Grayslake AuthorFest

Grayslake AuthorFest We bring together local authors, readers, and aspiring writers. Save the Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026

Grayslake Arts AllianceW. S. “Bill” Reed is a graduate of Northwestern University and the University of Chicago and ...
06/04/2026

Grayslake Arts Alliance

W. S. “Bill” Reed is a graduate of Northwestern University and the University of Chicago and is a retired engineer. He has had a lifelong interest in illustration and cartooning, and had a business for a time in the 1990s making animations. Bill’s interest in children’s literature took root while reading nightly to his four children.

He found himself drawn to middle-grade science fiction with a touch of humor. Recently, when asked why middle-grade, Bill thought about it and answered that inside, he still thinks like an 11-year-old.

Bill lives in Grayslake with his wife, Kathy. He is a member of the Grayslake Arts Alliance and SCBWI. To date, he has completed two middle-grade novels and has four published short stories. Bill is also an illustrator with two published books to his credit.

Grayslake AuthorFest 2026 is Saturday, July 18, in downtown Grayslake, Illinois.

Grayslake Arts AllianceSherri Jolie Fowler is an Illinois-based author, speaker and caregiver whose memoir tells the...
06/04/2026

Grayslake Arts Alliance

Sherri Jolie Fowler is an Illinois-based author, speaker and caregiver whose memoir tells the true story of her daughter Monica’s 16-year battle with anorexia nervosa. After Monica’s passing in 2010, Sherri began sharing her family’s journey with schools, colleges and nursing programs to raise awareness about eating disorders, early warning signs and compassionate support for families. Her work transforms profound loss into education, advocacy, and hope – helping others feel less alone and encouraging earlier intervention.

Grayslake AuthorFest 2026 is Saturday, July 18, in downtown Grayslake, Illinois.

Grayslake Arts AllianceShelly Pettibone - Author is the author of three inspiring books that chronicle her journey o...
06/04/2026

Grayslake Arts Alliance

Shelly Pettibone - Author is the author of three inspiring books that chronicle her journey of faith, prayer, depression and anxiety and hope and healing. She is a speaker sharing her healing testimony with the message that anything is possible with God through prayer. Trained as a spiritual director, Shelly finds deep joy in guiding women toward a more intimate and joy-filled relationship with Jesus. She meets one-on-one with women to help them find healing through Jesus' love and power. Shelly lives in the suburbs of Chicago with her husband of 41 years. When she's not spending time with and delighting in her family, you'll find her serving in prayer ministry, her church' s food pantry, quilting, swimming or boating on the lake she loves to call home.

www.shellypettibone.net

Grayslake AuthorFest 2026 is Saturday, July 18, in downtown Grayslake, Illinois.

George Adamczyk is a lifelong Chicago area resident. He created his own comic book, “Scape Goatman,” which sold 300 c...
06/03/2026



George Adamczyk is a lifelong Chicago area resident. He created his own comic book, “Scape Goatman,” which sold 300 copies at his first ever convention. George now writes collections of short horror stories, which have more than 100 five-star reviews on Amazon. He also writes comic strips for the “A Kid and A Comic” newspaper.

Grayslake AuthorFest 2026 is Saturday, July 18, in downtown Grayslake, Illinois.

Kerri Connor Author has been walking the witch’s path for four decades, blending deep spiritual practice with a down-...
06/03/2026



Kerri Connor Author has been walking the witch’s path for four decades, blending deep spiritual practice with a down-to-earth, approachable teaching style. As High Priestess of The Gathering Grove — a nonprofit, earth-based spiritual organization — she has spent more than 20 years building community, guiding ritual and helping others discover their own magic.

Author of multiple books on modern witchcraft, meditation and plant-based spirituality, Kerri’s work focuses on making sacred practice accessible, honest and empowering. Her writing has been featured in well-known pagan publications and annuals, and she continues to be a respected voice in contemporary witchcraft.

A University of Wisconsin graduate and two-time cancer survivor, Kerri lives in northern Illinois with her family, where she writes, teaches and practices the craft she’s loved for a lifetime.

www.KerriConnor.com

Grayslake AuthorFest 2026 is Saturday, July 18, in downtown Grayslake, Illinois.

