Crested Butte Writers

CB Writers Members

	Barbara Crawford Cofounder CB Writers Crested Butte, CO Children's author & Nonfiction Barbara, a NJ native who retired to the Colorado mountains one day after Y2K, had owned and operated Jugtown Mountain Preschool in the wilds of the Garden State. Her masters thesis grew into a book on her philosophy of education called The Common Sense Early Childhood Classroom. Barbara has dabbled in middle grade and YA novels but is finding her stride in adult fiction. Ten years ago she founded a conference that began as a Readers in the Rockies authors day and grew into the Crested Butte Writers Conference. As Co-Coordinator and one of the founders of the Crested Butte Writers, she plays a key role in transforming the CBWC into an intimate, interactive, and inspiring weekend for readers, writers, and presenters.
	Theresa Rizzo Cofounder CB Writers Longmont, CO Women's Fiction & Suspense Theresa is a native Michigander, but has lived in Colorado since 2000. She has a BS in nursing and uses that knowledge in both raising her four children and in her women's fiction and suspense books. Theresa belongs to several writers groups, but combines her love of the mountains and writing through her involvement in the Crested Butte Writers. She is the Coordinator of The Sandy writing contest and Co-Cordinator of the CB Writers Conference. She is one of the Five Scribes who blog. Check out her website and at Facebook.
	Julia Allen CO Springs, CO Julia is currently writing a dark, romantic suspense series that is set in the present and features vampires, angels, shapeshifters, and sorcerers. Visit her website and/or Facebook page.
	Richard Allen Crested Butte, CO Richard is a semi-retired Washington D.C. lawyer, now living mostly in Crested Butte. He has won two Golden Marmots for best 10-minute plays at the CB Mountain Theatre. He has also written two screenplays, one TV miniseries, and a Sci Fi novel, none as yet published, and one published short story.
	Donnell Bell CO Springs, CO Romantic Suspense & Mystery Award-winning author whose 2007 manuscript Walk Away Joe has been contracted to Bell Bridge Books to be retitled and published in September 2011. A member of two blogs one for writer Five Scribes and Get Lost in a Story for readers.
	Martha Catt Charlotte, NC Martha Catt earned an honors degree in English Literature from Northwestern University. As a financial advisor, she listens to the stories of her clients' lives every day, which informs her writing. Her recurring themes are love, truth and redemption. She won second place in the Sandy Contest Mainstream category in 2010 with her novel SWITCH-A-ROO that takes place in a small town in the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina. Her novel SPECIAL VALUATION is a finalist for the 2012 Sandy Competition in the Romance category and it takes place on a ranch in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. She has written a semi-monthly column for THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER Neighbor of the City section from 2008 to the present.
	Janet McCormick-Church Oshkosh, WI Janet McCormick-Church resides in Oshkosh, Wisconsin with roots to Colorado. Formerly in law enforcement and education, she's now fulfilling her lifelong passion to write. Her background as a holistic medicine woman, horse/dog whisperer, organic foodie/gardener, and political activist makes her see conspiracies everywhere, which she works into her thrillers. Animals are central to all of her plots, including those for her children's stories. She's currently weaving fiction around her experience as an equine volunteer after Hurricane Katrina when she encountered a horse and dog theft ring. With training in public speaking and stage, she hosts workshops on using screenwriting skills to improve novel writing. She's a reviewer for Suspense Magazine and a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Wisconsin Writers, and a local group.
	Jaycee Clark Lampasas, TX Romantic Suspense, Paranormal Romance Jaycee Clark has always loved reading and writing. Even at an early age, she penned stories and poems. Now she taps on a keyboard whenever she gets the chance creating villains with heroes and heroines to beat them. She traded her imaginary playmates for entire families that only exist within her mind until the keyboard brings them to life.
