Meet Indie Authors at the Big Ohio Book Con: A Must-Visit Event in Medina, OH
- Sarah Emmer
- Jun 24
- 11 min read
Updated: Jun 26
Hello! I'm Sarah Emmer, one of seventy plus independent authors attending the Big Ohio Book Con hosted by Black Cat Media and Ohio Bookdragons and located in Medina, OH on June 28th and 29th.
I thought y'all might like to see our faces and get to know some of us before the big day!
Welcome to the Big Ohio Book Con. The following authors are thrilled to meet you.
Maria Angelina
Aside from writing, Maria likes to spend her free time traveling, gaming, reading, exploring new spots around town, or attending events like rock concerts, beer fests, and drag shows. She's been to over thirty countries and spent four years living abroad before settling back down in Cleveland and adopting a cat. Her passion for fantasy RPGs led to the creation of her first book series, and she's excited to continue creating new worlds and characters in the future.
Follow Maria Angelina on Instagram by clicking here
Books Maria Angelina is Bringing to the Big Ohio Book Con
The first two books in the Druid War Trilogy: A Toast to Allies & Vengeance and An Awakening of Elements
Kaylin Applewhite
Kalynn is a lifelong writer with a passion for exploring Feminist themes through fantasy. She lives in Ohio with her husband, two sons, and beloved cats.
Books Kaylin Applewhite is bringing to the Big Ohio Book Con
Awakening Anne, Piercing the Veil, and The Widow's Tear
Take a closer look at Kaylin Applewhite's books or sign up for her newsletter by clicking here
L.B. August
As a late-in-life reader, L.B. discovered a love of books in 2022 and quickly devoured book after book across multiple genres. However, she found herself desperately wanting to read more empowered female characters, so she set off to write her own. Encouraged by her best friend, she wrote her debut novel, In The Shadows. Now she can be found downing copious amounts of black coffee and pretending to be a corporate professional, all while crafting intricate, rich stories with captivating characters that she hopes will pass on her newfound passion for reading.
Visit L.B. August's website by clicking here
L.B. Augist is Bringing...
Her gorgeous debut novel
In the Shadows
K.A. Bauer
I am a dog mom living it up in the insanity that is Northeast Ohio. When I'm not documenting the exploits of the characters in my head, I'm either binge reading the works of other amazing authors or losing my voice at hockey games. I’m horribly addicted to coffee, anime, and Asian dramas in addition to building my ever-growing stuffie army. To break it down to the basics, I am a neurospicy aceflux demirom hetero cis woman middle who writes about people (mostly LGBTQIA+) finding love and purpose through unexpected means. Almost all of my stories involve some facet of BDSM, but the heart of the matter is the characters and their growth. Kate Bauer is the contemporary alter ego of K.A. Bauer. I guess you could say Kate lives in this reality while K.A. is in a reality where mythical creatures and magic exist and fate makes finding true love easier.
What books will K.A. Bauer bring the Big Ohio Book Con?
All of them. (I counted twelve on her website, which you should totally check out.)
Visit K.A. Bauer's website and see her selection of books by clicking here
Jillian Beane
Jillian Beane has been writing since high school. Finally published 25+ years later, she has had oodles of careers at one time or another …
Stay At Home Mom of 2 Preschoolers
Teaching Assistant
Licensed Journeyman Plumber
Secret Squirrel
Security for a Professional Baseball Team
Disability Adjudicator Credit Card Fraud Investigator
Does she know what she wants to do when she grows up? Nah! Where’s the surprise in that?!?! Surrounded by support from her loving husband, her two crazy and amazing kids, and her family, she is adding AUTHOR to the ever-growing list of careers. When she isn’t writing, you can find her reading, watching movies, listening to music, or hanging out with her Yas at her favorite art studio getting into ALL the shenanigans! Whether creating with her words or her hands, Jillian finds joy in art of all forms be it remodeling or building homes, crochet, painting on canvas or pottery, or simply sitting in front of the dreaded blinking cursor, preparing to go on an adventure with her imaginary friends.
You can visit Jillian's website by clicking here
Books Jillian Beane is Bringing to the Big Ohio Book Con
The Elemental Series - Elements & Flame, Elements & the Fae, and Elements & a Key
Amanda Bryk
Not sure how to be the hearts and flowers type, Amanda writes true-to-life romance for everyone who's had to kiss one too many frogs while searching for their tall, tattooed, morally grey prince.
Check out Amanda's online store or follow her on social media by clicking here
Amanda is Bringing Her Entire Repertoire to the Book Con:
Locked Away
Between The Holidays
Drifting Apart
Mosh Pit Meet Cute
Winner Takes All
Alexis Buxton
Alexis Buxton is an avid reader turned author. She resides in a small town in Ohio with her husband and two small kiddos. When she doesn’t have a book in her hand, you can find Alexis drinking coffee, camping with her family, trying out new craft beers, or watching sports.
