Earlene Fowler
Earlene likes to tell people that Jo-Ann "discovered" her in a novel writing workshop Jo-Ann taught at Orange Coast College as a sabbatical replacement. Jo-Ann says, "The minute I read chapter one of Fool's Puzzle I knew Earlene was the real thing. I made a phone call, Earlene got an agent, and in a few days Earlene had a book contract for the Benni Harper mystery series. Earlene won the Agatha award for Mariner's Compass. Her newest book is Broken Dishes. Earlene is at work on her first mainstream novel and Jo-Ann can't wait to read it..

Judi Hendricks
Again, in a University extension workshop, this time in Fullerton, Jo-Ann read the first chapter of Bread Alone, recommended Judi to an agent, and a publishing contract soon followed. Judi, who describes herself as a "foodie," is the author of: Bread Alone, Isabel's Daughter, and soon to follow is the sequel to Bread Alone.

Joyce Weatherford
Joyce's book, Heart of the Beast, is a lyrical and emotional journey in the Eastern part of Oregon farming country. She and Jo-Ann met through a mutual friend, and as soon as Jo-Ann read Joyce's manuscript she knew publication would follow shortly. Joyce is at work on a new novel.

Christina Adams
took a workshop Jo-Ann taught at the University of California Irvine extension, and then went on to earn her MFA in Creative Nonfiction at Long Beach State. Her first nonfiction book, Real Boy: An Autism Recovery Journey , which explores autism, recently found a home. It will be published in 2005. She is also a commentator for NPR's Day to Day.