Editors, columnists, interviewers & reviewers

Click here to learn more about authors who work at Myshelf and their books.

Barbara Buhrer (Reviewer)

I am a retired librarian with one son and two grandchildren.

Reviews: Mysteries, legal thrillers, espionage, regencies, historical, naval, true history

Beth McKenzie (Reviewer)

I am a Nuclear Engineer with fantasies of owning a B&B, training horses, and writing for fun. I am currently contracted to analyze and document the safety envelope for a nuclear enrichment facility in New Mexico. All of this technical writing and reviewing sure is handy, but there has to be more! I have been married for about 20 years to Don who is a Village Public Safety Officer in Western Alaska. Together we "share" a transient lifestyle with 4 horses, 5 dogs, as well as scads of cats and goldfish. I read almost anything I can get my hands on except terror-for-the-sake-of-terror type books. With the indulgence of the site coordinator I will be reviewing both fiction and non-fiction for Myshelf and pray that my efforts will add to your reading enjoyment.

Reviews: Various and some audiobooks

Beverly Rowe (Reviewer & Columnist: Babes to Teens)

Bev is the mother of 6, with 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She is a small business owner and internet enterpreneur who lives in the last frontier of Alaska, and loves to travel and write.

Reviews: Mystery/Suspense, horror, historical novels, children's books of all age levels... and hysterical novels, like like Janet Evanovich and Carl Hiaasen, and some nonfiction, especially history and biography.

Robert (Bob) Walch (Reviewer)

After spending nearly four decades in the classroom Bob Walch has "retreated" to his study where he reads, reviews and reminiscences about the good old days (the 1960s). 

Reviews: A wide range of things, from children's picture books to mysteries

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Brenda Weeaks (Owner, Audio Reviewer / Site Coordinator)

I'm married with two grown kids. I work full-time and run MyShelf.Com. I've earned a Bachelor degree in English and an Associate degree in American Sign Language. I chose to major in English because I love to read and write, BUT unlike most English majors I dislike BIG WORDS. Readers will find my reviews simple and honest. 

Reviews: Audio books of all kinds. Mystery: (Historical & British). Romance & some nonfiction.

Carmen Ferreiro-Esteban (Reviewer)

I was born in Galicia (Northern Spain), a land of rolling hills and green valleys surrounded by the ocean, thought in medieval times to be 'Finisterre,' the place where the world came to an end.

I have a Ph.D. in Biology and worked in research for over ten years. Currently I work as a freelance writer and translator (English <—>Spanish).

My YA fantasy Two Moon Princess about my experiences between Spain and the New World (California) was published in 2007 by Tanglewood Press. Its sequel, The King in the Stone, takes place in 718 Celtic Spain and is scheduled for publication in 2010.

I have also published four non-fiction books Heroin, Ritalin, Mad Cow Disease, and Lung Cancer (Chelsea House).

Be sure to visit my Web Site and Blog.

Reviews: When reading for fun, I read Young Adult, Historical Fiction and Fantasy.

Carol Ann Culbert Johnson (Reviewer and Columnist: Between the Pages)

I am the proud author of nineteen (19) short stories for Black Romance, Bronze Thrills, Jive Magazine, True Black Experience, Black Confessions and True Black Experience Magazines. My debut novel, I Confess was published/released on December 18, 2004 and my second novel, Everything and More will be published/released on January 16, 2006. I have about six more novels in progress. I am 43 years old, and I live in Oak Lawn, Illinois. My passion is writing and reading. My Website.

Reviews: Romances

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Carolyn Howard-Johnson (Reviewer, Columnist: Back to Literature)

I'm an author, teacher, speaker and mentor for other writers.

While my primary teaching role is as an instructor for UCLA Extension's Writers' Program, I have also shared my expertise at such venues as San Diego State's world renowned Writers' Conference and Call to Arts! EXPO. I love to travel and have studied writing myself at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom, Herzen University in St. Petersburg, Russia, and Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic.

I speak on culture, tolerance, writing and promotion—subjects I'm passionate about—and have appeared on TV and hundreds of radio stations nationwide. I was recently awarded Woman of the Year in Arts and Entertainment by the California Legislature and received my city's Ethics Award for my work in promoting tolerance.

My fiction, nonfiction and poems have appeared in national magazines, anthologies and review journals. Both my first novel, This is the Place, and my second book, Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered were award-winners. My "HowToDoItFrugally" series of self help books for writers, editors and booksellers includes USA Book News' Best Professional Book 2004 The Frugal Book Promoter, and, most recently, Great Little Last-Minute Editing Tips for Writers, which June Casagrande, syndicated column grammar guru and author of Grammar Snobs Are Great Big Meanies called "...more useful than Strunk and White." Magdalena Ball and I are currently involved in bringing out a Celebration Series of chapbooks offering poetry lovers an alternative to traditional cards at a similar price. The first releases are She Wore Emerald Then, Cherished Pulse and Imagining the Future. I've published an unrelated poetry chapbook titled Tracings. You can find my books through my website (below) and on Amazon.com.

