F.R.E.S.H. 2025 AUTHORS
Brenda Jackson
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
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.
Janis F. Kearney
Bio coming soon!
Keith Kareem Williams
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.
JoJo O'Neal
More info to come!
.png)
Nadine Joseph
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.
Jennifer Nazak
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
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!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tina.batten.18
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sisterbatten/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/d-tina-batten-907a5518/
Willie Filmore
I'm an author who has grown up on a steady diet of TV shows, movies, comic books, Bible stories and popular music. This lit a creative flame that has burned with in me since a very young age. The stories that I produce are an amalgam of everything that I am. As an artist, I look forward to meeting you in person to discuss my work.
Rue Mayweather
Rue Mayweather is one of the great voices of our times, captivating audiences and readers with her fluid imagination through her work of fiction.
Rue Mayweather is a native of Arkansas. She is an international bestselling author. Her published work as a ten times author is comical, inspirational, and relatable. Her passion is to help inspiring authors find their R.U.E. (Rare, Unique, and Essential) gifts. Rue’s positive perception of others validates that everyone is valuable and possesses value.
Rue is featured in the international #1 book festival in the world for 2025, The F.R.E.S.H. (Fiction, Romance, Erotica, Spiritual, Health, & Others) Book Festival, Daytona Beach, Florida: 20-22 February.
Rue is a Mom and MiMi. She is a retired military Command Sergeant Major (CSM), having served thirty-six years in the U.S. Army. She is also retired with seventeen years in law enforcement.
Rue has a Master of Science in Engineering from Amberton University. She is an active member of the Metro Authors Group.
She loves to spend time with her grandchildren, Favorite Son – Kenieth, and other family members and friends; read, travel, grow rare plants, collect antique furniture, discuss world issues, invest in stocks, collect miniature bottles of liquor for display, spend time with the unhoused, collect stone jewelry, listen to various genres of music, and challenge Perry Mason in his law cases.
Her published work can be found at www.RueMayweather.com
Rue currently resides in Dallas, Texas.
John Wenderlein
Currently, I work as a Hospice Chaplain and have Master's in theological studies. I live in Debary, Florida, with my wife Melinda. I have written two books with the third being worked on. I have a passion for telling the stories of those who I have met and cared for. My books will touch you in so many ways .
Carolyn Sanders James
I was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina--a place I spent my childhood years before moving to New York at an early age--and where I graduated from elementary and junior high schools there. Later, I graduated From Wingate HS and Pace University, as well as, Long Island University. For twenty-five (25) years, I spent my life as a public servant for the City and worked on Wall Street for seventeen (17) years.
Steven Shelton
Steve is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and has had dissociative identity disorder (DID) since childhood.
Memoir of a Mangled Mind is his debut. He also hosts The Mangled Mind Podcast where he discusses topics related to DID. Monday through Saturday, he moderates a free memoir writing and critique group on Zoom. Professional memberships include Alliance of Independent Authors, The Author’s Guild, Florida Writers Association, Space Coast Writer’s Guild, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
He has a BA degree from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD (1983); an MA degree from Wayne State University in Detroit (completed 1990); and a JD from Wayne State University Law School (summa cum laude, 1993).
Born in Arkansas, Steve lives in Florida with his husband, Grant, and their clowder of cats.
Gary Scarano
Gary Scarano is a MBA graduate from Columbia University and was a Senior National Product Manager at Verizon. He is a now weekly contributor to Joe Hoft’s National site reporting on current events from a Christian perspective at www.UnderDogRReport.com. He was the former host of the ReachOut.tv show that was in 3.4 Million NY Metro homes and has taught Bible study classes for decades.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jesusgospel.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejesusgospel/
Barbara Solomon
Barbara was born and raised in New York City. Her formal education began at Morgan State University with a B.S. degree in Physical Education, and later, Herbert Lehman College for a Master's degree in Education. For over thirty years, Barbara taught health and physical education at the Borough of Manhattan Community College in New York City.