What Alexis is bringing to the Big Ohio Book Con
Paradise in Progress (a standalone romcom)
The CTU Eagles Series: an interconnected standalone sports romance series
The Late Hit (Book 1 in CTU Series)
The Christmas Scramble (Book 1.5; a holiday novella in CTU Series)
The Change Up (Book 2 in CTU Series)
The Pass Protection (Book 3 in CTU Series)
Check out Alex Buxton's website by clicking here
Slide to see all of Alex's books
Corrine Dalton
Corrine Dalton is an indie author from Northeast Ohio, USA. Although she loves writing comedy and romance in all her books, her aim is to create understanding and proper representation around mental health issues. When not writing, she works as a professional copy editor and proofreader so she can spoil her two kitties.
Check out Corrine's website by clicking here
What books will Corrine Bring?
If the Cardinal Flies Home
Yes, No & the Infinity in Between
Cari Dubiel
Cari Dubiel writes contemporary and speculative fiction. Her latest title is I Loved the Mothman (2024), a collection of short stories each revolving around a different cryptid. Cari is also a librarian, and she loves to connect libraries and writers. She is the lead editor for the publishing co-op Duskbound Books. Look for Detective Mothman in late 2025.
What M.E. Greenfield is bringing to the Book Con
I Loved the Mothman
Visit Cari's website by clicking here.
Sarah Emmer
Sarah is a romantic fantasy and contemporary romance author. As a former human resources generalist, she brought her passion for diversity and inclusion to her writing. This means her worlds, fantasy and Earth-based, are full of multiple races, ethnicities, languages, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more. You'll find neurodiversity and representations for all sorts of people, because she believes everyone deserves to be seen.
Sarah is a wife and also mother to two neurodivergent sons who inspire her stories every day.
What Sarah is Bringing to the Big Ohio Book Con
Her complete trilogy: The Timekeepers of Laeviin
Nirel
Dissonance
Retribution
Elaine Evans
Elaine Evans has had a love of writing ever since she can remember. But it wasn't until she hit middle age that she turned it into a second career. His Last Shot is her third novel. When she isn't writing or working at her day job (a medical assistant at a children's hospital), you can find Elaine pursuing her other hobbies and interests. She loves cooking, baking, photography, and, of course, reading. In the fall and winter, you will find her on Sunday's rooting for the Pittsburgh Steelers. But it's her role as wife, mother, and dog mom to her Pomeranian Vinnie, that brings her the most joy.
Elaine resides with her family in Ohio (yes, she is a Steelers fan that lives in Ohio. It's fine, really), but one day, dreams of living on the beach. Hey, maybe if this writing thing takes off, it will happen. You never know!
Elaine would love to connect with you. You can sign up for her newsletter, order signed books, or find her on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook by clicking here.
What is Elaine bringing to the Big Ohio Book Con?
His Last Shot
All In
Becoming Mallory
M.A. Frick
Dragonrider wannabe and mama of 3 monsters. My romantasy books are filled with daddies and dragons.
Sign up for M.A. Frick's newsletter, follow her on social media, or check out her Kickstarter here
What M.A. Frick is bringing to the Big Ohio Book Con
Forcing Fate
Following Fate
Fulfilling Fate
The Petulant Princess
Between Flames and Deceit
M.E. Greenfield
M.E. Greenfield is a stay-at-home mom who lives in NE Ohio with her wonderful husband, imaginative son, and rescue rabbit.
What M.E. Greenfield is bringing to the Book Con
Lost (Intertwined Souls book 1)
Learn more about M.E. Greenfield by clicking here
Ciara Hartford
Ciara (Keara) is a Romantic Fantasy and Romantasy writer of character driven love stories full of magic, heartache, bloody action, flawed characters, and brutal cliffhangers. When she's not writing she's working on illustration and graphic design freelance, as well as reading every fantasy book she can get her hands on. She lives near Cleveland, Ohio with her mad scientist husband and amazingly talented daughter.
What Ciara Hartford is bringing to the Book Con
The House of Starling
The House of Amfithere
Check out Ciara's website, follow her social media, or take a look at her art by clicking here.
Jane Hayes
Jane Hayes is an author of sweet and spicy contemporary romance. In her work, you can count on finding witty banter, strong friendships, found family, comedic relief, heart-warming connections, and of course, a happily ever after. When she’s not writing, Jane’s chasing her toddler and two dogs, oversharing very descriptive details from her latest alien or dark romance read with her husband, working part time at a bookstore, or devouring another romance novel.
Sign up for Jane Hayes' newletter, follow her on social media or check out her other events by clicking here
What Jane Hayes is bringing to the Big Ohio Book Con
Winning the Nightcap
Finding the Pieces
Valtinen Erik Karille
Little is known about this writer. The city hall has received numerous complaints of public indecency regarding a nude humanoid figure wandering the grounds of his 1871 fortress residence. These have largely been ignored due to the typical inclusion of horns in witness descriptions. Additional municipal violations include sky burials for roadkill, midnight outbursts of "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" from his balcony, and the unlawful presence of a bison on residential property within city limits. Internet statements positively attributed to this writer claim a birth year of 1638, intensive training in Liberace Fashion Principles, and the discovery of a sixth-dimensional cube in his cereal in 2002. Sightings have spiked since mid-2024 with independent investigators suggesting that he has come out of seclusion to vindicate and canonize an ancestral Russian prince.
