3RD ANNUAL DELAWARE BOOK FESTIVAL
DELAWARE AUTHORS' BIOGRAPHIES
Bruce Burgoyne - Bruce Burgoyne is married to Dr. Marie E. Burgoyne, and they have three grown sons. His education includes a Master of Arts degree in Social Science, from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. His employment has included twenty years of military service in the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and six years as a civilian intelligence officer with the U.S. Army. During his military and civilian service he lived six years in Germany during which time he attended German language school in Oberammergau and two moths of in-depth study. He lived in German households and underwent Berlitz, type training. His daily duties required interviewing and interrogating in German, which further developed his knowledge of the language. He began translating Hessian documents after a German friend suggested that I translate a pair of Herman language documents in the New York Public Library. His forty years of research on the role of the Hessians in the American Revolutionary War have taken him and his wife to various archives in England and Holland, as well as those in Germany and the United States. It has resulted in the translation of more than 35 major Hessian documents. His two most recent manuscripts are currently at the printers. They are titled, "These Were the Hessians" and "Aboard a Dutch Transport En Route to South Africa." "A Hessian Diary of the American Revolution," was published by the University of Oklahoma Press. Some of his other books were published by Heritage Books include "Enemy View", "18th Century America", and "Notes from the British Museum". He’s made Dover, Delaware his home since 1984. His website is: www.geocities.com/hessians1776
William A. Carter, Commander, U. S. Naval Reserve, Retired - William A. Carter was born in 1919 in rural Somerset County on the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland. He grew up on the Delmarva Peninsula and attended St. John's College, across the street from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, from which he graduated in 1940. He entered U.S. Naval Reserve officer training a few months later, embarking on a midshipman cruise aboard the old battleship U.S.S. New York to the Panama Canal Zone. Early in 1941, he returned to Annapolis to begin Naval officer training course at the U.S. Naval Academy. He was commissioned an ensign in May, 1941, after which he began an additional training course to become an Armed Guard officer.
It was in New London, Connecticut, in the months before the Japanese attack on the U.S. Naval base at Pearl Harbor on 7 December, 1941, and America's entry into the war, that he met and courted his future wife, Ann Whitmore, then a student at Connecticut College for Women.
In a book he published in 2008, Dr. Carter recounts his experiences in Convoy P.Q. 17 and its aftermath. He details the evasive action his ship and several others took in their efforts to escape the Germans. Many months later, Carter later learned that he had been awarded the Silver Star medal and his crew awarded Naval citations for their heroic actions in defense of their ship and the PQ 17 convoy.
He returned home and married Ann, who, he was greatly relieved to learn, had waited for him. Dr. Carter settled with his family in southern Delaware where he has led a full and active life Following his semi-retirement, he returned to college and earned a Ph.D. in government and education at the age of seventy-nine. Now nearing his 90th birthday, and a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Bill and his wife, Ann, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on April 12, 2008.
Jan Churchill - Jan Churchill is a former airline pilot, air show pilot, and flight instructor, and one of the first inductees into the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame. She is the former president of the Delaware Aviation Memorial Foundation, and presently serves on the Board of The Delaware Military Museum. In additional to numerous newspaper and magazine articles, she is the author of a number of books including Classified Secret, Hit My Smoke, On Wings To War, and The New Labrador Retriever. Her most recent work is the national award winning From Delaware To Everywhere - New Castle Army Air Base and New Castle County Airport. Churchill received a grant from the Delaware Heritage Commission for From Delaware to Everywhere. www.janchurchill.com
Joseph Crossen - Joseph Crossen is an educator and baseball fan who lives in Dover with his wife, Sharon with whom he teaches an Advance Placement English course. They have four children--Jude, Josha, Quinn, and Maurya--and are expecting their first grandchild. Originally from McKeesport, PA, Joseph is the oldest of thirteen children. His is a graduate of Gannon University and holds a doctorate in education from the State Univeristy of New York at Buffalo. His book, illustrated by Rosetta Roach, tells the story in rhyme of Negro League Baseball and the integration of the major leagues, which represents a specific interest within his overall love of baseball. He has published poetry and is currently working on a novel based on the life of Eugene Bullard, Americal's first black fighter pilot, who was also an entrepeneur and freedom fighter who was highly decorated by France but was unknown in his native land.. Joseph can be reached at jcrossen44@aol.com.
