DFP and Kittycat Authors

Terri Branson earned a degree in math and science before turning her efforts toward the study of creative writing. In addition to being a graphics artist and an editor, she is an award-winning author who has sold feature articles on the craft of writing. She is a member of Author's Den, OWFI, SCBWI, and Web Writing Wonders. Publications include: A Very Dragon Christmas, Brother Dragon, Mirror of the Carousel, Pete, the Peacock, Goes to Town, Tyler on the Moon, Cosmic Sculpture, Dragon's Blood (2010), Dragon's Den, Musk Rain, and Prairie Fire.

K. (Keith) Allen Cross is a retired Navy veteran who served in the submarine force. While in the USN, he wrote humorous articles for unofficial ships' newspapers. Other hobbies include ultra-light airplanes, electronics, and becoming involved with a good book. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife, Susan. His fantasy novels Flight of the Hellcat and its sequel Resurrection of the Hellcat are both available from DFP Books.

Pat Gaines worked 22 years in the Lincoln County, Oklahoma courthouse until her retirement in 2003. She loves to teach the Bible, read, and watch movies. She and her husband, Jerry, have two children and three grandchildren. Her interest in American history has inspired her to bring Amos Hannah's journal to the world. Publications include The Journal of Amos Hannah (2005 Non-Fiction) and O. O. Octopus: The Sheriff of Blue Ribbon Sound (2008 Children's Picture Book).

Judy Goodspeed, a graduate of East Central State College in Oklahoma, was a Junior High School teacher and coach for thirty years. She has been a contributing writer for The Wewoka Times and has written articles for Outdoor Oklahoma, Good Old Days, and The Ketchpen. Judy is a member of the PAWS and OWFI. Publications include: Cowboy Sweethearts, Perky Turkey Finds a Friend, Perky Turkey's 4th of July Adventure, Perky Turkey's Perfect Plan, and Saddle Up.

Paula Blais Gorgas lives in Oklahoma with her husband Chet, a retired Navy Commander turned pro-golfer. Together they have four grown sons and nearly a dozen grandchildren. Paula has worked as an NSA intelligence analyst and as a children's librarian. Fiction publications include: Dreamtime, Earth Magic, and Other Worlds. Children's picture book publications include: Little Lost Leprechaun and The Perfect Purple Present.

Karin (K. D.) Huxman majored in Biology in college and received her commission in the Air Force upon graduation. She traded in her captain's rank for motherhood, when she married fellow Air Force officer, Jay. Mother of three, she is a published novelist and a poet. In 2001, Karin was awarded a Master of Fine Arts degree in Writing from Norwich University. She has taught writing at the community college level and has worked as an elementary school librarian. Children's picture book titles include: Dragon Talk and Grizzelda Gorilla (EPPIE 2008 Best Children's Book).

Chet Taylor is a Navy veteran and a graduate of Oklahoma City University with a degree in fine arts. As well as having a career in radio, newspaper, and television sales, he has twenty years experience in freelance 2-D animation for television commercials. He is the artist for several children's picture books. He is the author and artist for the children's picture book Last, But Not Least released in 2004 from Kittycat Books.

Dr. Jackie Wilks has a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, a Master of Arts in Teaching, and a Ph.D. in Brain Based Learning. She has been an elementary school teacher and a counselor. She served as the Horsemanship Instructor at St. Gregory's College and was the volunteer director of Development for the National Institute for Development Delays, and has served as the Baptist Collegiate Ministry Director at OBU. In 2004, she opened the Harvest Farms Therapeutic Riding Center. She is the co-author of the children's picture book Mirror of the Carousel.

Authors are listed in alphabetical order. Click on book titles to read more and to find purchase links. See the EVENTS & NEWS page for new releases, appearances, and other news.

Kristen Collier is a critically acclaimed Christian novelist, a columnist for several newspapers, and a feature writer for The Chronicle of the Horse magazine. Visit her website for a full list of publications. Joy the Jellyfish (2007) is her first children's book on the Kittycat Books label.

Carol Davis Gustke was an author, a part-time lay hospital chaplain, and mother of
four grown boys. Carol passed away in the summer of 2009. Our condolences go out to her husband, Art, and all of her family and friends. Carol's children's picture book, An Angel's First Job (illustrated by Kim Sponaugle) was released April 2008.

C. E. Walz (aka Carolyn Kramlich) is a children�s book author, as well as an educator. She teaches English and chairs a middle school English department. In her spare time, she likes to birdwatch, hike, play the saxophone, and write--but not all at the same time! A native Georgian, C. E. Walz lives in Georgia with her husband and son. Publications include the following children's picture books from Kittycat Books: Alley Loo (2009) and Swamp Lullaby (2010).

Donna M. Zappala is a children's book author and a teacher. She recently completed her master's degree in mathematics education for grades kindergarten through sixth. She resides in New Jersey with her husband Adrian, a university administrator, and their three young girls. Publications include the children's picture book Albert's Perfect Pet due in 2009 from Kittycat Books.

Lori Z. Scott is an author and an elementary school teacher. When it comes to surviving everyday life, she depends on faith, family, friends, and fun. You can find all four of these elements in most of her over 75 short stories, poems, puzzles, articles, and book publications. Publications include the 2009 children's picture book Al, the Spotted Zebra (illustrated by Chet Taylor) available now from Kittycat Books.

Lori Calabrese focuses on parenting in both her personal and professional life. She has a bachelor's degree in Communications from St. John's University in Queens, New York, and is a graduate of The Institute of Children's Literature. She is also a member of The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Lori lives in Connecticut with her husband, two sons, and two guinea pigs named Up and Down. The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade was the 2009 DFP Awards Best Children's Book Winner and will be published on the Kittycat Books label in 2010. For more information visit: www.loricalabrese.com.