2017 RONE Judges

2017 RONE Awards Judges

 

Jennifer Henley

My parents’ house is a library, filled with stories that have guided, entertained, and at times, impressed on us what not to do. Family means everything, so I still live less than an hour from that same house with my husband, raising three girls and four dogs.

Linda Rae Sande

A former technical writer, Linda Rae’s interest in the Regency has resulted in seventeen books set during that era. After spending her weekdays running a print shop in Cody, WY, she enjoys attending movies and watching hockey on the weekends. Read more about her books on her website: www.lindaraesande.com.

EG Manetti

Author of the highly rated Twelve Systems Chronicles (including an InD’Tale crowned-heart), EG Manetti works in IT and writes as often as possible. In March 2017 EG released the latest chronicle, Fortuna: The Apprentice Volume 4 and is busily at work on the next, Serengeti Valor: The Apprentice Volume 5.

Rainne Atkins

I’m an avid reader of horror, supernatural/paranormal, mystery/thriller, fantasy and some sci-fi books. I get a lot of satisfaction from helping to promote Indie Authors and their books, and leave reviews for every book I read. I live in Lancashire with my Husband, my cat, and our parrot.

Ronesa Aveela

Ronesa Aveela is a Bulgarian-American born and raised in Bulgaria. By day, she works to pay her bills. By night, she writes and paints images inspired by the magic of Bulgarian, Thracian, and Slavic mythology. She’s written since childhood and wants to inspire other children to reach for impossible dreams.

Cristy Watson

Cristy is an award-winning author of six hi-lo YA books. She loves to enter contests, especially ones with a challenging time limit! She is a teacher and an avid reader. She loves volunteering in the literary community.

Susan Peterson Wisnewski

Susan Peterson Wisnewski is an indie author from the east coast. She writes thrillers and mystery with a sprinkling of chick lit and horror. Surprise and twists keep her readers guessing and she has been accused of writing books that can’t be put down featuring strong female characters.

C.E. Black

Though steamy romance, hunky heroes, and feisty heroines are Paranormal Romance Author C.E. Black’s specialty, she enjoys surprising her readers with action-filled plots and exciting twists that make for fast-paced reading. While strengthening her craft she also continues to expand her knowledge in advertising, graphics, and formatting.

Ginger Ring

Ginger Ring is a Midwestern girl with a weakness for cheese, dark chocolate, and the Green Bay Packers. Publishing a book has been a lifelong dream of hers and she is excited to share her romantic stories with you. Ginger's books include many genres including erotic, historical, time travel, suspense, contemporary, and mafia.

Lori Leger

Award winning author Lori Leger adores writing stories set in Louisiana, where good Cajun cooking, helping your neighbors, and saying ‘y’all’ is perfectly normal. She has eleven full-length novels and five short stories published in four series: La Fleur de Love, Halos & Horns, Prime of Love, Seasons of Love, and one Christmas suspense with The Wild Rose Press.

Collette Cameron

Amazon bestselling, award-winning author, COLLETTE CAMERON pens Scottish and Regency historicals featuring rogues, rapscallions, rakes, and the intelligent, intrepid damsels who reform them. Explore her writing word at collettecameron.com.

Tracy James Jones

Tracy James Jones is an IMDb listed indie author, blogger, and book reviewer from Dallas and Waxahachie, Texas. With more than twenty years of experience in the entertainment industry from stage, to film, to publishing, Tracy has also modeled for The Transcending Gender Project and Equality Vodka, and is presently an aspiring screenwriter.

Rhonda Kirby

Rhonda Kirby, introduced to historical romance in 1975, considers reading and photography most favorite past times. Keeping busy with a Masters in Accounting, Masters in Business Administration, and currently driving an 18-wheeler big truck, thoroughly enjoys beta-reading and finding new authors to add to a favored treasures list.

Natasza Waters

Three-time RONE award-winning author Natasza Waters pens the type of stories she loves to read. Writing Military and Suspense romance, she views each book as a challenge to draw a reader into the plot and connect with her characters. Reviewing other writers is Natasza’s opportunity to pay it forward.

Deborah Dunson

I'm a wife, mother, an occasional blogger and lover of the written word. My favorite genre of reading is inspirational/Christian books, but I read other genres too. I just love a good well-written story.

