President
Carissa is an international bestselling indie author with more than 15 titles published. She has also been published in multiple Brainerd Lakes Area magazines, including Her Voice, Lake Country Journal, Minnesota Homes, Golf Guide, and more. When not writing her own books, she is a freelance writer and graphic designer who creates content consistently for clients all over the globe. However, her passion lies in helping her fellow authors demystify the publishing process. She has taught independent publishing for small groups, at the AEC, and the Brainerd Public Library. She owns and operates Author Revolution, LLC, an indie publishing online school with multiple courses available for students to learn how to independently publish their works. She is also the host of the Author Revolution Podcast.
To learn more about Carissa, her books, and creative endeavors, visit her website: CarissaAndrews.com.
Vice-President
Cara Lanz is a freelance writer who is passionate about food, fitness, and financial freedom. She thrives on helping others live a healthy lifestyle, independent from debt. When she isn’t blogging her recipes on caralanz.com, she can be found hiking the trails of East Gull Lake, MN rain, snow, or shine with her husband, Scott, and their golden retriever, Penny.
To learn more about Cara, and what she does visit her website: CaraLanz.com
Secretary
Beverly Abear is a prolific writer who has been featured in numerous anthologies, such as Talking Stick, Dust & Fire, Love Is a Verb (Bethany House), and Extraordinary Answers to Prayer (Guidepost). Her writing has also been published in Her Voice, Lake Country Journal, Minnesota Writers Alliance, and WeAre181. She is currently working on her first middle-grade trilogy and is a talented artist.
Treasurer & Membership Director
Kimberly is an author of both fiction and creative nonfiction writing and goes by her pen name Kacie Clement. She is a small business consultant, a philanthropist, and unspeakable optimist dedicated to inspiring women. She is often found in her office working, sewing and listening to Smokey Robinson.
To learn more about Kim, visit her website: KacieClement.com
Board Member
Jack is known internationally as a patent and trademark professional. His technical writing and illustrations appear in thousands of patents and many publications throughout the world. One such publication, Leonardo’s Lost Robots, was a winner of the 2006 PSP Award For Excellence presented by the Association of American Publishers. Jack’s levelheaded expertise, creative design, writing and intellectual talents have contributed to the success of a multitude of independently invented and Fortune 100 commercial products. He has been feature interviewed by A Face Project podcast and magazine, IP Folio Blog and The Perpetual Notion Science Radio Show, to name a few.
To learn more about Jack and his creative endeavors visit his websites:
Board Member
Barbara is a prolific author with nine titles in print, which include her popular White House Dollhouse mystery series.
To learn more about Barbara, visit her website: barbaraschlichting.com
Board Member
Joe Porisch is an author of short stories and fiction podcasts with a flare for horror, science fiction, and fantasy. His writing has been produced and performed by The No Sleep Podcast, Meduspod, and Metaphorosis Magazine. The first collection of his short stories is titled Machines, Monsters, and Maniacs and is available in audio, digital, and softcover. He is a father, husband, dog-father, hunter, sportsman, and US Army veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He lives with his wife and kids in the Brainerd Lakes Area.
To learn more about Joe, visit his website: www.JoeProsit.com.