Dean Ferrin - Dean Ferrin, president of Tower Book Press, is a lifelong resident and native Delawarean. A member of the Sons of the American Revolution, he is an author and avid reader whose interests include military history, literature, computers, historic preservation, sewing period hats and clothing. His first book, "Bold Women" was inspired by the search for interesting female role models to share with his daughter but now has been read and enjoyed by adults and teachers as well as students.
Melanie Ferrin - Melanie Ferrin started with a background in the architectural field and moved into being an author/illustrator. She designs and maintains her own web site called sabahgirl.com featuring her artwork, books and more. She is the author/illustrator of four Paper Doll books including two of famous Asian personalities, Zhang Ziyi and the late Anita Mui. Her paper doll books range from traditional paper doll illustrations to fantasy/adventure short stories, where story characters come to life into playable paper dolls in: "Bird of Passage" and "Dish of Destiny".
KB Inglee - KB Inglee writes historical fiction including mystery stories for adutls and kids. Several of her short stories appear in anthologies. Her novel, Farmer's Daughter, Miller's Son is about the Philips family of New Castle County and is set in 1816. She is an hisotrical interpreter, teaching people what it was like to live in the Early Republic when people were trying to figure out what it meant to be an American. She is currently working on a biography of Oliver Evans and a kids' book about the Civil War in Delaware City. She lives in Elsmere.
Darnyelle A. Jervey - Born with a story in her spirit, Darnyelle began writing at the age of ten when she started her first journal. Her love for the pen was cultivated while in 9th grade English with Ms. Jane McFann at Glasgow High School. Darnyelle went on to win several literary contests as a junior and senior before attending the University of Delaware on a full scholarship to study English: Literary Studies and Business and Technical Writing.
As an adult, Darnyelle’s love for the pen continued, yet she allowed life to prevent her from pursuing her passion. As a result of a prophetic word in 2006 that she was going to heal and win souls to Christ as a world-renowned author, she began to sift through the short stories, poems and books she’d written while in college. What made this word so significant is that no one in attendance knew of her love of writing and secret desire to one day be an author, To God be the Glory!
Finally in April 2008, she sat down to write her literary debut, a memoir: If You Understood My Past, You Would Understand My Praise, which she finished just two short months later.
Currently, she is working on two projects, a Christian fiction novel, A Quick Work and a devotional/inspirational book, The Incredible You: Unleashing God’s Word to Empower Passion Abundance Confidence and Expectation in Your Life. Look for both books and much more for Darnyelle in the New Year.
You can find Darnyelle's web site at www.incredibleoneenterprises.com.
Brenda K. Jones - Brenda has a thirty year career in the medical profession. Her interest in WWII came when her father served in the South Pacific and her mother served as a private duty nurse at home. Although this is Brenda’s first novel she is published in numerous short works. She and her husband, a retired university professor, live in Dover, Delaware. The title of Brenda’s book is "Nurses Under Fire": You may contact the author at P.O. Box 980, Dover, DE 19903 or at bamosjones@dmv.com.
L. S. King - L. S. King is a science fiction and fantasy writer with one book, several published short stories, a column on writing, and an ongoing monthly serial story to her credit. When on the planet, this mother and grandmother lives in Felton Delaware with her husband Steve, homeschools their youngest child, and also works as a gymnastics coach. In her non-existent spare time she enjoys gardening, soap making, reading, and online gaming. She also likes Looney Tunes, the color purple, and is a Zorro aficionado, which might explain her love of swords and cloaks. You may contact her through her website: http://loriendil.com.
Nancy E. Lynch - Author-journalist Nancy E. Lynch started her writing career as a staff reporter for The (Wilmington, Del.) News Journal. After several years as a freelance writer for regional publications, the University of Delaware graduate teamed with acclaimed photographer Kevin Fleming to produce six coffee table books with Delaware themes. She lives on Broad Creek in historic Bethel, Del.