	Sally Clark Centennial, CO Sally H. Clark was born and raised in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. She retired from the Cherry Creek Schools in Centennial, Colorado where she now lives. She is the mother of four grown children, wife of a retired accountant, and author of several published short stories, including La negra noche and The Solitary Cueca. Her other short stories, 'Atacama' and 'Jilly and the Ghost' were published in the first and second anthologies respectively of the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers. A collection of fourteen Chilean tales and a magical realism novel about the Pinochet dictatorship spawned from Sally's passion to write about her country of birth. Currently, she is developing her fifth novel alongside a second collection of short stories—all set in the U.S.
	Sandra Cortner Crested Butte, CO Non-fiction, Photo Journalism Sandra Cortner's 40-year Gunnison County journalism career culminated in the publication of her award-winning book: Crested Butte Stories...Through My Lens. Her memoir of mountain characters and traditions is illustrated by her black-and-white portraits of the town's old-timers. These days, Sandy is working on stories about more recent Crested Butte history, and is getting a kick out of digging up her old photos to go with these tales. A former presenter at Readers in the Rockies, she contributes to the Mountain Gazette and other publications, and takes on proofing and editing projects. She and her husband Greg Payne also produce the "Extreme Limits Guide," a photographic map of the Crested Butte Ski Area's double black diamond terrain. Order by calling 970-641-1654, or at crestedbuttestories.com.
	Sheila Davis Gunnison, CO
	Lori Duncan Gunnison, CO Children & YA Fantasy
	Sandy Fails Crested Butte, CO
	LaDean Faris Delta, CO LaDean lives in Delta, Colorado where she is a 911 dispatcher and trains dogs. Her favorite hobbies are quilting and mapping out stories for YA and middle-grade readers. She farms plot and character ideas from her work and in helping her dad in his gift shop and in assisting her mom with her service animal and disabilities. In babysitting her nephews, she discovered a knack for making up bedtime stories. Her imagination, writing skills, and love of historical fantasy have thrown her into her current writing project—a YA novel with 13-year-old twins saving Samuel Adams and the Declaration of Independence. Crazy…huh? Stay tuned!
	Ann Gordon Moab, UT Ann Gordon is a native Utahn who lives in Moab. She has earned a B.A. in English and a Masters in Computer Science. After teaching school for a number of years she worked as technical writer and editor. Although Ann has mostly published non-fiction articles and ebooks she is now trying her hand at writing and publishing paranormal fiction.
	Kerri-Leigh Grady Monterey, CA Urban Fantasy KL Grady hates writing bios. She's prayed to (and bribed) her fairy godmother for bio-writing skills, but alas the old biddy hasn't come through. KL bides her time following her Navy husband around the world, editing for Entangled Publishing, and plotting revenge on her fairy godmother.
	Jolene Gutierrez Thornton, CO Children's & Young Adult Jolene Ballard Gutierrez was born in Sterling, Colorado in 1974. She grew up on a farm in northeastern Colorado and has mostly fond memories of that life: riding horses and hunting arrowheads. Her nasty memories include falling in pig poop and eating Rocky Mountain Oysters before she learned that they aren't really oysters. She married her soul mate from high school; they have two amazing children—a girl and a boy. As a school librarian for the past seventeen years, she loves helping students find their perfect book. Her dream is that her books are someone's favorite. Visit her website, Facebook page, and Goodreads site.
	Laura Haley-McNeil Littleton, CO Laura, a California native, now lives in Colorado with her husband, Robin. A former Spanish teacher, she currently works in property management. Her novel, Prelude and Fugue, was released in 2012.
	C. C. Harrison Anthem, AZ Mystery, History, Romance Author C. C. Harrison has received national recognition with her suspense novels. The Charmstone was voted 2008 Golden Quill's Best Romantic Suspense and Best First Book, and was a Colorado Award of Excellence finalist. Tony Hillerman called it a valuable book. Her award winning mystery Running from Strangers was a 2009 National Readers Choice finalist. Her Old West Historical Sage Cane's House of Grace and Favor (written as Christy Hubbard) took second place at Aspen Institute's Summer Words Literary Festival 2010 Colorado Book Award. Her recent release, Picture of Lies, is the 2012 Next Generation Indie Book Award Suspense winner. When she's not writing, reading or working out at the gym, she can be found in the mountains of Colorado or some far-flung corner of the Southwest. Visit her website.
