Brenda Jackson, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of over 140 books and novellas, and 15 million books in print, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Jacksonville University.  She worked in management for State Farm Insurance where she retired after thirty-seven years.  Forty-nine years ago, she married her high school sweetheart, Gerald and they have two sons, Gerald Jr. and Brandon, ages forty-three and forty-one, respectively.  She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Her professional writing career began in 1995 with the release of her first book, Tonight and Forever. Since then, she has received numerous national and literary awards and has made many trail-blazing accomplishments, which includes being the first African-American author to make the New York Times Bestseller’s List and the USA Today’s Bestseller’s List in the romance genre.  She was a 2012 NAACP Image Award Nominee for Outstanding Literary Fiction for her book, A Silken Thread; and she was named Romance Writers of America’s Nora Robert’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient for 2012. For a list of additional awards and recognitions, please see link below.

With the belief that if you aren’t invited to the table, then you create your own table, Brenda Jackson has partnered with Hollywood’s film writer Bobby Smith Jr. (Jason’s Lyric fame) to launch a film and television company to develop and produce titles from Jackson’s collection of over 140 romance novels. The pair are excited to bring Black love stories by Brenda, as well as by other romance authors, to life on the screen. Three of Brenda’s books have already been made into movies, with two others scheduled to film in 2021.

In 2013, Brenda was recognized by her mayor with the Jacksonville Trailblazer Award.  In 2014 she received the Sallye B. Mathis Community Service Award from the NAACP; and the Bethune Cookman University Award 2014 for Community Service. In 2015, she received the Humanitarian Award from Florida Memorial University.  Additionally in 2015, 2016 and 2017, Brenda was honored by the Southeast Small Business Magazine as one of Jacksonville’s Top 30 Women of Influence; as well as the National Medical Association of Women Physicians.

She has been featured in several magazines including Essence, Sister-2-Sister, Today’s Black Woman, Ebony, Romantic Times, Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day and Cosmopolitan. Brenda novels, One Special Moment and Truly Everlasting, have been made into movies by BET and Five Alive Films, respectively. Passionflix produced A Brother’s Honor from the Granger Series that is presently streaming.  Brenda has started work on another movie based on her book, A Silken Thread, with Debbie Allen directing.

A staunch supporter of higher education, Brenda established the Josiephine Threatt Scholarship Foundation at Florida Memorial University, in honor of her grandmother to grant college educations to students who might not be able to afford one.

Brenda also established the “Brenda Jackson Leadership Award” that is presented to a high school senior who displays strong leadership skills.

Brenda created the “Brenda Jackson Empowerment Scholarship” for a graduating senior at the Pace Center for Girls.

Additionally, she has established the “Brenda Jackson Literary Scholarship Award” through Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. This award is presented to a college bound high school senior who displays outstanding writing skills.

Victor McGlothin almost lost an athletic scholarship due to poor reading skills.  Years later, he left a Vice President position with a local bank to pursue a dream of becoming a national best-selling author. In the past 20 years, McGlothin has penned a monument of best-selling fiction and self-help book projects. A former contributor to D Magazine, McGlothin has utilized his creative gift to offer a welcomed multicultural perspective.  While experiencing success as a respected author, Victor has previously written on a current TV show and completed three film projects.  McGlothin is the Director of Integrated Marketing and Communications at UNT Dallas College of Law.  To add additional excitment to his career, Victor has become an exciting dating coach with his latest book Rules for Slaying The Dating Games - How to Reach Your Relationship Goals.

Wanda M. Morris is the acclaimed author of All Her Little Secrets, Anywhere You Run, and her latest book What You Leave Behind hit the shelves in June and has also received critical acclaim, including a starred review from Booklist, stating, “Morris displays an astonishing mastery of multiple literary forms… this tale is ominous at first, full blown at the finish.” It has also received stellar reviews from Publishers Weekly and Library Journal. It was named “One of the Best Books of the Year So Far for 2024” by Amazon editors and has been featured in People Magazine, Us Weekly, Woman’s World Magazine, The Washington Post, The Atlanta Journal Constitution, The Minneapolis Star Tribune, and The South Florida Sun Sentinel. Wanda is a former corporate lawyer. She is a member of Crime Writers of Color and serves on the Board of International Thriller Writers. She is married, the mother of three and lives in Atlanta, Georgia – www.wandamorriswrites.com

Keith Kareem Williams is an accomplished author known for his thought-provoking and emotionally charged literary works. Born with a natural talent for storytelling, he has captivated readers with his ability to craft compelling narratives that delve into the depths of human emotion and societal issues. With a penchant for exploring the complexities of life, love, and relationships, he has authored a diverse range of books that span multiple genres, including urban fiction, romance, fantasy, and contemporary literature. His writing is characterized by its authenticity, rawness, and the ability to resonate with readers on a profound level. Throughout his literary career, he has earned acclaim for his unique voice and storytelling prowess. He has a knack for creating relatable characters who grapple with the challenges of life, often drawing inspiration from his own experiences and observations of the world around him.

