Attending Authors
Brent McGregor
Brent McGregor is the author of BLOOD TIDE and STRANGE MURMURINGS, and winner of the 2024 Asylumfest Mayday Hills Ghost Story Competition. His short fiction has appeared in Midnight Echo (issues 18 and 20). Born and raised on Sydney’s North Shore, on the edge of Ku-ring-Gai National Park, he grew up surrounded by stark bushland and jagged sandstone cliffs—a landscape that still fuels his vivid imagination. He enjoys spinning tales of terror and make-believe. His short stories involve the supernatural, cursed garden gnomes, midnight hauntings, and cryptids, among other things. He is a self-proclaimed book nerd, and when he’s not working or playing Dad, he’s often found tapping away at a haunted typewriter, talking with imaginary characters, while laughing maniacally.
Horror
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D.M. Henderson
D.M. Henderson is a happily married mum of 2 from rural Australia. She has 2 cavoodles and a toothless cat. She loves cheese, wine, coffee, board games, and chaotic dance parties. You will often find her with her nose in a book (or her kindle) and a cosy blanket. Her first dive into the world of erotic romance were the ‘Divas’ novels by Rebecca Chance. After joining the ‘Bookstagram’ community as an influencer during her maternity leave, she was quickly enamoured with indie authors, and the romance genre which prompted her to write her debut, Fires Creek. She writes wild hearts, and whiskey-fuelled cowboys with filthy mouths who take what’s theirs and are guaranteed to make you swoon.
Contemporary Western
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Ella McLaughlin
Ella was born in Brisbane, Australia, and now lives on the beautiful central coast of NSW. She writes contemporary romance with a holiday theme and a dose of sunshine. When she is not outdoors writing somewhere, she loves spending time with family and friends. Coming from a Scottish family, this is usually in the kitchen cooking or around a table with lots of laughter, good food, and wine.
Holiday Rom/Com.
Instagram Ella McLaughlin author
Instagram Ella McLaughlin author
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Ella Sweetland
Ella Sweetland is the pen name of an Australian author living on the Central Coast of New South Wales. She’s grown and flown three children with her high school sweetheart, and now has a co-procrastinator and major distracter, Bramble the ginger kitten. A fan of the romance genre for years, Ella aims to share stories with heart, focussing on big families and best friends.
Contemporary Romance: Steamy Small-town, and Sweetish Rom-Coms
Facebook: @ellasweetlandromance
Instagram: @ellasweetlandromance
Bookstore link: www.ellasweetlandromance.com
Preorder link: TBC
G.M. White
G. M White explores both the beauty and brutality of being human through the use of whimsy and poetic prose. Her suspense novels invite adult readers into haunting worlds where suspense intertwines with explorations of mental health, feminism, and queer identity – leaving a mark long after you’ve read the last word. With an Illustration background, her authored children’s stories are also entirely hand-drawn and created to help young readers navigate empathy, emotion, and the complexities of the world with curiosity and compassion.
Suspense & Children’s Books
Website: gwhitewrites.com.au
Preorder link: Etsy Australia
Greg Mutton
I live on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, Australia in a quiet bayside village with my wife, son and 3 cats. My stories are about people who rise to the challenge, all with a distinct “Aussie” flavour. No matter how advanced we become, no matter what technology we invent, human beings will always define their existence by their actions, both individually and collectively. My stories explore the real physical and metaphysical abilities people have, but may have forgotten over the ages. Action features in all my stories. I use examples from life – emotions, love, despair, romance – all are infused into the characters and plots. I build worlds and civilisations that are “real” and credible. As an author, I enjoy using literary licence to create stories and worlds, including alien species, and possible future technologies. As one of the greats of Science Fiction once said, “Whatever man can imagine, he will eventually do.”
