humans away from art are symbols for what children are losing in today’s society. I love telling my students how precious their creations are.  How, in Art-World, every time they sketch, paint, or sculpt a birth occurs in that other dimension. Then I watch their shining faces bend over at their desks, hurriedly sketch something, and hold it up asking, “This was just born?” I smile and nod thinking, it sure was.

Dennis Eamon Young, NW Vice President and Staff Photographer: Dennis is a writer and professional photographer living in Shell Beach. Though he photographs everything, he specializes in portraits and commercial photography, and works on his stories and novels between photography sessions. Dennis began his photography in New York City in 1969, with magazine and advertising assignments. He is a genuine people person and enjoys being a member of SLO NightWriters as both a writer and as staff photographer. Website: www.DennisEamonYoungPhoto.com; email him at: photodennis44@gmail.com; or write to him at PO Box 3438, Shell Beach, CA 93449

MEMBERS WITHOUT BIOS

Judith Abbott

Cameron Acosta

Christine Ahern

Judith Allen

Ximena Ames

Ralph Battles

Mary Ann Benton

Mary Bhuta

Lorie Brallier

Kennon Brown

Lilian Brown

Flor Beach Burlingame

Diane Burns

Anne Candelaria

Irene Chadwick

Betsy Cornelius

Thomas H. Dale

Robert Fuller Davis

Evelyn Delaney

Art Dickerson

Patricia Eby

Troy Parker Farr

Nancy H. Ferraro

Stephen Figler

Caitlin Fitzpatrick

Claire Gordon

Willma Gore

Sapphire Grace

Torre Houlgate-West

Lisa Pimentel Johnson

Jill Johnston

Virginia (Ginger) Lasher

Mel Lees

Ernest K. Linz

JoAnn Lucas

Roscoe Mathew

Pam McCully

Carroll McKibbin

Janey McLaughlin

Marilyn L. Nelson

Loren Nicholson

Jesper Nielsen

Chris Over

David Puro

Jim Ringley

Griselda Rivera

Ted Rueter

David D. Schwab

Maureen Sharon

Donna Spear

Sharon Sutliff

Jo Taylor

Linna Thomas

Elsa M. Van Der Laaken

George Von Loose

Sidonie Wiedenkeller

Sylvia Willard

Audrey Yanes

Bonnie Young