Author Profiles
Ohio has a rich literary heritage as well as some wonderful contemporary authors. Learn more about them here! You can sort by various categories and see who has participated in our annual book festival by using the category search on the left, or search by keyword (including partial author names) by using the search field on the right.
- You are searching for the keyword(s): mary kay carson, mary, kay, carson
Mary Doria Russell
Widely praised for meticulous research, fine prose, and the compelling narrative drive of her stories, Mary Doria Russell is the award-winning author of six bestselling novels, including the science fiction classics The Sparrow and Children of God; the World War II thriller, A Thread of Grace; and a political romance set in 1921 Cairo called Dreamers of the Day. With her latest novels, Doc and Epitaph, Russell has redefined two towering figures of the American West: the lawman Wyatt Earp and the dental surgeon Doc Holliday. The daughter of a sheriff, Mary grew up with cops and guns but also holds a Ph.D. in biological anthropology from the University of Michigan and taught anatomy at the Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry.
Mary Reed
Mary Reed is a freelance writer and photographer based in Athens, Ohio. She is the author of Hocking Hills Day Hikes, Hiking Waterfalls Ohio, Hiking Ohio, Hiking West Virginia, and more. Learn more at maryreed.biz or follow her on Instagram @maryreedhikes
MaryAnn Givens-Hayes
Times flies after you hit the snooze button. I am MaryAnn Givens-Hayes, born into a large extended family of fifteen in the Tar Heel state of North Carolina. I relocated to New Jersey at the age of nine. I have been married for forty years. Our seven plus four children have given me thirty grands and ten great grandchildren. As a child I loved to listen to my mother read books or tell stories. Those times took me to another world. I began to create my own stories and eventually I wrote them down. Reading is my passion. Writing is my life. Coming from a large family gives me comfort when I’m surrounded by children. I reboot in their company. I’ve had many professions over the years while seeking to find one that I loved more than working with children. I’m now working as an administrator in Columbus, Ohio at a childcare learning center. I’m living my life to write for what I love, children.
MaryBeth Tipton
MaryBeth Tipton, owner of Yoga Living LLC, is a yoga teacher, empowerment coach, and inspirational author, holding esteemed yoga certifications (E-RYT 500 and YACEP). With a profound dedication to personal growth and healing, MaryBeth integrates the transformative practices of yoga and self-inquiry into her teachings, writing, and public speaking. Her book, Journey to Joy: From Surviving to Thriving – An Inspirational Memoir of Overcoming Loss and a Survivor’s Guide to Healing and Happiness, is a deeply personal exploration of resilience and empowerment. MaryBeth’s life has been a journey through pain, abuse, and gut-wrenching loss, ranging from the devastating loss of her stepson and other family members, to the abandonment of her children’s father. These experiences, however, have been her greatest teachers, shaping her into a compassionate guide for those seeking healing and joy. MaryBeth’s narrative style is a blend of moving personal stories, insightful lessons, and practical strategies aimed at empowering readers to navigate life’s adversities with grace. Her work stands as a beacon of hope for those looking to overcome grief, rediscover joy, and embrace a fulfilling life. Her book not only offers a roadmap to personal healing but also inspires a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, teaching that our darkest moments can lead to our greatest growth. Residing between her homes in Ohio and Florida, MaryBeth enjoys creating quality experiences with family and friends, traveling, and has a passion for being on, in, and near the water. Her commitment to personal growth and resilience is evident in her multifaceted career and life, making her a powerful voice, an inspiration to many and magnet for joy and enthusiasm.
Mary Grimm
Mary Grimm has had three books published, Left to Themselves, Transubstantiation, and Stealing Time. Her stories have appeared in The New Yorker, Antioch Review, and The Mississippi Review, as well as in a number of journals that publish flash fiction, including Helen, The Citron Review, and Tiferet. Currently, she is working on a series of climate change novellas set in past and future Cleveland.