After retirement, she studied book binding and organized her ideas into a business which she named Adzua Art Associates. Since 2013, she has authored several children's fictional books, set in twelfth century West Africa. The Princess Kamala series, comprised of six books, exposes young minds to a period of history that is not the educational focus in our schools. Within the pages of her books, youth experience an emotional journey of anger, frustration, blame, forgiveness, accomplishment, and love. They are wonderful picture stories that stimulate the visual while teaching good morale values. Barbara's goal is to stimulate the conscious minds of young people to seek more information, that will motivate and enable them to use it as building blocks of self-pride for their own ideas.
Fox Jones
Fox Jones writes thrillers, short stories, and poetry. She is retired from the Air Force and is an avid football mom to three boys. When not cheering her boys on or writing, she and her husband enjoy going to restaurants and cigar bars while taking care of their beagle puppy, who rules the household.
Orjanette Bryant
Orjanette Bryant is a board-certified family nurse practitioner with experience in family medicine, acute care, and palliative care. She started her career 25 years ago as a registered nurse.
Ms. Bryant graduated from Bethune-Cookman University with her Bachelor's of Applied Science (B.SN) and completed her Master's of Science at South University.
Her past experience includes being a case manager for Humana, working as a traveling nurse, working in a hospice center and working in the hospital with critically ill patients.
Her mission is to inspire health, spread hope, and encourage others. She encourages others to maximize their health and wellness, through empowerment and writing. She helps others explore healthy techniques to rediscover their health.
Ms. Bryant was the co-owner of RAVco from 2001-2007 and owner of Vitalift Infusion LLC. She is also a #1 Best-Selling author in the United States and in India. Her work includes Radical Woman (2021), Nubia's Organic Hair Care Guide (2016), Nubia's Guide to Going Natural (2015) and Small Voices Heard (2016).
Personal Interest: Helping others to overcome their challenges and embrace a wealthy future by sharing her own personal journey with poverty and childhood bullying. Mrs. Bryant enjoys traveling and the arts; she often travels to Washington D.C., and other locations. She enjoy promoting health from an alternate pathway.
I am a speaker, author, entrepreneur, mentor, life coach, mother, and medical provider.
Troy Legette
Bio coming soon!
LaVeta Hayes
Bio coming soon!
Evelyn Bethune
Bio coming soon!
Troy Johnson
Bio coming soon!
Dr. Kwando M. Kinshasa
Bio coming soon!
June Williams-Newton
June Williams-Newton is a mother, wife, and Grammie! She loves to meditate daily and sometimes has her matcha green tea in a ceremonial meditative “locus” for enlightenment! This brings her from great “head” to great “body”. As she sees it, God gave her only one body, and she shows appreciation by working out regularly and eating wisely. June has done a plethora of writing throughout her career. As a United States Air Force retiree, she wrote many publications and rulebooks, as well as, performance reports. She even writes a Happiness blog which she created to help ignite a passion to write more while getting people to pitch into ‘happiness.’ Post-military, she has been a personal fitness trainer, Zumba instructor, and substitute teacher. But it was while teaching in elementary schools that she discovered a majority of biographies about Black people were of athletes and historical figures. Primarily individuals who were mostly familiar to the public, like Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks. June knew there were many more Black figures like Vivien Thomas that readers could learn about.
Connect with June Williams-Newton!
Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550937881317
Instagram: instagram.com/juneauthorjoy/
Anderson Hill
Anderson C. Hill, II is a native of Little Rock, Arkansas, and resident of Florida since 1976. He accepted CHRIST at the age of 14 and holds life membership in Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Hill holds a Juris Doctor ’82 and M.B.A. ’82 from The University of Florida, B.S.’76 from Clark College in Atlanta Georgia. The U of FL designated Hill as the first minority graduate of its JD/MBA program.
Hill's achievements are many. Hill is a recipient of the Father of the Year Award by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the Male Role Model of the Year Award, both from Bethune-Cookman University. Hill received the Humanititarian Award from the Anti-Recidivist Effort, Inc., and has spoken throughout the state and country as an inspirational and motivational speaker. His messages are well received in educational and professional circles throughout the nation.