	Anne Hausler Gunnison, CO
	Ron Heimbecher Thorton, CO Ron Heimbecher, owner of ChaliceMedia, is an award-winning innovative technologist, with a diverse background in large corporations, small businesses, government, music, film and television. His current focus is the design and development of infrastructure and content for Expanded Experience eBooksTM. Ron presents frequently and has scores of active websites and blogs, starting with www.ChaliceMedia.com. In Ron's words, "I'm earlobes deep in four mega-massive interconnected projects that combine ebooks, real-time online enhancements, a civil war, government takeover, a liars' rebellion, and Heaven's Lower East Side. Oh yeah, about 400 characters nearly 100 websites... whew!" Favorite quote: "I think it is often easier to make progress on mega-ambitious dreams. Since no one else is crazy enough to do it, you have little competition." Larry Page, Google
	Tes Hilaire Charlotte, NC Romance Daphne Award-winning author Tes Hilaire started creating whole new worlds to escape upstate New York's harsh winters before finally fleeing to sultry North Carolina. Her stories are edgy, exciting, and bring a hint of dark fantasy to paranormal romance. And no one ever has to shovel snow. For more, visit her website.
	Darrell James Pasadena, CA & Tuscon, AZ Darrell James is a fiction writer with residence in both Pasadena, CA, and Tuscon, AZ. His short stories have appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies and have garnered awards, including finalist in the 2009 Derringer Awards. His personal odyssey to publication appears in the Writer's Digest book, How I Got Published, along with J.A.Dance, David Morrell, Clive Cussler, and many other notable authors. His latest short story will appear in the Lee Child anthology, Vengeance, to be released by Little Brown in the spring of 2012. Nazareth Child, his first novel in the Del Shannon series, was released in September 2011 by Midnight Ink/Llewellyn Worldwide. Book two, Sonora Crossing, will be available in September 2012. Visit his website.
	Mike Keith Crested Butte, CO Mike is working on The Valley of Fire, the second book in a series of murder mysteries, which take place in and around Las Vegas. The first novel is titled Neon Boneyard.
	Sandra Kerns Loveland, CO Originally from upstate New York, Sandra now lives in upstate Colorado, but enjoys meeting up with her writing friends in Crested Butte once a year when possible. She writes primarily romantic suspense. Now and then she dabbles in futuristic romance just to mix things up. She has won several writing awards including the Sandy's Suspense/Thriller. Not one to rest on laurels, while she awaits 'the call,' she keeps writing new stories. If she doesn't, her sister sends her a loud email asking what she’s doing and why she hasn't sent pages for critique. Feel free to stop by her website and say hi.
	Marne Ann Kirk Delta, CO Fantasy and Paranormal Romance Marne Ann Kirk grew up wild, exploring the West. She loved making up stories and, well, still does. Marne Ann has a wonderful husband who keeps her laughing, seven kids and two grandsons who rock her world. She has a herd of Shih-Tzus who inspire, annoy, and keep her lap warm when she writes. Marne Ann is also a member of: Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, RWA, and the FF&P Chapter of RWA. Her debut novel, "Love Chosen: Book One of The Fae Dragon Chronicles," is available now. "Love Dared: Book Two of The Fae Dragon Chronicles," is coming soon! "Goddess on the Run," book one of the Holy Water Warriors' Tales, a paranormal romance series, will be available in October, 2012. Visit her at: www.marneannkirk.com or www.cowboysndragonscafe.blogspot.com
	Christina Lasswell Belton, MO Christina grew up in Kansas City, Missouri where she still lives with her Park Ranger husband and two children. Her professional credentials include: a BS in Psychology with a minor in English, licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy, and current work as a Service Coordinator for seniors and families in income-based housing. Writing two monthly newsletters and editing all of the business manuscripts that circulate around the office keeps her busy. Her hobbies are jazzercising, taking pictures, and playing with her daughter’s American girl doll. Christina credits Kaki Warner and Genevieve Graham for re-igniting her passion for writing. She is now creating her first historical novel. She blogs about books at: www.astoryclub.blogspot.com.