K.S. Jones

Multi-award winning author, Karen (K.S.) Jones, was the recipient of the 2016 RONE Award in the Young Adult-General category with her book, Shadow of the Hawk. Her dialogue-driven writing style continues to garner top honors. Black Lightning, her second book, is for mid-grade readers. She writes from her home in Texas.

Deb Diem

I'm a 60 year old grandmother of three. I worked at an Avon Products site for 28 years until I was disabled. After that I spent a lot of time reading. My love of books has kept me sane. I read almost anything, up to and including the back of the cereal box.

Emily Mah Tippetts

Emily Mah Tippetts writes chick lit as EM Tippetts, science fiction and fantasy as Emily Mah, and owns the formatting and cover design company, EM Tippetts Book Designs. A lifelong New Mexican, she lives in Santa Fe with her family.

Courtney Marsh

Courtney is an avid reader (and her three full, melting Kindles prove it) with a history in online radio marketing and writing (for herself). Her online station, Dreamers Radio, encompassed 3 years of incredible author interviews. Now her spare time is devoted to consuming as many books as possible.

Tiffany Halliday

Tiffany is a long time book dragon, reviewer, and one half of the team at No More Typos. https://www.no-more-typos.com/ ​Being invited to be a RONE judge is one of her favorite things and she loves reading new (or new to her) authors as often as possible!

Teesa Mee

I own Indie Editing Services, getting to use my love of reading to earn a living, while helping authors create their best books. My book of poetry, Looking Back, and my Thesaurus Erotica are published under my pen name Teesa Mee. I also have poetry and short stories in several anthologies.

Joanna D'Angelo

Joanna D'Angelo is Editor in Chief of Lachesis Publishing Inc. a boutique publisher of genre fiction. She also manages the popular Joanna D’Angelo’s Romance Novels Page on Facebook. Her love of romance novels inspired her to make the documentary film Who's Afraid of Happy Endings? now available on Amazon.

Donna Michaels

Donna Michaels is an award winning, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of hot, humorous, heartwarming reads. Her romances entertain readers of contemporary, contemporary western, romantic comedy, and romantic suspense genres. One was even hand drawn into a Japanese Translation. Now, if only she could read it...

Monica Bogza

While looking for new reading material, Monica Bogza came across an independent publication that had retained noticeable errors. Unsatisfied with leaving things as they were, she decided to offer free editing advice to the author. Finding the work fulfilling, she founded trustedaccomplice.com, beginning her journey as a professional editor.

Karen Sue Burns

Karen Sue Burns is a retired CPA who now spends her days living her passion--writing political thrillers, cozy mysteries, and Texas ghost novels sprinkled with romance. She enjoys cooking and creating recipes so her heroines do the same—all her books include one of her favorite recipes. Check out her books at www.karensueburns.com

Teresa Kennedy

Teresa Kennedy has 30 years experience in publishing as a Senior and Acquisitions editor for several New York houses, as well as a number of smaller independents. She opened Village Green Press in 2011, offering services for authors seeking to self-publish, publish with an independent, or seek more traditional venues. http://booksneditsVGP.com

Sheri Williams

Sheri Williams has worked in the industry for over 20 years in a number of positions including publisher (TouchPoint Press), a former literary agent, writer, editor, proofreader, reviewer, and research specialist for many online and print media including Harcourt. Her background is Journalism, Creative Writing, Business Administration, and Criminal Justice.

Karen Branch

This is Karen's fourth year as a judge for the RONE Awards. She was quoted as saying "Highlight of my year is waiting for that email asking me if I would like to be a judge again this year. I love knowing that I can help someone's dream come true."

Martina L Arguijo

My name is Martina. I am a wife and mother to a future astronaut. I love to cook, bake, read and craft jewelry. Currently, I am a surgical scheduler for some amazing Pediatric Surgeons after spending 6 years in the military as a medic.

Jane Matisse

Jane Matisse is a professional introvert who loves reading. She graduated with a BA in Literature and has been working hard to put her degree to good use ever since. In September 2016, she released her debut The Blogger and the Hunk and is currently writing a work in progress.

Dr. Dawn Menge

Dr. Dawn Menge specializes in curriculum and instruction and has won thirty-one national literary awards as the self-published author of the Queen Vernita's Educational Series. Her published works also include: THE SIX FEDERAL INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PLAN GOALS AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THEIR IMPLEMENTATION IN PREPARING FOR TRANSITION.

