2026 Springs Book Bash Authors & Vendors

 A.C. Guess is a romantasy author who lives for emotional damage and romance fated by the stars. A self-proclaimed fantasy aficionado and devourer of books, she’s been crafting with words for as long as she can remember—though she tries very hard not to remember her first stories.

Fueled by coffee and a wild imagination, she dreams of winning the Timeless Trials herself just to have more time to bring all her worlds to life. Unfortunately, she’d never make it past round one, thanks to her deep love of simple comforts: caffeine, soft blankets, and towering piles of books.

A.J. CERNA is an author, film-lover, gamer, and all-around story junkie. Like any healthy kid, he grew up imbibing fantasy novels, anime, manga, and movies, and realized at a young age that writing stories was the best way one could spend their time. Eventually, he found his way into film school, where he got his degree in screenwriting. In his time in Hollywood, he pitched animated series around town and worked in the anime dubbing industry in various capacities. He also ran the film site LRM Online as editor-in-chief for several years.

David "D. L." Jennings is a fourteen-year veteran of the United States Air Force and Air Force Special Operations Command. Deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan as well as several countries in Africa, he finished writing his debut novel, Gift of the Shaper while serving on his ninth combat tour. After separating in 2018, he spends his time reading and writing epic fantasy, traveling, listening to '90s punk, and bemoaning being an Ohio sports fan.

J. Claire, known as the “Poet of the Wild,” is an award-winning poet and author of Revelry. Born in Pennsylvania and shaped by life on both coasts, she began writing poetry as a teen, fusing lyrical and visual tradition with a bold, contemporary voice. Her work explores the raw terrain of love, loss, healing, and the quiet revelations found in nature and stillness. In 2025, Revelry won two American Fiction Awards for Narrative and Nature Poetry and was a finalist in two additional poetry categories. That same year, she opened the Word is Art showcase at the Columbus Arts Festival. An ultra-marathoner, traveler, and explorer, her poetry reflects a life lived in motion and in wonder—always chasing beauty, always returning to the wild.

Jennie Marts is the USA TODAY Bestselling author of award-winning books filled with love, laughter, and always a happily ever after. Readers call her books “laugh out loud” funny and the “perfect mix of romance, humor, and steam.” Fic Central claimed one of her books was “the most fun I’ve had reading in years.” Her books have been two-time finalists in the Colorado Book Awards, won the prestigious Holt Medallion Award as well as twice winning the Book Buyers Best Award and earning a Booklist Starred Review. Her books range from western romance to cozy mysteries, but they all have the charm and appeal of quirky small-town life.

Jennifer J. Williams writes steamy romance full of sassy characters, epic banter, and delivers amazing HEAs in her sports and small-town books. She was born and raised in Ohio, but currently calls Colorado home. A lifelong lover of romance books, Jen enjoys writing older characters because love stories don't end at twenty-five. Jen prides herself on delivering realistic characters that struggle with normal problems. She spends most of her free time within her zoo: two kids, two dogs, and two cats! When not containing the chaos, Jen can be found lounging on her covered porch, devouring books on her Kindle.

Kiersten Michele is an author and bookworm who spends her mornings, evenings, weekends, and in-between times reading. She grew up on mysteries, fantasies, historical fictions, and any other story that would take her on an adventure. Her love of reading turned into a love of writing, and she took that love to college and…got a PhD in counseling psychology. Plot twist. But when she’s not writing extremely fascinating academic articles, she’s creating stories to take her on more adventures. When not tucked into her reading chair, she’s out adventuring in the real world, climbing rocks, hiking rocks, and taking way too many photos of rocks.

Michelle Sauer is an ambivert with an MFA in Creative Writing and a BA in Art Education. By day, she’s a classic Type A art teacher, but by night, she recharges with her dog, gamer-hubby, and takes comfort in horror movies. Her mood dictates what she’ll read next, writing sprints or saunters, and which of her many hobbies she’ll tackle next.

 Rachel Hetrick is a Colorado author who writes YA fantasy and fantasy romance stories full of battles, betrayals, and kisses that make readers giggle and kick their feet. She’s the author behind the Infiniti Trilogy, the Fallen Heir Series, and the Between Shadows & Light Series, and always has another world (and another love story) on the way.

As the founder of Lead Smart Education, LLC, Dr. Brenda Kay Small is dedicated to teaching, researching, and spreading the word on the importance of serving all children at their ability level. Her wisdom and experience comes from leading successful initiatives as a teacher as well as a middle and high school principal in creating thriving environments for our Smart Kids.  Lead Smart Education, Inc. was created as a platform for research, marketing publications, speaking engagements, professional development and consulting. As a graduate professor of Gifted Studies at UCCS, she nurtures future generations of student advocates.   

Her 3 Smart Kid books are written to spread the word on how to serve the Smart Kid who are one of our nation’s most precious natural resources. 

Lulu Buck is an award-winning children’s author, educator, and founder of Buck’s Books Consulting. With over 25 years of experience in education and equity work, Lulu creates books and workshops that inspire kindness, resilience, and inclusion. Her debut book, "Sue’s Sky", its Spanish counterpart "El Cielo de Susana", and her newest release, "Magical Golden Whistle", have all been recognized for their impact on children and communities. Through Buck’s Books Consulting, Lulu partners with schools, families, and organizations to provide engaging workshops, professional development, and curriculum that foster empathy and belonging for every child. Dedicated to amplifying student voices and supporting educators, Lulu combines creativity, storytelling, and lived experience to empower the next generation.

Nytefall Studios creates handcrafted candles and bookish merch inspired by the dark romance and romantasy worlds readers can’t stop obsessing over. Whether you’re styling a dreamy display, curating your trophy shelf, or hunting for the perfect gift for a fellow reader, our candles, book bling, and themed accessories bring a touch of fantasy to any space. Our candles are hand poured with rich soy wax, immersive fragrance and paired with enchanting designs that capture the mood, magic, and emotion of your favorite stories. 

From our dark library to yours, enjoy your Nytefall treasures, and happy reading!

Poppy & Moon Crystal Co. is a women owned and operated small business, established in 2023. We carry a wide variety of hand selected crystals, gems, and jewelry. Much of our inventory is themed towards the books we love and draw inspiration from. Sets of crystal bookends, dragon eggs, and even tiny suriel carvings, we have something magical for everyone! Our crystals are ethically sourced with love and intention, and it is a privilege to share them with you all.

Though fiction has been her lifelong passion, Carissa spent seven years as an air traffic controller in the Air Force before pursuing her dream of writing. She grew up exploring the Sierra Nevadas of California, but now lives in Colorado with her husband and their pets. When not writing, Carissa can be found out seeking adventure, driving mountain roads, greeting wildlife, and consuming horror in any medium available.

Teshelle is a full time fantasy author who is absolutely in love with writing! She's known for plot twists, making readers swoon, and building worlds that readers can get lost in!

Z.S. Diamanti is the award-winning author of the Stone & Sky series, an epic fantasy adventure and Guard in the Garden, the first book in the Fables of Finlestia cozy fantasy series. He attended college forever and has far too many pieces of paper on his wall. He’s a USAF veteran and worked in ministry for over 10 years before pursuing creative endeavors full-time. He and his wife live in Colorado with their four children where they enjoy hikes, camping, and tabletop games.