Rob Mortell is from McHenry, where he cultivated a passion for fantastical worlds beyond strip malls and cornfields. ...
06/03/2026



Rob Mortell is from McHenry, where he cultivated a passion for fantastical worlds beyond strip malls and cornfields. Rob has had a love for stories and storytelling since childhood. There’s just something about a mysterious and magical world – any chance to see magic, dragons or sword fights.

He is happily married with three amazing kids. One day, Rob hopes his kids will be able to enjoy the stories and world he has created for them. He has a degree in journalism from Eastern Illinois University and works in marketing and advertising in the building material supply industry when not writing.

www.robmortell.substack.com

Grayslake AuthorFest 2026 is Saturday, July 18, in downtown Grayslake, Illinois.

Lazy Bombshell AKA Heather Curlee Novak, writes spicy, suspenseful stories packed with humor, unexpected twists, real...
06/02/2026



Lazy Bombshell AKA Heather Curlee Novak, writes spicy, suspenseful stories packed with humor, unexpected twists, real life locations and unforgettable characters who feel like lifelong friends. Heather adores all things sparkly, cheeky and mischievous – qualities that shine through in her work.

When she’s not crafting tales of intrigue and laughter, Heather enjoys motivational speaking and draws inspiration from her years in customer service, sales training and troubleshooting. Her professional experience fuels her ability to weave relatable, dynamic stories that resonate with readers.

Happily married to her real-life Prince Charming, John, Heather cherishes time with their two fascinating daughters, whom they encourage to live boldly and authentically. She lives each day passionately, striving to “live her love out loud” and bring joy, humor and a touch of spice to everything she does.

www.HeatherCurleeNovak.com

Grayslake AuthorFest 2026 is Saturday, July 18, in downtown Grayslake, Illinois.

Victoria Hamel, Romance Author’s love of writing began in grade school, where she won an award for a Mother’s Day ess...
06/02/2026



Victoria Hamel, Romance Author’s love of writing began in grade school, where she won an award for a Mother’s Day essay. She spent the better part of her childhood with her head in a book. In high school, Victoria wrote love stories for her friends in which they’d meet their favorite bands or the movie star they had a crush on. Suffice it to say, she was writing fanfiction before fanfiction was a thing. After spending many years starting and stopping writing in various genres, Victoria returned to her high school roots and decided to write romance.

Victoria lives in the Chicago area with her husband, three college-age kids and Bowie the dog. She has run three marathons and, based on that experience, feels qualified to say that reviewing her manuscript for errors was a more arduous task than literally running a marathon. She is a member of the Chicago North Romance Writers Group. When she isn’t writing, Victoria volunteers for local Democrat candidates, watches K-Dramas or can be found blogging.

www.VictoriaHamelAuthor.com

Grayslake AuthorFest 2026 is Saturday, July 18, in downtown Grayslake, Illinois.

Lisa Sukenic is a poet, author and fifth grade teacher at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. Her fiction a...
06/01/2026



Lisa Sukenic is a poet, author and fifth grade teacher at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. Her fiction and poetry appear in “Everyday Haiku” and Off Campus Writers anthologies.

Prior to publication, Lisa’s middle-grade historical novel-in-verse, “Miles from Motown,” placed first in the 2016 SCBWI-IL Prairie Writers Day Manuscript Contest and was named a finalist in the 2019 Kraken Book Prize contest. “Miles from Motown” was named a 2022 Notable by the Library of Michigan.

www.LisaSukenic.com

Grayslake AuthorFest 2026 is Saturday, July 18, in downtown Grayslake, Illinois.

D Williams, Author is a retired 45-year-old Puerto Rican wife and mother of three, plus one bonus daughter. Originall...
06/01/2026



D Williams, Author is a retired 45-year-old Puerto Rican wife and mother of three, plus one bonus daughter. Originally from New York City, she now lives a quiet life in the south suburbs of Chicago. D. enjoys reading and writing romance and erotic fiction. She is addicted to coffee, scifi, all things Marvel and the Harry Potter fandom.

www.dwilliamsauthor.com

Grayslake AuthorFest 2026 is Saturday, July 18, in downtown Grayslake, Illinois.

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