Mitch Arrastia
Anaheim, CA
Learn More
Mitch Arrastia is a dedicated parent with nearly 30 years of hands-on childcare experience, combining real-world insights with practical guidance to support new dads. While new to parenting literature, Mitch has previously published scientific journals, bringing a research-driven approach to writing. Through years of providing care for infants and preschool, both as a parent and through church volunteer work, Mitch understands the joys and challenges of early parenting. With a relatable and actionable style, Mitch’s writing empowers fathers to build strong bonds with their babies, support their partners, and step confidently into their role from the very start.

Faith Chen
Placentia, CA
Learn More
Faith Chen is a freshman in high school who writes in her free time. She wrote her first full story when she was 12, but officially published her first novel, Through the Pages, in 2024. Her second book, Secrets in the Dark, a sequel to the first, was published in 2025. When she’s not writing, she’s doing schoolwork or reading.

Denise M. Colby
Placentia, CA
Learn More
Passionate about all types of stories—Denise M. Colby loves history and constantly finds herself contemplating how it was to live in the 1800s. Writing Historical Inspirational Romance novels combines her love of learning about history and reading. Visit Denise’s website (www.denisemcolby.com) to sign up for her newsletter or connect with her on her social media.

James Day
Brea, CA
Learn More
James Day is the author of five books. The most recent is The Fraud of Turin (October 2024), a critical analysis on the Shroud of Turin. His previous work looks at the JFK assassination, The Mad Bishops: The Hunt for Earl Anglin James and His Assassin Brethren (2023). His next book is on the history of the Golden Age of moviemaking.

Harry L. Estes
Placentia, CA
Learn More
I was raised in a rural town in Wyoming and came to California for college. After receiving a degree in biochemistry, I became a high school science and special education teacher, which I have done for the past 30 years. My wife and I have raised three sons, who are also teachers in the area. Writing has been a passion of mine since I was in elementary school, and I'm always thrilled to share my stories with others.

Amanda G.
Yorba Linda, CA
Learn More
Amanda G. is the author of three published novels: Arms of the Magnolia and Beyond the Fire, published by a division of Random House, and Confliction, published by GW Publishing LLC. Deeper Than Blue: My Husband’s Alzheimer’s Journey is Amanda G.’s debut in non-fiction. “Something deep within my spirit compelled me to write the story I am witnessing on a day-to-day basis, my husband’s journey through Alzheimer’s. My prayer is that someone will be lifted by sharing our experiences.” A graduate of UC Berkeley School of Law, Amanda G. is a retired estate planning and business planning attorney.

Nicky Gaymer-Jones
Yorba Linda, CA
Learn More
Hello, my name is Nicky Gaymer-Jones. As a self-published children’s author, I’m passionate about creating engaging books for diverse young readers. Diagnosed with learning difficulties early on, I was raised with a British-based education, which shaped my commitment to making reading enjoyable. My books support literacy, speech development, and ESL learners. Based in Yorba Linda, California, I frequently attend book fairs and readings, where I love connecting with families. Join me on this literary adventure as we explore the magic of books together!

Mary D Giammona, MD
Yorba Linda, CA
Learn More
Dr. Giammona is a pediatrician, mom, and grandma who loves children! She loves her multicultural family and the diversity of our area. Her two young grandchildren are her joy, along with her daughter, all her family, and all her patients. She lives in Yorba Linda with her husband, just 2 miles away from her daughter and grandkids who also live in YL! Dr. G believes children are our most precious gift. She supports doing everything we can to make them feel valued.

Emily Job
Yorba Linda, CA
Learn More
Emily Poletick Job lives with her husband and their precocious redheads in Yorba Linda, California. Constantly in awe of nature's beauty and finding joy in the simple things, she is eager to share with you her first children's story, The Tenacious Flower; a whimsical tale inspired by her work as an elementary school librarian, an obsession for picture books, and a dandelion growing in the crack of a neighbor's sidewalk.