Hill is President of HZ Construction, Inc. (www.hzflorida.com) with a separate consulting service for Complex Business Issues, as well as a Florida State Certified Building Contractor. His company was responsible for administration of $90 million in contracts for minority participation at the KIA Center. Hill is a graduate of Leadership Orlando and Leadership Orange. He is a past 13-year member of the Orange County Public Schools Superintendent’s Advisory Committee and founder of Education is Cool – Get One, Inc. (www.educationiscool2005.org). The Central Intelligence Agency formally appointed him as an Urban Fellow.
Dr. Alzo and Elosie Reddick Trust have appointed Hill as their Commercial Property Developer. Phase 1 of the Development shall be The Urban Intelligence Institute or UII. The UII shall act as a community stabilizer and connector with other communities, education and employment opportunities.
Hill presently serves as an ordained Deacon at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church of Orlando. He is the founder of Men of Jesus, Inc. (www.MoJesus.net) an outreach Ministry, with a Chapter in Cleveland, Ohio. Hill has co-planted Heaven Embassy Church Online, a weekly YouTube and Facebook Outreach Broadcast. He has been happily married for more than 47+ years to Sandra Alene, with 3 beautiful children. The couple has appeared on syndicated national television shows to discuss their powerful marital experiences.
Hill is a published author of Black Professional Life: CONSTANT DRAMA and Double Agent: Convicted SAINT, (www.ach2books.com) which are compilations of outstanding stories of his life. Hill served as board chairman and was awarded the Roper YMCA Volunteer of the Year, May 2007. Anderson is honored to be a recipient of the African American Chamber of Central Florida’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award for FY 2012. His most recent honor is being named as an Emerging Leader by the U.S. Small Business Administration, FY 2021. His company, HZ Construction, is one of only 6,000 in the world certified as an SBA 8A Company. Praise the LORD for HE is worthy to be praised, always!
Social Media Link - Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/bplconstantdrama
Social Media Link - Instagram
https://www.facebook.com/bplconstantdrama
Social Media Link - Other
https://www.youtube.com/@andyhill1679
Dr. Evangelist Angie BEE
Bio coming soon!
Jolene Fine
Jolene Fine is a passionate writer who found solace and creativity in storytelling from a young age. Inspired by her love for reading and her vivid imagination, she embarked on a writing journey that has evolved over the years. Specializing in young adult sci-fi/fantasy, Jolene’s writing style has transformed from descriptive to symbolic, creating unique and captivating narratives.
Social Media Link - Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565626118284
Social Media Link - Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/jolenefine
Social Media Link - TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@jolenefine
Social Media Link - Other
https://jolenefine.link
Betty Fagerlund
Bio coming soon!
Constance Poitier
Bio coming soon!
Seeking Insights for Solutions (SIS)
Seeking Insights for Solutions is excited to announce the launch of Where Colors Meet: A Tapestry of Black and White, a collection of stories and reflections that delves into the complex and often challenging conversations about race, social justice and equality. Inspired by the tragic death of George Floyd in 2020, SIS, a group of women of diverse races and backgrounds, was formed and then motivated to create meaningful dialogues about these critical issues. This safe space for conversation led to the creation of this impactful book.
Social Media Link - Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564919150136
Social Media Link - Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/seekinginsightsforsolutions/
Social Media Link - Other
https://www.youtube.com/@sisforchange
%20-%20Beach.jpg)
Ben Wynn
Bio coming soon!
Brejoya Smarr
Bio coming soon!
This & That
Bio coming soon!
Scott Etters
Bio coming soon!
Featured Musician Bennie Yarbrough
Bio coming soon!
Featured Artist Laurence Walden
Bio coming soon!
James Bennett
Bio coming soon!
Thomas Styles
Bio coming soon!
Yonder
Bio coming soon!
Lenzy Hancock
Bio coming soon!
Editor & Reviewer Toni Bonita Robinson
Bio coming soon!
Author & Publisher L.D. Robinson
Bio coming soon!
Donna Gray-Banks
Bio coming soon!
Gary Moore
Bio coming soon!
Featured Poet Obbie West
Bio coming soon!
James Staggers
Bio coming soon!
Ramona Roberts
Bio coming soon!