I also mentor writers online through my Howtodoitfrugally.com website, which is filled with advice and resources for writers. You can find out more about my own literary work and interests at CarolynHoward-Johnson.com.

Reviews: Poetry, classics, biography, memoirs, and books for and about writers.

Claudia VanLydegraf (Reviewer)

I am a single mother of 3 adult children, grandmother of 2, live and have my own business in Reno, NV. I have one published book, Notes from Nobody, a book about the ramifications of adoption; currently being revised and getting ready to republish with a new publisher. A second book in the works, tentatively titled: Please SOMEONE Find Me, a True Crime cold case murder, from 1939 that is shaping up to be a real whodunit, and a genealogical book about my family history, From the Footprints of Kings in the works. I published a community newspaper (weekly) for 4 years called Coyote News. I am a jack of all trades, have been an avid reader all my life, and like most book types, however am not really keen on SciFi-Fant-Space-Alien type stuff. Prefer Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, things with the ring of truth and believability to them. Am honored to again be a recipient of inclusion in Marquis Who's Who in America for the 2nd year standing 2004 and 2005, and Marquis Who's Who in the World for the 1st year in 2005. Please see my websites: NotesfromNobody - www.marquiswhoswho.net/claudiabethturnervanlydegraf/ - AuthorsDen.com - My Den

Reviews: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Mysteries that have a bit of real history, like Clive Cussler, Novels like anything of the sort that Michner, Wouk, Colleen McCoullgh, Jean Auel, some crime novels that are based on true events, Leon Uris type books, Prefer real life type stories. Pretty open to most anything, except Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Space Ship stuff. No Erotica, please.

Cornelia Amiri (Review Editor)

My articles have have appeared in more than a dozen magazines and I write a monthly column for Savvy Click. I have two historical romance novels published with Awe-Struck E-books, The Fox Prince and One Heart, One Way. My third book, a paranormal romance, Danger is Sweet, will be released by Awe-Struck in the fall of 2004. One Heart, One Way was a 2004 Eppie finalist. I teach a monthly writing class at Leisure Learning in Houston, Texas.

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Deborah Adams (Reviewer)

Deborah Adams writes novels (the Jesus Creek mystery series) as well as short stories, non-fiction, and of course, reviews. Recently retired from a career in social services, she now devotes herself to reading, napping, and tending to her chickens.

Be sure to visit Deb's blog

Dennis Collins (Reviewer, Columnist: Between the Pages)

I am the author of two published mystery novels, The Unreal McCoy, and the second installment in this series, Turn Left at September. Another mystery, The First Domino, is currently making the rounds of literary agents in hopes of finding representation. There are three other full length projects in various stages of construction as well as plans for several more. My first short story, "Calvin," was a finalist in the Futures Magazine, "Twist," contest. I am also an avid motorcyclist and love any kind of speedsports. I am a big football fan as well. I live on the shore of Lake Huron about 100 miles north of Detroit. Be sure to visit my website

Note: The Unreal McCoy and Turn Left at September are now on Kindle.

Reviews: Mysteries

Elaine Broome (Reviewer)

I am an English teacher who loves nothing more than thinking about, talking about, and writing about books! Mysteries, science fiction, romance, nonfiction, poetry . . . . I crave them all and love nothing more than spending time in the company of old and new “friends” I’ve met in many years of reading. A very recent transplant from the sunshine and sand of Florida to the mountains and energy of Northern California, I can’t wait to see where this new adventure takes me. And, of course, there are new bookstores and new authors just waiting to be discovered.

Reviews: Mysteries, science fiction, romance, nonfiction, poetry . . . .

Elise Cooper (Reviewer)

Elise Cooper is a freelance author focusing on issues involving national and homeland security. Her articles have been published by various blogs, magazines and newsletters. She also does freelance book publicity for authors as well as writing book reviews and interviews with public figures and novelists.

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Jan Fields (Reviewer)

My stories and articles have appeared in such varied magazines as Highlights, Cricket, Ladybug, Teddy Bear and Friends, and Byline. I've written 20 storybooks that were marketed by a toy company as a companion for their collectable doll line. I'm an instructor and web editor for The Institute of Children's Literature and have written extensively on Children's Writing. I am the editor at Kid Magazine Writers. I have a middle grade novel coming out in 2008 as part of the Creative Girls Club with DRG publishing. For more about me and my writing, check my Website.

