Birth Year (-Died Year)

1971

Birth City

New York City

Birth State

NY

Current Location

Colorado Springs, CO

Occupation(s)

Interpreter

Biography

Isabel M. Peña was born and raised in Washington Heights, NYC to Dominican parents. She is currently a single mother of two wonderful boys and is residing in the majestic state of Colorado. She is a first time author who wishes to teach our youth that life is about choices, positive attitude, and love

Local Authors Genres

Published Works

Published Works Book Jackets

Speaker Availability

Yes

Speaker Topics

Bullying - Compassion - Society - Love - Youth (growing up) - Positive thinking

Pseudonym

V. K. Finnish

Birth City

Chicago

Birth State

IL

Current Location

Colorado Springs, CO

Author's Website

Biography

V. K. Finnish is the author of The Discoveries of Arthur Grey books, a middle-grade series that twists together all her favorite genres into one epic adventure. She grew up in Chicago with a zoo’s worth of pets, including three Alaskan malamutes, who inspired her furry character Griffin. If you can’t find her actually writing, she’s probably busy plotting new adventures (for family or characters), hiking, wandering around on a travel, or snuggling with one of her five cats over a good fantasy book.

Local Authors Genres

Published Works

Published Works Book Jackets

Speaker Availability

Yes

Speaker Topics

For children ... editing and research for fiction.

Birth State

KS

Current Location

Colorado Springs, CO

Email (Public)

Author's Website

Biography

I’ve always had a passion for writing. Early on, I polished my writing skills by passing notes to my friends instead of paying attention in math class. The resulting time in detention gave me lots of time to write more notes. As a young child, I wouldn’t leave home without a pad and pencil just in case my novel hit me, and I had to scribble it down quickly. Sadly, I eventually lost this naiveté. However, as a result of my love of writing, I have an unusual variety of books published. The list includes books for the construction industry and grammar textbooks. (If writing about drywall or gerunds is better than not writing at all, it says something about what drives me.) Fortunately, I also write novels for adults, as well as early chapter books for young readers. This is the writing that feeds my soul. These days, I’m having a ball creating the Australian, Austria, and Mexico books for Pack-n-Go Girls travel and adventure series. The Amazon best selling series is targeted for early readers ages six to nine. In whatever spare time I have, one of my favorite things to do is to connect with my readers. Whether you’re in a classroom, book club, or other group, I’d love to visit in person—time and geography permitting—or on Skype. Contact me at janelle@packngogirls.com.

Awards/Honors

Education/Training

Master of Arts Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs - Bachelor of Arts Degree in History/English, Goshen College

Local Authors Genres

Published Works

Published Works Book Jackets

Speaker Availability

Yes

Speaker Topics

Writing - Children's books - Mennonites - Personal privacy issues

Current Location

Colorado Springs, CO

Author's Website

Biography

Dian Curtis Regan is the author of 60 books for young readers, ranging from picture books for toddlers to novels for teens. Popular and recent titles include: Princess Nevermore, Monster of the Month Club, the Ghost Twins series, Barnyard Slam, The Snow Blew Inn, Monster Baby, and Rocky Cave Kids. Coming next year is a beginning reader series called SpaceBoy. Visit her website at http://diancurtisregan.com

Awards/Honors

Local Authors Genres

Published Works

Published Works Book Jackets

Speaker Availability

No

Birth Year (-Died Year)

1952

Birth City

Ellis

Birth State

KS

Current Location

Colorado Springs, CO

Author's Website

Occupation(s)

Professional writer

Biography

Mike Hamel is a storyteller by trade and the author/editor of more than 40 books on topics as wide-ranging as business, finance, political theory, healthcare, nonprofits, theology, and children’s books. He is a cancer survivor who has chronicled his physical journey toward the Valley of the Shadow of Death in Stumbling Toward Heaven, and his spiritual musings along the way in We Will Be Landing Shortly: Now What?

For younger audiences, Mike has written the juvenile chapter book series Matterhorn the Brave and The Lighthouse Company, and the illustrated books Lady Allium, Lizzy the Leatherback, Queen Quillabee, and The Legend of Songa Ping.

Mike's books are listed on his Amazon Author Page. 

To learn more about Mike, check out his blog OPEN Mike and his Wikipedia entry.

Local Authors Genres

Published Works

Published Works Book Jackets

Speaker Availability

No

Birth Year (-Died Year)

1933

Birth City

Denver

Birth State

CO

Current Location

Colorado Springs, CO

Biography

I have lived many places ... married and raised five children in Arizona. There I worked in Social Services, tax offices, and secretarial jobs. I was widowed and moved to Colorado in 1984 where I worked for El Paso County. After retiring, I cared for my mother (who was in a wheelchair) and also my younger sister (with M.S.). I am very busy -- but am forever "trying to write!"

Awards/Honors

Education/Training

West Texas State University in Canyon, Texas - Always taking classes when available in literature and English

Local Authors Genres

Published Works

Published Works Book Jackets

Organizations

SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators)

Speaker Availability

No