BOOC: Authors

Genres: Fiction, Educational, Middle Grade/YA Fiction

Areas of Expertise: Creative Writing, Academic Success

Bio: Dom Testa has inspired kids to write for years. His fun, motivational assemblies help young people to discover their own creative talents. Plus, his Big Brain Club encourages kids to overcome the peer pressure that prevents them from achieving their true potential.

Genres: Historical Fiction, History, Inspirational, Religion, Spirituality

Areas of Expertise: What the World's Great Religions Have in Common; Founders of the World's Great Religions;Silk Road.

Bio: Verne and Heather Thomas believe knowledge and understanding are deterrents to hatred, and hope their novel, The Path, will promote religious tolerance. Verne taught high school for twenty-six years and served as minister in the Methodist church. Heather worked in nonprofits and for a women's magazine.

Genres: Children's Picture Books

Areas of Expertise: Online Promotion and Marketing

Bio: She's the author of "The Road to Weird" and "Rumors of War." She was managing editor at Writing-World.com, an associate producer of educational videos for Upper Midwest Films, contributing editor for Children's Magic Window magazine, and Children's Writing Resource Editor at Inkspot.com. Read her column for children's writers, Advice from a Caterpillar at Writing-World.com.

Genres: Fiction, Humor, Poetry

Areas of Expertise: Poetry Writing, Novel Writing, Writing with Humor, Developing Characters, Developing Plots, POV

Bio: Mark Todd and Kym O'Connell Todd co-write black-comedy novels about life in Colorado. The Silverville Swindle was named as the 2006 One Book, One Valley selection to promote literacy throughout the county. Mark teaches creative writing at Western State in Gunnison, and Kym is a graphic designer and Webmistress.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Suspense

Areas of Expertise: Writing

Bio: For me, the writing is about keeping the story and characters alive with fluid consistency. It is also about telling an entertaining story that offers perspective (without preaching) within plot and sub-plots. It is about both the humor and humility of one situation after another.