Los Angeles Region

Glenda Armand was born in New Orleans and grew up in Los Angeles. Her entire career has revolved around her love for children, teaching, and writing. She was a teacher and librarian for many years in public and private schools. Glenda became a published author in 2011 when her first book, "Love Twelve Miles Long", was published. Since then she has written over a dozen books. She enjoys writing picture book biographies about people who overcame great odds to do remarkable things. Her latest book, "Toypurina: Japchivit Leader, Medicine Woman, Tongva Rebel", will be released on October 1, 2024.

Lauren Gallegos has illustrated over 30 books for children with a continued desire to see how her work will impact the young minds of our future. She loves to create worlds to escape into and characters we want to know and understand. Some of her recent, notable books are "You Will Always Belong" by Penguin Random House, and "I’m Glad for What I Have" by Ramsey Solutions.

Annelouise Mahoney is an illustrator/author of children’s books living in Southern California with her husband, two daughters, and many rescued pets. She was born and raised in Massachusetts, where she spent her childhood playing pretend, making up stories, and drawing pictures. She moved to Los Angeles after college, where she worked in animation and comics. She loves to explore the outdoors, can’t resist a bookstore or a good cup of coffee. She can be found with a pencil in hand and a well-loved sketchbook.

Janie Emaus believes when the world is falling apart, we’re just one laugh away from putting it together again. She is the author of the blended holiday picture books "Latkes for Santa Claus", a finalist in the 2022 International Book Awards, and "Easter Eggs & Matzo Balls" as well as the novels "The Advice Columnist" and "The Time Traveling Matchmaker". Her essays, stories and articles have been published in numerous magazines, anthologies, and websites.

Micky O’Brady is a pediatrician-turned-writer living in beautiful, dry Southern California. As a black belt in both, Krav Maga and Judo, she loves to write YA thrillers with a romantic twist and kick-ass heroines, mainly because she wishes her life had been such an awesome mix of action and cute guys when she was a teen. Micky is the author of "The President's Daughter" and its sequel "Trial by Ice", published by Curiosity Quills. Her other YA titles, "Between Worlds", "Playing With #Fire", "Angel Down", "33 Degrees", and the "Time-Warped"-series are published by Snowy Wings Publishing.

Brenda Scott Royce is a lifelong lover of beasts and books—and whenever possible her work combines the two. She is the author of more than 30 books for children, including the award-winning "Angela & Lulingu: Two Gorillas, A World Apart" (Blue Sneaker Press), "1,000 Amazing Animal Facts" (Animal Planet), and four titles in the Zoo Crew series, about kids who volunteer at their local zoo.

Rachell Abalos is a Filipino-American kidlit author, represented by Belcastro Agency. She currently lives in Southern California, USA, with her husband and two kids and dog Bucky. "Our Nipa Hut" is her debut picture book.

Diane Browning’s star-reviewed picture book, "Signed, Abiah Rose", was chosen for the Amelia Bloomer list and was a Booklist Top Ten Title for Youth in both the art and history categories. Her new star-reviewed non-fiction YA title, "The Brontës of Haworth Moor", has received enthusiastic reviews from both the U.S. and the U.K. It tells the story of the talented Brontë siblings who wrote "Wuthering Heights", "Jane Eyre", and "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall". Diane is a member of the Brontë Society. She lives in Southern California and is represented by Abigail Samoun at Red Fox Literary.

In an alternate universe, Lori R. Snyder is a circus performer—probably an aerialist wearing a lot of glitter. In this universe, she's had many different careers (none of which, sadly, are circus-related): marine biologist, fourth grade teacher, dancer, yoga teacher and studio owner, book editor, and writer. "The Circus at the End of the Sea" is her debut novel, with her next coming out in 2025. She is the founder of the Writers Happiness Movement, which offers free happiness tools to writers, and runs the Splendid Mola Retreats for Writers and the All Voices Fellowships.