A former academic, Bill is the award-winning author of five novels and three sets of short stories. He focuses on contemporary adult fiction. Many of his stories take place in the fictitious Central Valley town of Mañana. Over a dozen of his stories have appeared in anthologies or online magazines. Visit his website at billvanpatten.net. 

John Britto is a charter member of the San Joaquin Valley Branch of the California Writers Club. He has published in the anthologies of the University of Pacific and Delta College and the soon-to-be released Great Valley Stories. He writes novels, novellas, and short stories, with a focus on both contemporary and historical fiction. 

Pam Van Allen draws on her background as a psychologist to construct rock and roll stories of intrigue featuring protagonists who cope with painful emotions. Dr. Van Allen’s fourth book, Silent Voices Calling, launches an epic science fiction series, Secret Messages. As an editor and formatter, she works with independent authors to aid their self-publishing. Visit her at Whizzits Press.

Charity is often writing even when she isn’t typing away. For her, writing is simply a way of processing the world, whether with poetry, fiction, essays, or simple notations. However, to be a writer it is best to be a part of a writing community. Having moved to the region during the pandemic, she found SJVW, participating first through Zoom and now in person. She encourages writers to take the step and join the supportive community – even with different goals, everyone benefits from encouragement and guidance.