What is this mysterious author bringing to the Big Ohio Book Con?
Thief of Roses
Learn more about Valtinen here.
Allison Kennedy
Indie Romantic Suspense Author and Disabled, US Navy Combat Veteran
I’m a Northeast Ohio native, and I write emotionally charged, spicy, relatable stories with complex characters and thick plots. My experiences as an avid traveler and voracious reader enrich my writing, infusing my tales with profound emotion, resilience, and captivating, immersive storytelling.
Visit Allison Kennedy's website, check out her other events, or follow her on social media by clicking here
What Allison is Bringing to the Book Con
The Way Home
And a sneak peak at book two in the Hearts of Holt Saga!!
Heather McMahon
Heather is a lifelong writer but her first book is debuting this June 2025. It is a poetry book titled “I Was Always Worthy” a collection of poetry and prose reflecting on life, heartbreak, love and rebirth. Heather also performs typewriter poetry. She creates personalized poems on the spot on a topic of your choosing. Look for her typewriter “Gale” at the con and get a poem to take home with you!
Follow Heather McMahon on Instagram by clicking here
Nikki Robb
Nikki Robb (she/her) has two degrees, a bookshelf that’s always full, and an imagination that won’t quit. A proud BGSU grad with a Master of Arts in Theatre and a Bachelor’s in Communications (with a side quest in Literature), she was raised by an author and an English teacher—so really, storytelling was inevitable. She’s the pen behind three professional audio dramas and a handful of stage plays, and she’s firmly convinced that storytelling is both a superpower and a lifelong calling. If there’s a good story to tell (or devour), she’s all in.
Want to get to know Nikki Robb better? Click here to follow her social media accounts, sign up for her newletter, or take a closer look at her repertoire.
Books Nikki Robb is Bringing to the Big Ohio Book Con
Shadows of Verihdia and Mark of Mythica (romantasy enemies to lovers)
The Wanders- The Fallout-The Hunted- The Undying (vampire why choose series)
What Hides in the Shadows (supernatural romantic suspense)
Run of Ruin (dystopian why choose)
Melissa Sasina
Melissa Sasina is an Ohio based fantasy author who is usually lost within her own imaginary worlds. She enjoys procrastinating on the internet, playing video games, D&D, and baking desserts when she's having inspiration blocks. You can summon her with stormy days, chai lattes, and chocolate.
Books Melissa Sasina is bringing to the Big Ohio Book Con
Valkyrie: The Chronicles of Midgard Reforged
Lies of Light (Darker Shade of Light 1)
Brews & Books (short story)
Magic & Mayhem (short story)
Embers & Ashes (short story)
Visit Melissa's website by clicking here
Delaine Walsh
Delaine Walsh lives in Northern Kentucky with her husband and three fur babies. She enjoys writing emotional scenes with lots of spice. When she's not home writing, she's scouring local bookstores for her next impulsive book purchase. Reading has always been an escape for her, and she hopes her stories provide that for others.
What is Delaine bringing to the Book Con?
Finding Gwen
My Neighbor is a Wolf
My Fake Boyfriend is a Bear
Learn more about Delaine, her books, and follow her social media channels by clicking here.
Ashley Willow
I live in a small town in Wayne County, OH and am an author of spicy contemporary romance and medical drama. Stars of Life was the first book in my first series and came out in 2023. I now have seven published books and a lot more to go.
Books Ashley Willow is bringing to the Big Ohio Book Con
The Stars of Life series
Stars of Life
Tests of Fate
Calls of Need
New Beginnings Duology
Bryce
Logan
Her Way Home
Buck Me (Part of the Boulder Ranch Series).
Browse her available titles in the slideshow.
Visit Ashley Willow's website by clicking here
C.M. Wyckoff
C.M. Wyckoff made his authorial debut with Spectral Echoes: Ghostly Tales and Haunting Verses, a chilling collection of ghost stories and poems.
Before venturing into the world of writing, Wyckoff had a career as an actor in New York City, where he honed his craft in both film and television. His creative journey also includes years of writing short stories, scripts, and screenplays, which paved the way for his second book and first full-length novel, The House of Ravenswood Hollow, currently due for release in the Fall of 2025.
Wyckoff now resides in Ohio with his German Shepherd, Gretchen, in a sprawling, historic home that is as haunted as it is inspiring. This residence, featured in The Wall Street Journal and The Dayton Daily News, plays a significant role in fueling his imagination, offering a constant source of eerie inspiration for his stories.
When he’s not writing, Wyckoff is deeply committed to historic preservation, leading initiatives across Ohio to protect and restore the state's most treasured buildings and landmarks.
You can follow C.M. Wyckoff and check out his haunted house on instagram @cmwyckoff
C.M. Wyckoff is bringing Spectral Echoes: Ghostly Tales and Haunting Verses to the Big Ohio Book Con.
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