Jennifer Greene -- RITA® Award Winner, USA TODAY Best Seller -- Keynote Speaker
Alison Hart sold her first book in l980, and since then has sold over 75 books in the contemporary romance genre. Her first professional writing award came from RWA, a Silver Medallion in l984, followed by over 20 nominations and awards, including being honored in RWA’s Hall of Fame. Alison has been on numerous bestseller lists, has written for Harlequin, Avon, Berkley and Dell, and has sold over the world in over 20 languages. She has also accumulated a number of pseudonyms, most recognizably “JENNIFER GREENE”, but also Jeanne Grant and Jessica Massey.
She was born in Michigan, started writing in high school, and graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in English and Psychology. The University honored her with their “Lantern Night Award”, a tradition developed to honor fifty outstanding women graduates each year. Exploring issues and concerns for women today is what first motivated her to write, and she has long been an enthusiastic and active supporter of women’s fiction, which she believes is an ‘unbeatable way to reach out and support other women’. Alison lives in the country around Benton Harbor, Michigan, with her husband Lar.
http://www.jennifergreene.com/
Jessica Andersen -- RITA Nominee, Best Seller -- Luncheon Speaker
Jessica Andersen is the bestselling, RITA and RT Reviewers' Choice nominated author of twenty romantic suspense novels for Harlequin, and recently launched a new series of paranormal thrillers about the 2012 doomsday predicted by the end of the ancient Mayan calendar. The first book in the series, NIGHTKEEPERS (6/08) was lauded as "fast moving, sexy, romantic, suspenseful, and terrifying" (Romance Reviews Today) as well as "fresh, compelling, surprising, intricate and beautifully written" (Romance Novel TV). The sequel, DAWNKEEPERS, will be available on January 6, 2009.
http://www.jessicaandersen.com/
Lisa Gardner -- New York Times Best Seller -- EXTRA Workshop Speaker
This New York Times bestselling suspense author was once a RITA finalist for Long Contemporary. She had to miss the ceremony that year, however, as she was on her honeymoon with her husband…whom she met through a fellow RWA chapter member.
In addition to writing eleven bestselling suspense novels, Lisa has had three books turned into TV movies, including The Survivors Club which aired on CBS, starring Roma Downey. Yes, it was fun to watch. No, Lisa had no input on anything, but she did throw one heck of a party.
Her latest release, Say Goodbye, is available now. Lisa lives in New England with her husband, two highly spoiled dogs, one extremely neurotic cat and the world’s most stubborn small child.
http://www.lisagardner.com/