Jacqueline Lembesis
Yorba Linda, CA
Learn More
Jacqueline Lembesis is a PANDAS warrior and author of the Lyla and Pickles series. Acquiring this disorder when she was 11 years old, Jacqueline knows firsthand how scary PANDAS can be to navigate. Upon diagnosis, Jacqueline started looking for resources to understand this disorder better, and, to her surprise, there were not many helpful resources available. That's when Jacqueline got to work. With the help of her best friend, Maya Valenciano, the Lyla and Pickles series came to be, educating and helping other PANDAS warriors and families never give up as this is only a small piece of our story.

Gayle Noble
Fullerton, CA
Learn More
Dr. Gayle Berggren is a retired college professor who grew up in Yorba Linda and attended Yorba Linda elementary school before it was the Nixon Library. She is the author of three books, written during retirement. The first (Always Being Three), a memoir about her brother, covers their early years in Yorba Linda. The second book (Still Time) is a fantasy time-travel that takes place on her parent’s property in Yorba Linda. The third book (Dog Who Sees Dead People) was inspired by her rescue dog and is centered in the Joshua Tree area.

RENYI
Yorba Linda, CA
Learn More
Hello! I’m RENYI, an author dedicated to inspiring personal growth, kindness, and a deeper connection with the world. My books, including Colorful Virtues: An Adventure with the Chinese Zodiac and Green Gastronomy: An Eco-Friendly Food Adventure, blend philosophy, sustainability, and engaging storytelling to motivate readers to live virtuous, purposeful lives. By exploring topics like eco-friendly living, sustainable practices, and personal improvement, my work aims to empower individuals to make a positive impact on themselves and their communities. Through the power of words, I hope to guide readers toward a life enriched with meaning, generosity, and thoughtful action.

Cindy Scharkey
Yorba Linda, CA
Learn More
Cindy Scharkey, RN, BSN, has been consistently exposed to the taboo and silence surrounding women’s sexuality over nearly four decades in healthcare as a Certified Childbirth Educator, OB/GYN nurse, and speaker. She is passionate about providing women with the education and self-confidence they need to find freedom on their own sexual wellness journey. As a podcast host and producer, workshop facilitator and speaker, she aims to open the door to healthy conversations about expressing, experiencing, and enjoying our sexuality.

Brianna Seamster
Yorba Linda, CA
Learn More
Brianna Seamster is an award-winning writer, producer, and storyteller with a passion for crafting narratives that blend humor, heart, and adventure. She has written for Hulu, The CW, and various independent projects, bringing to life compelling stories for young adults and family audiences. Her work spans multiple mediums, including film, television, and literature. She is the author of Wish Upon a Star, a whimsical children’s book that captures the magic of dreams and imagination. With a background in screenwriting and an M.F.A. from Cal State Fullerton, Brianna is dedicated to creating stories that entertain, inspire, and resonate with diverse audiences.

Adam Sikes
Yorba Linda, CA
Learn More
Adam Sikes is a novelist and writing teacher, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Silver Star recipient, and former CIA paramilitary officer who has lived and served around the world, with combat tours in the Balkans, Iraq, and elsewhere in the Middle East. His experiences now inform his writing. He is the author of the international thrillers Landslide (2022) and The Underhanded (2024), and in addition to writing fiction, Adam co-authored Open Skies: My Life as Afghanistan’s First Female Pilot (2021). Adam holds an M.A. in Global, International, and Comparative History from Georgetown University and resides in Southern California.

Brooke Stevens
Anaheim, CA
Learn More
Brooke Stevens is a talented children's author who loves to create exciting stories for young readers! With seven books to her name, she has captured the hearts of many with her imaginative tales. Some of her most popular works include Santa's Reindeer, a delightful holiday story, and the Super Science Squad series, which is packed with fun adventures and scientific discoveries. My Dinosaur Was Made Wrong, encourages kids to embrace their differences. This year, Brooke will release her newest book, Finding Your Superpower, which is the start of an exciting new series, with even more books on the way.