As a dedicated writer and storyteller, he continues to captivate audiences with his thought-provoking narratives and unwavering commitment to exploring the human condition. His works not only entertain but also inspire reflection and dialogue on the issues that shape our lives. With a growing body of work and a loyal readership, Keith Kareem Williams stands as a dynamic and influential voice in contemporary literature, poised to leave a lasting impact on the literary landscape.

Nadine Joseph is an educator, mentor, and author of Imani’s Crown. A proud graduate of Bethune-Cookman University, she holds a B.S. in Exceptional Student Education with ESOL(English Speakers of Other Languages) and Reading Endorsements. She also holds her M.Ed in Instructional Leadership from Saint Leo University and is currently pursuing her Doctorate degree at University of Central Florida. Nadine was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. Her parents migrated from Haiti to afford her and her siblings an opportunity at a better life. She does not take lightly the obligations of being a child of immigrant parents. At a young age, Nadine knew she wanted to be great and positively impact the world. As she evolved, she realized that she exists to greatly influence children that look like her. Her experiences in the classroom continue to shape her passion and purpose. Nadine knows firsthand how society can impair one’s self-confidence and self-image, especially when you are young. She wrote Imani’s Crown and Imani’s Joy to encourage young girls and boys to love and believe in themselves. She hopes to illuminate a hidden treasure within every child that reads her children’s books.

jenny nazak is a writer, artist, community activist, and permaculture educator based in Daytona Beach, Florida, USA. She is the author of the “small-footprint living large” guidebook, DEEP GREEN, and blog jennynazak.com. She believes that everyday people, through their daily choices, have the power to create a just and sustainable civilization. She is setting out to spark a “Grassroots Green Mobilization.” Some years back, she noticed that her ultra-low-footprint lifestyle, undertaken for the collective good, was also bringing her great personal benefit in terms of financial resilience, occupational freedom, and happiness. She has been known to attempt standup comedy about biospheric collapse. (The results were pretty much what you'd expect, but that doesn't stop her from continuing to try!) And she's working on a humorous novel about Zombie Apocalypse themes. She likes aftermarket thrift fashion DIY and chunky jewelry. And dirty martinis. Shaken, or stirred.  

jenny is a life member of the following organizations: NAACP; Sierra Club; Tri Delta; Veterans for Peace.

D. Tina Batten (affectionately known as Sister Batten) is a gifted, talented, and anointed playwright, singer, actress, motivational speaker, award winning book author, director, producer, and Indie Christian filmmaker. When it comes to storytelling, she uses life experiences to enhance her writing on every level. This allows the audience to take an emotional journey of the highs and lows of everyday life visually. Sister Batten strides to break barriers and cross genres while staying true to her Christian values.  As the founder of Sister Batten Productions, a faith-based production company, she brings a fresh voice to the contemporary Christian film industry. Not only is Sister Batten known for her jaw dropping concept storytelling, but she is also known for having a great ear and eye for discovering new talent and seeing the potential in Indie artists before they realize their full potential themselves. She’s worked with many gospel artists in the entertainment industry, casting them in her staged plays, films, concerts, music videos and more.  

Today, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Sister Batten continues to reach down deep in the hearts of the people to continue to originate gospel productions that help to bring forth a change in the lives to all who witness these dramatic productions. With no exceptions, her latest stage plays, films, and now books,  continue to provoke change, encouragement, deliverance, and edification to the kingdom of God.  

After a twenty-year plus stint in Southern California, Sister Batten resides in Northeast Florida with her husband Elder Batten. Having earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, and soon to be working on her MBA at the local HBCU, Sister Batten continues to be an inspiration to all those around her, bringing forth hope and joy to a dying world. With such a humble heart and desire to bring people together in unity, Sister Batten will continue her work as a playwright, award winning Indie Filmmaker and book author. She seeks partnerships for upcoming productions and is currently working on feature film projects Cycle of Grace, and The Christmas Donor I and II while working on the next book in The Prayer Warrior Book series with her co-author Traci Wooden-Carlisle. For information regarding equity and product placement opportunities in feature film projects, send email to: SisterBatten@gmail.com right away. 

Sister Batten is delighted to be a part of this years’ F.R.E.S.H. Film and Book Fest. As always, Sister D. Tina Batten gives God All The Glory!