Roger Allen Martin - Married to former Adelaide Florence Naylor, Millville, NJ, 1960, Two daughters, currently residing in Middletown, DE
- Grew up, Laurel, DE, Laurel High School, 1952
- US Army, Counter Intelligence Corps, Munich, Germany, 1954-57
- University of Delaware, B. A., German/Political Science, 1961
- University of Delaware, M. A., German, 1972
- Retired teacher of history, Latin, German, French, Spanish, Middletown High School, 1973-1996
- Delaware State Senate from Newark, 1972-1994, elected in 1972, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1984, 1988, 1992; Democrat Majority Leader, 1977-78; 1994
- Publications (mostly privately published):
- 1984 - A History of Delaware Through Its Governors, 1776-1984
- 1991 - Tales of Delaware
- 1993 - Delaware's Medal of Honor Winners
- 1995 - Memoirs of the Senate
- 1997 - Elbert N. Carvel (for Delaware Heritage Commission)
- 1998 - Sherman W. Tribbitt (for Delaware Heritage Commission)
- 2000 - In Our Midst
- 2002 - Tales of Delaware, 2nd Edition
- 2003 - Delawareans In Congress, Vol. I
- Affiliations:
- Past Board Member, Delaware Historical Society
- Past Board Member, Preservation Delaware
- Past President, Friends of Delaware Archives
- Veterans of Foreign Wars
- American Legion
- Member, Fort Delaware Society
- Board Member, Corbit-Calloway Library, Odessa
- Past Board Member, Pencader Charter School, Newark
- Hobbies: Music, mostly classical; reading, writing local history; travel (been to all 50 states and Europe twice.)
Devon Miller-Duggan - Devon Miller-Duggan has had poems in Shenandoah, The Indiana Review, Harpur Palate, U. S. Catholic, and a a variety of magazines. She's won an Academy of American Poets Prize, the Glascock Intercollegiate Poetry Prize, an Individual Artist Fellowship from the DSAC, and an editor's prize in Margie. She teaches and advises for the Honors Program at the University of Delaware. Her first book, Pinning the Bird to the Wall has just been published by Tres Chicas Press. She lives in Newark with her husband, her mother, the younger of her two daughters, and too many cats.
Viney Loretta Moore - I am an African American female writer of many genres, residing in Dover, Delaware. I'm married, the mother of three, and grandmother of eight. I'm the author of FROM A NARROW PATH, with two more novels on the way: NOT A PICNIC and THE LIGHT OF DAY. I have had poetry and other creative works published as well. As a playwright several of my dramas and musicals have been full productions. (Presently, two of my plays are in the hands of theatres-in Philadelphia, PA and Roanoke, VA.) Ghostwriting is another area in which I work. I have a college degree in English, have received literary and theatrical recognition and awards, I belong to an honor society and other laudable organizations, and I volunteer in my community and my church. My interests include writing, reading, music and attending theatre and concerts, and some involvement with outdoor activities. My next writing project keeps me busy.
FROM A NARROW PATH by Loretta Moore can be purchased at: http://www.publishamerica.com or Waldenbooks, Borders, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com or purchased at the following address: Publish America, P.O. Box 151, Frederick, MD 21705
Abdullah Rashid Muhammad - Abdullah Rashid Muhammad was born in Georgetown, South Carolina. In June 1969, he graduated from Baltimore City College High School, as a merit scholar, and then, completing credits early, graduated cum laude from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, where he majored in Government and English. Continuing his growing interest in history at Bowdoin, Mr. Muhammad became the curator for the college's first Black History Library. Over the years, Mr. Muhammad continued his education, adding professional development and other credits before receiving in 1996 a M.A. degree, with a concentration in teaching the deaf, from Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York. Then, in 2001, he obtained a M.Ed. degree in Supervision and Administration from Bank Street College of Education, New York, New York.
In 2006, he developed and published the Delaware History Calendar, 2007-2012. As a result of those efforts, the calendar became the number one selling calendar in Delaware within two months. The Delaware History Calendar, 2007-2012, is a great educational tool.
His book is essentially an expansion of the calendar and consists of background facts and information that could not be placed in the format of a calendar. Mr. Muhammad also included historical facts that could not be assigned specific dates. As such, it is a more comprehensive and useful tool for serious research purposes, and I suspect that it shall soon become a quick reference, cross-reference, and resource for finding information about this small but very productive state and its famous people, in the making of this nation and in establishing itself among the states. Students, teachers, historians, and other inquisitive people with a penchant for knowing historical facts, significant or trivial, will want this book in their collection.