Reviews: Children, teen and young adult

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Jeanette Clinkunbroomer (Review editor)

For the last twenty years, I've made a living as a writer and editor, working primarily for trade journals, also doing some copywriting and public relations work. Since 1994, I've been freelancing as a business journalist and working on my first love -- fiction. My latest novel, published July 2003, is the memoir of a fictional Civil War journalist, Nick Canfield, covering his life both on and off the battlefield. I have a degree in English lit. and am an avid reader of history and historical fiction, love mystery/suspense (any kind), as well as that vast non-specific category called mainstream. Website

Jo Rogers (Reviewer)

I have written my first book and am looking for a publisher.

Reviews: General fiction, nonfiction,  fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, and clean romances

Jonathan Lowe (Columnist: Audio Buzz [The Lowe Down on Audio Books])

I'm tiptoeing into my mid 50s now, but have been writing since age 18. Have lived in Florida, S.C., and Arizona. As a reviewer, I've interviewed most of the major authors for XM Satellite radio, Audiobook Cafe, and Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores. Have been a judge in the Audie awards for seven years, and am also audiobook reviewer for Land Line trucking magazine, which is the premiere magazine for long-haul truckers.

Novels include Postmarked for Death, (a small press hardcover that was recorded by the legendary Frank Muller as Postal.), Awakening Storm (recorded by Barrett Whitener for Blackstone), Fame Island (recorded by Emmy winning actor Kristoffer Tabori), and Geezer, (a hardcover from Five Star.) People can sample three of these four (for free) in ebook format by going to Fictionwise.com, and clicking on "Free Ebooks" at the top, and then on "Ghost Rider." The audiobook versions are available at Audible.com, iTunes, and SimplyAudiobooks.com. (Also have two CDs of stories, Tall Tales for the Road and Oscar's Hijack.) As #6 says in The Prisoner, "be seeing you." (Or should I say, "be hearing you?")

Website: TowerReview
Blogs: AudiobooksToday.Blogspot.com and JonathanLowe.wordpress.com.

Laura Hinds (Reviewer)

Leslie Halpern (Reviewer)

I have worked as a newspaper editor, magazine columnist, advertising copywriter, technical editor, radio station publicist, and education coordinator for a Shakespearean acting company. I'm currently an entertainment writer, book and movie reviewer, and author of Reel Romance: The Lovers’ Guide to the 100 Best Date Movies, (Taylor Trade Publishing, 2004), a book that guides readers through a list of romantic movies that appeal to both sexes, and Dreams on Film (McFarland & Company, Inc., 2003), an in-depth analysis of sleeping and dreaming in more than 125 movies. My upcoming book Passionate About Their Work (BearManor Media) is a compilation of quotations and anecdotes about the creative process.

I received my M.L.S. degree from Rollins College and B.A. in Journalism from the University of Kentucky. I'm listed in Contemporary Authors (Thomson Gale) directory, and am a member of Poetry Ensemble of Orlando, Florida Freelance Writers Association, Professional Freelance Writers of Orlando, and Florida Writers Association.

Reviews: nonfiction: arts, entertainment, self-help, how-to, biography, writer's craft; fiction: romance, science fiction, mystery; also poetry.

Linda Morelli (Reviewer)

A member of Romance Writers of America (RWA) and Washington Romance Writers (WRW) since 1994, Linda has served the chapter as Vice President, chaired various committees, judged national and regional romance writing contests, and is a permanent judge in RWA's Golden Heart contest. Her other memberships include Author's Coalition, World Romance Writers, NUW (Not the Usual Way), Authors' Community and other online author / writers' groups. You can find out more about her by visiting her web site, called Linda's Place - A Site for Romance Readers and Writers.

Reviews: Romance, mystery, SF/fantasy, young adult and non-fiction (adoption/biographies)

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Linda Young (review editor and reviewer)

My name is Linda Young. I am currently living in West Valley City, UT. I moved here two years ago from Kansas. I've been a widow now for four years. I've been a read-a-holic since grade school. I love reading and loosing myself in the story. When I was in college, I started late at age 35, I received my AAS degree for Admin. Assistant. But, my love of history won out and I began my studies in that area. Things happened and I didn't get to finish. It didn't stop my love of learning.

I have 3 kids and 9 grandkids so far. I'll be 50 in March (2010), but I sure don't feel like it. I'm mostly confined to my home due to physical disabilities. Doing work like this at home is my saving grace. I love it. History is my first love, however, I also love historical romance, fantasy, and some sci-fi along with things by James Patterson and other crime novels.

I know this is going to be a wonderful adventure for me.