Lindy Gervin

Lindy Gervin is a dedicated editing professional. Over the last five years she has worked with various publishers, as well as local and online publications, performing copy editing and other related editorial tasks. She holds a Master’s degree in Publishing, and has a full-time job as a Technical Writer.

Suzanne Kneeves

Suzanne is a publisher/content editor at Bottom Drawer Publications, and its fiction imprint Driven Press. Suzanne has always been obsessed with reading, and is still devastated, decades after the fact, that her parents gave away all of her books to the little girl next door when moving.

Cynthia Shepp

Cynthia Shepp is a fiction editor with a BA in English/Literature. She works for multiple small-press publishing companies, as well as independently published authors. For information, prices, and references, please go to www.cynthiashepp.com.

Alyssa Day

Alyssa Day is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling and award-winning author of the Warriors of Poseidon and Cardinal Witches paranormal romance series and the Tiger’s Eye Mysteries paranormal mystery series. www.alyssaday.com

Suzy Turner

Born in England and raised in Portugal, Suzy Turner lives with her husband Michael. She was a magazine editor before becoming an author, and has since published 12 books. In 2015 she launched her 40+ lifestyle blog, and a year later she trained to become a yoga instructor. www.suzyturner.com

Amanda Siemen

Amanda Siemen is a freelance content/production editor for Lyrical Press. She is also USA Today Bestselling author Amanda Mariel. She enjoys the written word and loves experiencing different time periods through both her own writing and that of others.

Donna Blickenstaff

Donna Blickenstaff lives in rural Illinois with her husband Chris! She is mother of 3 and grandmother of 6 grandsons and 1 granddaughter! Her oldest grandson is in the USAF. Hobbies include re painting old furniture and reading any book and as many books as She can!

Lena LaRue

Hi, my name is Rena LaRue and I live in the beautiful state of Colorado. I have been reading as long as I can remember. Growing up I would read using my baby sisters night light. I love getting lost in a good story.

Ginny Aybar-Flores

Ginny Aybar-Flores is a voracious reader who devours a number of books each month. She understands the importance of posting reviews. Ginny loves connecting with authors whose books she loves. While she enjoys all genres, historicals are dear to her heart.

Becky Johnson

Becky Johnson is Hot Tree Editing CEO. Becky spends her free time with her husband and son on their property in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Qld, Australia. A lover of the classics, a fan of urban fantasy, and a devoted lover of romance, ensure she is always close by to the next amazing read.

Melissa Krampert

Melissa Krampert is an eclectic and insatiable reader who loves to talk books on her website: Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf (melissaseclecticbookshelf.com). An accountant by day, she spends her off time exploring nature, pretending to be a photographer, binge watching Netflix with her husband, cuddling with her cat and escaping from this Reality by devouring ALL the books she can.

Calum McDonald

I currently work as a Healthcare Consultant who is also an avid Reader, Writer, Photographer, World Traveller and Book Blogger. I am also a Founding Partner in a brand new company called Scarlett Ink Publishing Inc.

Torie James

I eat chocolate and write. And I know things. Okay, actually, I know nothing. But I still love to write. My future plans include, hopefully, buying a lovely Scottish castle and convincing Queen Elizabeth I that I'd make a fab addition to the Royal Family as the Countess of Chocolate.

H. S. Stavropoulos

H. S. Stavropoulos is a finalist for 2017 Daphne. Born and raised in a small Greek village in the middle of Oakland, California. Writing stories infused with a Greek-American flavor. A walk on a Greek beach inspired The White Flip-Flop published in Fish Nets: The Second Guppy Anthology.

Suzann Haas

I am a 70 year young great grandmother is who is raising 2 granddaughters who are 14 and 5; I read constantly for fun, relaxation and entertainment. I then enjoy sharing with others what I have read. I belong to several book clubs spanning different genres.

Amanda Gawthorpe

Amanda Gawthorpe has a BA in English from North Carolina State University. She's spent years in the publishing industry and currently serves as Senior Editor at Blue Ink Press in Raleigh, NC. She is an avid reader and book collector who is "three books away from an episode of Hoarders."