Not only does he write about history, but also he lives it. On June 17, 2007, at the Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard, Mr. Muhammad played the part of Black Anthony (the first recorded African in Delaware) during an historical reenactment in the opening of the New Sweden Centre, which recently elected him to their board.
Mr. Muhammad is single and currently resides in Northeast Wilmington.
Vanessa D. Nesbit - Vanessa D. Nesbit is a writer and published author of a book of poetry titled, "Fairy Tales and Stranger Love" (Publish America, LLP). A native New Yorker, she draws upon personal experiences growing up in East Elmhurst, as the 5th of six children born to a working-class family, for inspiration. Common themes found within her poetry and short stories include self-reflection, social and inner conflict, transformation, and the connection between God, nature, and relationships. Vanessa received an MBA from Goldey-Beacom College, and a B.S. degree in Management from Wesley College. Currently, she resides in Dover, Delaware, employed in research administration at Delaware State University. Additionally, Vanessa operates a boutique-variety, strategic business communications group (For Internal Affairs, Inc.), which allows her to utilize her passion and talent for writing and communication to assist clients with public relations, marketing, and technical writing challenges.
She can be reached by email at vnesbit@gmail.com.
John Reardon - John Reardon is a retired U.S.Air Force Reserve navigator, and has been a Dover resident for thirty five years, having come from Wilmington. After he inherited a number of civil war items, which he knew nothing about, his research led to a good bit of information about his great grandfather. He here shares his research with the next generation of the descendants of Lt. William O'Connor, a Civil War officer in the 13th Pa Cavalry. The Lieutenant's experiences took him from Harper's Ferry and the Shenandoah Valley, through the southern prison pens, parole and a return to duty in the very area where he had been a prisoner.
Lt. O'Connor had moved from Philadelphia to Wilmington after the Civil War and his descendants, mostly in that area, now number around sixty or seventy. It was for them that the material was originally gathered - partly the story of a civil war soldier as told by his mementos, partly the civil war in general and partly the story of the research and the family.
Others too may be interested in tracing the lieutenant's service record from before Bull Run to after Appomattox. . He was an Irish immigrant, a ninety day man, a Sergeant Major, a dragoon, a lieutenant, a survivor and a veteran.
John Riddle - John Riddle is a freelance writer and author from Bear, Delaware. His byline has appeared in major newspapers, magazines, Web sites and trade journals all across the country. He is the author of 34 books and has worked as a ghostwriter on numerous projects. John is also the Founder of I Love To Write Day, a grassroots campaign he launched in 2002 to have people of all ages practice writing every November 15. Last year over 20,000 schools all across the United States held special I Love To Write Day events and activities. He is a frequent speaker at both Christian and secular writing conferences, and recently appeared at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. You can learn more about John by visiting www.ilovetowriteday.org.
Rosetta F. Roach - I am a strong believer in God and any honor given to me is a blessing from Him. I am a native Delawarean and I graduated from Delaware State College in 1981, with a BA in Art Education K-12. Later in my teaching career, I returned to Delaware State University and earned a MA in Education Curriculum and Instruction. I have been teaching visual arts for over twenty five years. I am currently teaching Visual Arts at Central Middle School. God has blessed me with the ability to have patience with children and He has given me skill and talent to share with everyone. I enjoy my job and love creating with every avenue found under the "Arts" umbrella.
I am the wife of Charles Sr. and we have been married for 26 years. I have two wonderful sons, Charles and Raymond. And I also have three great joys, my grandsons. I am a member of Calvary Baptist Church and I enjoy working with the youth there. God is my strength and He directs my path daily.
As an artist, I experienced the joy of many art media. I realize that I can not claim just one art discipline. I love drawing, painting, sculpturing, and ceramics. Creating a work of art is wonderful, stimulating, and challenging to the mind. Everyone needs to be challenged to "think creatively" and expand their critical thinking skills. Art is a necessary part of life and as a society we could not function without it.
Dorothy Robinson - Dorothy Robinson, age 29, is an internationally published writer and columnist for Metro newspapers. She is a native of Georgetown, DE and graduated from Sussex Central High School. She now lives in New York City.