	Vicki Law Montrose, CO I'm a mother of six, a wife of fourteen years, a law office manager and a romance writer. Not necessarily in that order.
	Polly Oberosler Gunnison, CO I grew up in Almont, Colorado and have lived both in Gunnison and Crested Butte where I have written for nearly all the local publications, most notably for the Crested Butte Weekly and The Crested Butte Magazine. My Husband and I own a small ranch on Tomichi Creek where we train horses for trail riding and packing. I write of ranch life, local history, wilderness travel and growing up in the Gunnison Valley. Polly's email: marypol@wildblue.net
	Patricia Olson Butler, TN
	Lisa Potocar Ballston Lake, NY Lisa Potocar lives in Upstate New York with her husband and two cuddly keeshonds. Her passion for writing and research stems from her former work in health care administration and as a professor. When not tracking some morsel of history to shape into a story, she's a tomboy at heart who loves to hike and bike and has traveled the world to do it. The waning days of 2011 finds Lisa gleefully marketing her debut novel, Sweet Glory—about sixteen-year-old tomboy Jana Brady who trims her tresses and rides off as Union Cavalryman Johnnie to fight in the American Civil War—and writing her next YA historical novel. For those who desire more than just a peek at its cover shown here, Sweet Glory can be found here.
	Arvin Ram Crested Butte, CO
	Jennifer Rose Englewood, CO Jennifer Rose enjoys creating young adult fantasy adventure stories. Currently she is working on editing two YA manuscripts and is writing a third YA romance novel. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in music with an emphasis in vocal performance from Metropolitan State College of Denver. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys practicing Tae Kwon Do, Chen-style Tai Chi, singing, and writing.
	Mike Ruchhoeft Montrose, CO I'm an old married guy with six kids, three grandkids. I live with my wife, Vicki, one of the kids, three dogs, four cats, three snakes, and one spider (probably more, more spiders, but there is only one we feed and house). I have a job that I spend too much time at and there is too much work around the house to write as much as I should. But, I love to write and so do it when I can. I've got a couple of completed manuscripts, a couple of screen plays and a short story or two. Some day I will put more time and effort into get some of it published.
	Mary Russell OH Mary's passion is writing. Her love is solving a good mystery. Her husband, the love of her life for forty-four years and one mystery she is still trying to solve, works at completing his bucket list. From her home in Ohio she is writing her way into publication. And in the process she connects with others, who also find power in written words.
	Leslie Ann Sartor Boulder, CO Romantic Suspense novels, Screenplays Leslie Ann Sartor began telling stories around the age of 4 when her mother, at Leslie's insistence, wrote them down and Leslie illustrated them. As an adult she writes romantic suspense novels, and screenplays--her very first a contracted adaptation! She lives in Colorado with her attorney husband, loves to travel and thinks life is an adventure and we should embrace the journey. She is also one of the Five Scribes. Check out her website.
	Mary Stafford Liberty Hill, TX Mary (Lynn) Bryan Stafford, wannabe famous author and cowgirl, grew up in South Texas. Sixth generation Texan and daughter of the Texas Republic, she wandered away for a while and graduated from The College of William and Mary in Virginia with degrees in English and Spanish. Her yet to be published novel, A Wasp in the Fig Tree (once upon a time winner of the Sandys, PNWA, and Texas Writers' League Contest), is currently in the throes of agent-search. Excerpts can be found in Women Write about the Southwest and Noble Generation III. As well as fiction, she coins a few poems, most of which are published in the Texas Poetry Calendars. At home now in Central Texas Hill Country, she writes, and trains Iberian horses.