Teri Donaldson

I've been reading my entire life. As a child, I would sneak under the covers at night with a flashlight and book. Today, I have my lighted tablet. I'm a fundraising professional trying to make a difference in the lives of many. I'm a wife, a mother and a friend.

JD DeWitt

JD DeWitt is senior partner at Ink Slinger Entertainment and pitches Intellectual Properties to producers in Hollywood. She is the Director of the convention, Connecting Writers with Hollywood jddewitt.com

Karen Perkins

KAREN PERKINS is the author of seven bestselling fiction titles. Her first Yorkshire Ghost Story – THE HAUNTING OF THORES-CROSS – won the silver medal for European fiction in the 2015 Independent Publisher Book Awards in New York, whilst her Valkyrie novel, DEAD RECKONING, was long-listed in the 2011 MSLEXIA novel competition.

Christine Nolfi

Award-winning author Christine Nolfi provides readers with heartwarming and inspiring fiction. Her debut Treasure Me is a Next Generation Indie Awards finalist. The Midwest Book Review lists the books in the Liberty Series as “highly recommended” and her novels have enjoyed bestseller status. Look for Sweet Lake, her new series with Lake Union Publishing.

Cheryl Douglas

Cheryl Douglas is a USA Today bestselling author who lives and breathes her writing: when she's sleeping, watching TV, driving, reading, it's always in the periphery of her mind. Her imagination rarely takes a holiday, even when she escapes to a sandy beach with her husband and son, she's planning, plotting, outlining, and daydreaming.

Lisa Daily

LISA DAILY is nationally-syndicated TV show DAYTIME's love guru, and the bestselling author of seven books, including Single-Minded, a new romantic comedy/beach read about a woman who finds herself dating for the first time in her life after her husband/childhood sweetheart announces he's gay. LisaDaily.com Twitter: @LisaDaily Instagram: @AuthorByTheSea

Hillary Dodge

Hillary Dodge is an author and editor currently based out of Santiago, Chile. When not reading or writing, Hillary is traveling around South America working on a cookbook with her chef husband and 6-year-old daughter. You can follow them on their travels at http://gourmetfam.com and read about the process of researching, testing, and writing a cookbook.

Cissie Patterson

Cissie Patterson is a romance book lover, mother of two, wife, and works in higher education. She spends her free time promoting her favorite books, proofreading manuscripts, beta-reading for several authors and running kids around to various activities. She published her first book in August, 2017.

Jessica Nelson

Jessica Nelson is a freelance copyeditor at Rare Bird Editing and Indie Books Gone Wild, and writes speculative fiction as Jessica Dorn. She enjoys critical analysis of pop culture, a well-turned phrase, and social justice. She lives and works in the southern US with her two offspring and co-progenitor.

Kim Hornsby

Kim Hornsby is an Amazon #1 Bestselling Author and recent screenwriter with a suspense series optioned for film. Writing from a desk overlooking a tree-lined lake, Kim makes the Seattle area her home with Maui running a close second.

Jennifer Theriot

USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer Theriot (pronounced Terrio) hails from the Great State of Texas. By day, she works as CFO for a real estate investment firm. Nights and weekends, you’ll find her tapping away on her keyboard writing novels. Jennifer has three grown children and is 'MiMi' to four beautiful grandkids.

Philomena Callan

I’m Irish and I've been living with my partner and three kids for the last eleven years. I’ve been reading since I was little. About five years ago a whole new world opened to me when my sister bought me a kindle. I love sharing authors books on my Facebook page, Facebook group and blog.

Elise Faber

Aside from writing romance, Elise’s passions are chocolate, Star Wars, and hockey. She and her husband also play as much hockey as they can squeeze into their schedules, so much so that their typical date night is spent on the ice. Elise is the mom to two exuberant boys and is thoroughly addicted to Dancing With the Stars.

Merry Farmer

Merry Farmer is an award-winning novelist who lives in suburban Philadelphia with her cats, Torpedo, her grumpy old man, and Justine, her hyperactive new baby. Her books have reached the Top 10 at Amazon, iBooks, and Barnes & Noble, and have been finalists in the prestigious RONE and Rom Com Reader’s Crown awards.

S.L. Dearing

S.L. Dearing, a multi-genre author (The Lia Fail Chronicles, The Oak and several short stories) and swag designer, is currently working on several books and a project through the group Rising Indies United, of which she is a founding member with author Magen McMinimy. Shannon currently resides in Los Angeles.