Review from "Mr. Book Reader":
Dating, is by nature, kind of horrible. The authors recognize that and have written accordigly, producing a one of a kind book on dating that everyone can identify with. At turns hilarious, insightful and blunt, "Dating Makes You Want to Die" is a book that people in any stage of a relationship should read. Based more in commone sesnse and hard-won wisdom than boring research, it reads like one of the most intersting 3 a.m. bar conversations about dating you've ever had. Even if you're past the dating stage of life, are hapily committeed or even married, this book will become therapy for you traumatized soul. Robinson and Holloway have really tapped into the zieggeist with this one. It's the perfect dating book for the post-dating world, and I guarantee you won't find a more fun recent non-fiction book out there.
Christy Shaffer - Christy Shaffer of Dover has been illustrating children's books for more than 12 years. Her primary publisher has been Dover Publications, Inc., in New York, for whom she has created a variety of memorable characters, from dragons and unicorns to carousel horses and dinosaurs. She is currently working on her 37th book on fairies for Dover. In January of last year, she and her son Garret unveiled their new project: fantasy art prints. She can be reach at fantasypets@gmail.com. To purchase prints and or signed books.
Ray Sikes - Ray Sikes teaches English at Delaware Technical & Community College. His stories, essays, and poems have been published in various print and web publications, and he is the author of Blues for a Dime Store Guitar, a novel, and the non-fiction Keeping It Between the Ditches: Living the Christian Life. He speaks to various groups about writing, Christian spirituality, and family life. Making his home in Townsend, Delaware, with his wife and three children, he likes to fish, hunt, play bass guitar, and listen to good music.
Virginia C. Seeney - Virginia C. Seeney is a financial educational counselor who is finally living her dream - to write children’s books.
She was born in Pennsylvania and later moved to Newark, Delaware, where she currently resides. Part of Ms. Seeney’s life was spent at home raising her two children, Micah and Kennya, which she has always regarded as one the most important careers a person can have. She worked in the School Bookstore and substituted for teachers.
Later, she received her Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Wilmington University and embarked on a career in Human Resource Management. With an insatiable appetite for learning and an entrepreneurial spirit, Ms. Seeney obtained her Series 6 and 63 licenses to enter the Financial Services field.
A change of events allowed Ms. Seeney the opportunity to publish her first children’s book, A SUMMER SURPRISE. This is a story about two children who visit their uncle’s farm for two weeks as part of their summer tradition. There, they enjoy the wonderful surroundings of orchards, pastures and the beautiful Chesapeake Bay. They also enjoy riding and grooming the horses. However, this visit is very different. A mysterious chain of events occur that leads to a challenging situation for our young hero. The story depicts the management of new situations children have to face when the unexpected occurs. And, at the same time, it promotes a special care for animals. Beautifully illustrated and filled with excitement, A SUMMER SURPRISE is highly recommended reading for the entire family. It is available in paperback online at Amazon.com, Borders, and Barnes and Noble websites.
For additional information please visit asummersurprise@comcast.net or call 1-302-368-4208.
Christina Weaver - Christina Weaver and her husband, Ike, moved to Bethany Beach, DE in 1998 after she retired early with a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. She self-published Delaware I Sing of Thy Shore, a book of her poetry and photographs in 2002 and has written numerous articles for local newspapers and magazines on healthcare, entertainment and interesting people. Her most recent book, What You Lose on the Roundabout, you gain on the swings, is a roller-coaster memoir with a surprise ending. It was a 2008 finalist in the Relationship category of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards and has become a popular selection for discussion at book clubs.
During her career as a nurse executive and healthcare technology consultant, Ms Weaver wrote extensively for professional journals and was a speaker at many conferences across the country. She is the proud Granny of four little granddaughters.
Nancy Rose Wissinger - Nancy Rose Wissinger, a country girl from Central Illinois, graduated from Illinois State University and is a retired elementary school teacher and a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries. A mother and grandmother who enjoys classical music, college basketball, and collecting real bird nests. I live with my husband Blaine in Townsend, Delaware.
The title of my book is Under His Wings: Devotionals for Bird Lovers. A few years ago I began to see that there are many lessons from the bird world that apply to scripture and spiritual truths. Jesus told us to "consider the birds"--this book encourages the reader to do just that. Science, music, bird lore, poetry, and humor are used to illustrate biblical truths.