Reviews: historical romance, fantasy, and some sci-fi along with things by James Patterson and other crime novels

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Marcia Berneger (Reviewer, Review editor)

I am a freelance writer. I have a story appearing in Boys' Life Magazine's November issue, stories in several anthologies and magazines, including Through The Eyes of Love/Alzheimers and Highlights Magazine. I am also the bi-monthly Science columnist for Cecil Child Magazine. Additional information about me can be found at my website, www.freewebs.com/marciab

Reviews: Children, Teen, Young Adult

Maxine Thompson (Reviewer)

I’m an author, an editor, a freelance writer, a literary agent. I'm a book lover. I have been a literary agent since 2003, and an Internet Radio Show Host for authors since 2002.

I'm a mother of adult children, and a grandmother. I worked as a social worker in the inner cities of Detroit, then later Los Angeles, for twenty-three years. As an editor/writer, I draw on many of my life experiences.

My own books include non-fiction titles: How To Promote, Market and Sell Your Book Via eBook Publishing, The Hush Hush Secrets of Writing Fiction That Sells, and The Hush Hush Secrets of Creating a Life You Love. My fiction includes The Ebony Tree, which won a small PEN award, No Pockets in a Shroud, a short story collection titled A Place Called Home, and the recently released Hostage of Lies. My next novel, LA Blues, is due out in October 2010. I have also contributed to 5 anthologies: Proverbs for the People, Saturday Morning, Secret Lovers, All in the Family, and Never Knew Love Like This Before.

You can find out more about me and my work at MaxineThompson.com.

Reviews : I like women's fiction, memoirs, romance, mysteries, and books on the craft of writing.

Michael G'Francisco (Columnist: Behind the Fiction )

To the world I'm a man, To myself I'm a writer whose past endeavors are: A collection of souvenir booklets, a trilogy of spiritual poems, three published "whodunit" novels and presently, a non-fiction Chicago Gangster Chronicle (1833-1983).

You can find out more about me and my works at my website and my Secrets Blog

Nicole Merritt (Book and Audio book Reviewer)

Nicole is is the publisher of the Comfort Connection, a regional newspaper in the Hill Country of Texas. She has won the Texas by-line award and is a published author. "Sales and marketing are my background tools. Journalism is my love. As a freelance writer I am always into something new. Today I am a grant writer, tomorrow I may write a magazine article, the bottom line is that I write everyday. Being published is a bonus. Reading is an inspiration to write, so I read as much as I can. I am always learning new techniques and ideas. Controversial topics are always a welcomed read because they make one think."

Reviews: Non-fiction biographies/auto-biographies, journalism, suspense/thrillers, inspirational, self-help, and children's books.

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P.G. Forte (Review Editor and occasional reviewer)

Being a writer was always a given, I’ve been making up stories for as long as I can remember. Along the way, I've also held some interesting day jobs. I've been an admin, an editor, a manager, a cook, a garment worker, a meat packer, a film stylist, a kennel attendant, a nightclub promoter, a shipping clerk, a ghost writer, a respite caregiver and a minister…some of it contemporaneously.

I was raised in Fort Lee, New Jersey, where Route 80 begins, and migrated all the way to where it ends…almost. If you make a wrong turn on your way into San Francisco, you’ll wind up at the Berkeley Marina. Oh, yeah. I nearly forgot. I worked there, too.

Rachel A Hyde (UK Contact) (Reviewer)

If you live on another continent and want a review, I am the one to contact. I am writing my first novel, which is a Regency whodunit.

Rachel's Craft Blog

Reviews: Historical mysteries, historical fiction, westerns, fantasy/SF and historical romances.

Sylvia McClain (Reviewer)

Sylvia is currently a contributing writer for Equal Opportunity Publications. She conducts workshops on money management, self-publishing, and freelance writing. An author of a memoir titled Skipping Through Life, The Reason I Am, Ms McClain also published a book titled The Write Life: A Beginning Writer's Guide to Writing, Money Management, Publishing and Marketing. In 2007 she had stories published in three anthologies, Chicken Soup for the Soul in Menopause, Gumbo for the Soul: The Recipe for Literacy in the Black Community, and Eyes on Fire: Witnesses to the Detroit Riot of 1967 now used as a text book for history classes at Michigan State University. Please visit her web site at www.scribalpress.com

AFFILIATIONS:

American Business Women Association (ABWA)

Lake Shore, Lake Shore Chapter

Career Network Member, National Association of Female Executives

National Writers Union

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Willie Elliott (Reviewer and Columnist: Before the Title)

I am a retired English teacher (taught mostly American Lit.)

Was one of eight writing consultants for the state of Kentucky for 2 years.

Have a M.A. in English

Worked for a newspaper (Floyd County Times) for two years.

Had articles published in the Lexington (KY) Herald Leader.

Attended the Foxfire seminar one summer (this is the group that published the books Foxfire (about the heritage of people in and around Rabun Gap, Ga.)

Did a few reviews (mostly of Applachinan authors) while at the Times.

Attended one of the National Writing Projects (the Mountain Writing Project at Eastern Kentucky University at Richmond, KY