Shaunna Gonzales

Shaunna Gonzales currently resides with her family in the greater Seattle area. Married over thirty years, her role as wife and mother of four continue to be her priorities. She has worked as a professional reviewer for InD'Tales eMagazine in the past. She writes romantic fiction, romantic suspense, and time-travel.

Lori Soard

Lori Soard has a PhD in Journalism and has worked as a freelance writer and editor for the past 22 years. She writes in a variety of fiction genres, but romantic comedy will always be her first love. She lives in Southern Indiana with her husband and beloved pets. They have two grown daughters. You can learn more about her at her website: www.lorisoard.com

Mary Lodes

Mary Lodes retired from state service after 32 years. She dabbles in writing fiction and poetry and raising rescued American Eskimo dogs. Her hobbies are pour painting, sewing and she is an avid reader. She enjoys being a judge for the RONE awards.

Sue Toth

Sue has dedicated most of her professional life to honoring the English language through writing, editing, and teaching. As the owner of Sue Toth Writing and Editing Services, she helps business owners by writing and editing business and marketing content. She works with fiction authors on editing their books.

Francine Howarth

Francine Howarth is a graduate in history (Oxford), ex-conventional published author, ex magazine publisher, and she's now a self published author of historical romances. Years back she was a professional reviewer for a well-known magazine supplement, and still writes reviews when time affords. Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/Francine-Howarth/e/B0059FDF0I/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0 Francine’s Blog: http://francinehowarth.blogspot.co.uk

T.M. Cromer

T.M. Cromer is the author of wildly entertaining contemporary and romantic suspense stories designed to keep you glued to your seat, turning the pages to find out what in the blue blazes is going to happen next. Want to stay up to date on what's happening in the world of T.M. Cromer? Sign up for her mailing list: http://www.tmcromer.com/newsletter

Kay Springsteen

Bestselling Regency and contemporary romance author, Kay Springsteen is also freelance editor. As an author, she is dedicated to improving her grasp of the writing craft. As an editor, she is committed to helping other authors, particularly those newer to the publishing world, develop and perfect their skills.

Ashley Nemer

Ashley Nemer has published over sixteen stories. She thrives on creating new worlds and memorable characters. Most notably her loveable assassin Mr. A in her Maverick Touch series. With the support of her husband, Ashley continues to write engaging fiction that she hopes one day can spark a young woman to pick up her own pen and write.

Caroline Warfield

Traveler, would-be adventurer, former tech writer and library technology professional, Caroline Warfield has now retired to the urban wilds of Eastern Pennsylvania, and divides her time between writing and seeking adventures with her grandbuddy. In her newest series, Children of Empire, three cousins torn apart by lies find their way home from the far corners of the British Empire, finding love along the way.

Darla Nine

I tried to blog, but failed. I am a faithful book reviewer on goodreads and Amazon!

Tera Cuskaden

Tera Cuskaden started working in publishing in 2005 as a reviewer and proofreader and is currently an Editorial Director at Entangled Publishing. She has worked with many New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling authors, including Megan Hart, Shelli Stevens, Dana Marie Bell, and Cathryn Fox. Tera was also the first editor to hit the New York Times bestsellers list with a digital-only title.

Chrissy Wolfe

Chrissy Wolfe lives in western Pennsylvania with her husband and kids. Through EFC Services, LLC, she works with authors all over the world editing, proofreading, and formatting their manuscripts. She also reviews books and writes about book-related topics on her blog, Every Free Chance Books.

Sadie Yates

Sadie Yates is book reviewer for Rising Indies United and inspiring author. Her favorite past time has always been getting lost in a good book which she has passed on her to her daughter who has also become a YA reviewer. Working as an Instructional Aide in Special Ed she shares her love and knowledge of reading and writing with her students. She is back at school learning ASL in hopes to become an interpreter as well as incorporating realistic deaf characters into her stories.

Tammy Northington

Tammy developed a love of books when introduced to "The Talisman" in high school. I have a book addiction (or so my hubby tells me). I am an avid book reader (reading at least 10 or more books a month) and reviewer for several authors. I keep hoping my muse will hurry up & visit because I have wanted to become an author for years.