MEET OUR LOCAL AUTHORS
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wayne Diehl
Author
Meet Local Author Wayne Diehl, whose passion for writing never died. Despite facing family and financial obligations that hindered his writing and teaching dreams after graduating from California State University, Northridge, in 1979, Wayne never gave up on his passion.
It wasn't until 25 years later when he learned he was going to be a grandfather, that he finally committed to writing. His goal was to create a read-along book for his grandson about how he got his name. Despite not ending up with what he intended, he kept writing and the result was "The Boy With No Name."
Today, Wayne has completed four more novels, each dedicated to his succeeding grandchildren. His latest work, "Thunder," is inspired by a true story and takes place in the fictional mountain town of Pinewood. Wayne is currently working on a sequel to his historical novel, "Loyal Son." Wayne's story is a powerful reminder that if you have a passion, you should never give up on it. Even if it takes 25 years to finally commit to it, the result will be worth it in the end.
Gary Albyn
Author/Pilot
Gary Albyn has authored and ghost-written a number of books. He also puts his engineering background to good use as a professional technical writer. Originally from Rhodesia—Zimbabwe today—Albyn’s life-long passion for aviation started as a trainee pilot with the Rhodesian Air Force in the late 70s.
Learning how to survive in the African bush was an important aspect of his pilot training program, and he and his course mates were fortunate enough to be taught by the best—none other than one of the founding members of the legendary Selous Scouts. Highly regarded in contemporary military circles, many of the Selous Scouts' tactics are still emulated by Special Force units around the globe.
Imbued with a great sense of adventure, Albyn is an avid traveler whose life has encompassed many divergent interests, careers and experiences. Besides delighting in rotary flight, Albyn has held board-level appointments in the corporate world; served in the 2nd Gulf War as a coalition contractor; consulted with documentary crews on two continents and spent over three years as the senior instructor at one of the world’s foremost bodyguard academies in Cape Town, South Africa. As evidenced in Manzovo—his first acclaimed title—Albyn is also passionate about wildlife conservation. He lives with his wife Cathy in California, USA.
J. Andre Boles
Author/Attorney/Detective
Meet California Author J. Andre Boles, a man of many lives – Ex-Cop, Ex-Lawyer, and True Crime Writer. Andre’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From his early days as an oilfield roughneck and ranch hand to commanding tanks in the US Army, driving buses, and stepping into the ring as an amateur boxer, Andre has lived a life full of adventure and challenges.
In 2017, he ventured into the world of true crime writing, publishing his first novel that dives deep into the heart of crime and justice. His storytelling didn’t stop there; a second gripping book followed 2019, exploring the complexities of crime and injustice. And the good news? A third masterpiece is on its way.
After dedicating nearly eighteen years to the criminal justice system as a cop with over 80 commendations and three medals of valor and twenty-seven years as a civil rights lawyer, Andre turned to his love of writing true crime.
Andre has chosen the serene life, surrounded by the majestic trees on Mt. Piños in southern California. Stay tuned for his next novel, The Ghost of Jenny Chang, coming out Summer 2024.
Judith Cassis
Author/Writing Coach
As a personal development practitioner, I support those who are on the path to change. The workshops and seminars I lead, including firewalking, offer modalities for change.
I have written over 1,000 articles, and ghostwritten many more - including books. My goal is to empower my clients to communicate whatever they want to express and to leave their personality and unique style intact throughout the projects we work on together.
As a creative writing teacher, I engage my students in various writing exercises and present as many experiences as possible such as open mic events, poetry readings and book publishing.
Specialties: Training, teaching, creative writing, speaking, workshops, seminars, free group lectures, retreats, etc.
Elisa Fortise Christensen is an American author, poet, and public speaker whose
message of tenacity and courage inspires others to become warriors in their own life stories. Despite breaking her fifth lumbar in a skateboarding accident during adolescence, she went on to become a triathlete, entrepreneur, wife and mother and solo world traveler. Yet her biggest victory took place in 2017, when she fought her way out of her 30-year dependence on doctor-prescribed opiates. She has since gone on to write seven books, all focused on approaching life with great courage and deep gratitude.
From the heart of the Los Padres National Forest to the boundless realms of imagination, William Graney has captivated us with tales that weave through the root of adventure, mystery, and the subtle beauty of the human spirit. From the icy expanses of Antarctica with the U.S. Navy's Operation Deep Freeze to the tranquil trails of his forest home, William's journey is nothing short of inspirational.
A true artisan of the written word, William embarked on his literary voyage by penning his first novel amidst the natural beauty surrounding him. His passion for book art shines through every page, every cover designed, and every book bound by his hands.
After moving to the mountains, he opened a bookstore, Adventure Ink, in the Pine Mountain Village Center. August 2024 will mark Adventure Ink's fifth anniversary as a literary hub for the mountain communities.
We eagerly await the fall of 2024 for the release of his twelfth novel, "A Fierce Jewel."
Each novel, a unique exploration of the depths of adventure and the human condition, reflects William's unparalleled dedication to his craft.
He brings the world of his imagination to life, one page at a time.
Thought leader, speaker, seven-times published author, and activist, Karen's work is at the crossroads of spirituality, personal transformation and social justice. She is hostess of the long-running Voices of the Sacred Feminine podcast, considered a treasure trove of wisdom for more than a dozen years. A Caring Economy Conversation leader and Power of Partnership presenter with the Center for Partnership Studies, Karen also earned certification from Smith College in the Psychology of Political Activism: Women Changing the World. Tate can be seen in numerous YouTube videos and viewed in the award-winning docu-film, Femme: Women Healing the World. Named one of the Thirteen Most Influential Women in Goddess Spirituality and a Wisdom Keeper of the Women's Spirituality Movement, her body of work over the years, along with reviews of her books from students, peers and colleagues, speak to her extensive leadership, knowledge and expertise.
As a personal development practitioner, I support those who are on the path to change. The workshops and seminars I lead, including firewalking, offer modalities for change.
I have written over 1,000 articles, and ghostwritten many more - including books. My goal is to empower my clients to communicate whatever they want to express and to leave their personality and unique style intact throughout the projects we work on together.
As a creative writing teacher, I engage my students in various writing exercises and present as many experiences as possible such as open mic events, poetry readings and book publishing.
Specialties: Training, teaching, creative writing, speaking, workshops, seminars, free group lectures, retreats, etc.