	Linnea Tanner Windsor, CO Linnea Tanner, a native of Colorado, attended the University of Colorado where she earned her B.A. and M.S. degrees in Chemistry. After working in the pharmaceutical industry, she decided to write historical/fantasy fiction based on her lifelong passion for Ancient Roman and British history and mythology. Her first unpublished novel, APOLLO’s RAVEN, is a historical romantic fantasy inspired by accounts of Celtic women warriors and rulers, extensive research, and expeditions to the United Kingdom and France. Linnea studied creative writing with Lighthouse Writers in Denver and is a member of Pikes Peak Writers, the Historical Novel Society, Crested Butte Writers, and writer critique groups. Currently, Linnea is working on another novel set in Ancient Britain. She and her husband live in Windsor, CO and they have two children.
	Marcie Telander Crested Butte, CO Marcie Telander, MA, LPC, REAT is a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist, with 30 years experience as a professional psychotherapist and international presenter, with numerous awards for screen-writing, fiction, journalism and blog-writing. Marcie is the author of ACTING UP! (Dramatic Publishing-London), numerous creative writing texts (Urban Gateways-Chicago), former newspaper Features Editor-Chicago, and Crested Butte and Editor-in-Chief, TOUTS Magazine--New Orleans. You may visit her at website.
	Wendy Terrien Denver, CO Children's & Adult Fiction Wendy is a writer, wife, and dog-mom who is also proud to be semi-geeky and a tree-hugger. You may visit her at website.
	Kaki Warner Carlton, WA Historical Romance Although now living in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State, Kaki grew up in the Southwest where she worked as a commercial artist, high school teacher, reluctant collection agent and surly secretary. Her years spent camping and riding horses in the wide-open spaces of the West became the inspiration for her western historical romances. Now retired, she spends her time writing, gardening, and thinking up stuff for her husband to do. She was a double RITA Finalist last year (Pieces of Sky won for Best First Book) and Book 1 of her second trilogy, Heartbreak Creek, is a finalist this year. She just signed her third three-book contract with Berkley and is freaking about deadlines. For book excerpts and more information, go to www.kakiwarner.com.
	Kevin Wolf Littleton, CO Western Like so many, Kevin Wolf always believed he could write a novel that millions would want to read. Six years ago he decided to prove that was true. Vocation finds him travelling the Rocky Mountain States. Avocation finds him working on the next manuscript. Werewolves stalk the saloons and brothels of a western town in BROKE HEART, his 2009 Sandy winning entry. He is currently represented by Gina Panettieri of Talcott Notch Literary. Kevin lives in Littleton, Colorado with his wife of 35 years and two beagles.
	Nanci Lee Woody Rocklin, CA Words are among my best friends. I published several textbooks in Accounting and Math when I was a teacher and administrator at American River College. I just completed a novel, Tears and Trombones, about a depression-era boy who wants to become a classical musician against the wishes of his vodka-swilling father. I also wrote the book and lyrics for a musical, Hello to Life!, produced in Sacramento. I won competitions at the San Francisco Writers Conference and the Sacramento Public Library for my poetry. Recently one of my poems was published in the California Writers Club Literary Journal. I like playing word games on my iPhone - Scrabble, Whirly Word, Boggle. When I'm not writing, you can find me painting, drawing or taking photos. I have shown my art at the Blue Line Gallery and through Placer Arts.
	Merrie Wycoff Boulder, CO Growing up in San Jose, CA, I unearthed my passion for Egypt at The Rosicrucian Museum. After college, I worked for The Nevada State Journal/Reno Evening Gazette writing feature stories for the Entertainment Section. Los Angeles and the beach called to me. I landed my dream job at Entertainment Tonight as a lead story Segment Producer where I also wrote, directed and edited. Later my husband and I formed an infomercial company, and I wrote and produced several direct response spots and marketed products for retail. Later, I traveled extensively throughout Egypt, and studied with an ancient wisdom keeper to uncover an entirely unique perspective of this culture. Visit her website,