Science fiction, Speculative fiction
Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562959745632
Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/gregmuttonauthor/
Bookstore link: https://books.by/greg-mutton-author
Preorder link: TBC
Ink & Ivy Bookstore
Ink & Ivy is run by two bookish partners in crime, Teghan and Paige. We are both local to the Central Coast, NSW. We have always dreamed of opening our own bookstore, and that’s what we have done! Ink and Ivy is a small, independently run bookstore focusing on fantasy, romance, dark romance and young adult titles. We are the first Indie-led bookstore on the Coast, something we are extremely proud of. One of Ink & Ivy’s main goals is ensuring a large range of Indie Authors on our shelves. We also work with small businesses to supply beautiful bookish merchandise such as book sleeves, candles, bookmarks, mugs and so much more.
Fantasy, Romance, Young adult, Dark Romance
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inkandivybookstore/ Website: https://www.inkandivybooks.com.au/
Jeff Clulow
Jeff Clulow is an award-winning author of romantic dark fiction and horror. His writing leans towards the lighter end of dark fiction, exploring themes of family, childhood, love and loss. He is a an Aurealis Award winner, a Ditmar Award winner, a two time American Bookfest finalist, and is winner of the 2023 Asylumfest Mayday Hills Ghost Story Competition.
Romantic Dark Fiction and Horror
Website: www.jeffclulow.com
Jenny Rae
An avid traveler and historian at heart, Jenny has lived across three continents. Growing up in Australia and later residing in the UK, Ireland, and the USA, she draws on her firsthand knowledge of English landscapes and European heritage to craft authentic Regency narratives. Recently retired in Australia, Jenny has finally traded her thirty-plus years of globetrotting for a permanent writing desk, where she breathes life into the history that has fascinated her since childhood.
Clean adventure-driven Regency romance
https://www.facebook.com/jennyrae2021
Preorder link: https://beventi.co/orderform/wfuenmbhrj
Jonathan Weiss
Jonathan Weiss is an independent Sci-fi and Fantasy author hailing from Wollongong, in NSW. His novels are set in The Droughtlands, an original world of sweeping red deserts, mysterious buried skyscrapers and even more incomprehensible magics hidden within them. With two series out at the moment (The Flux Catastrohphe and The First Hytharo,) the books can be read in nearly any order, encouraging the reader to think about their own effect that their perceptions and preconceived notions will have on the story and the characters.
Sci-fi, Fantasy and Post POST Apocalyptic
jonathanweiss.com.au and @jonathanw_author on instagram.
Preorder link: TBC
Kris Monforte
Kris is a rookie indie author who juggles writing amidst the chaos of motherhood, looking after herself and staying somewhat sane. She’s been writing since high school but hasn’t had the guts to publish. A lover of feel good vibes and moving stories, of course this was going to infiltrate into her own books. Love on the Limit is the first series in her interconnected world of motorsport romance, with a unique writing style, she aims for fun, fast and flirty reads with characters who support each other, regardless of if they are the main characters or side characters. But knows how to write real jerks too.
ww.krismonforte.au, Instagram @krismonforteauthor, Facebook @krismonforteauthor
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Lauren M. Clark
is an Indie Author from Sydney, Australia. Writing a novel was a bucket list item and a childhood dream. It was in Lauren’s teenage
years that she created the character of Ivy Winterstone, but her story did not come to life until early 2024. Her debut novel, Nights of Noctis, is where Ivy’s story is finally told. Lauren loves all things dark and spooky, and is guilty of always rooting for the villain. These passions come together in her fantasy world, which is a blend of the supernatural, gothic vibes with an urban twist, and swoon-worthy villains.
When she’s not writing, Lauren can be found with her nose in a book, making silly little 3D prints or walking her dalmatian, Milo.
Romantasy / Fantasy Romance / Paranormal Romance
Pre-order: https://www.laurenmclark.com/category/event-preorders
Layla Landon / B. Triton
Layla Landon is a laid back Aussie, who loves her dog and values family above all else. Layla has been an avid reader since high school, thinking nothing of reading 300 books in a year. In memory of her father, Layla finally put aside her fears and published her first book in 2022. When she isn’t writing, she is playing with her dogs, watching anime or reading.
Romance – why choose in contemporary and paranormal sub genres.
You can find her at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/laylalandonbooknerds
Layla Pine
Layla is a chaotic, neurospicy whirlwind who still isn’t sure how she finds time to write swoony, banter-filled romance, with droolworthy heroes, feisty heroines, and sometimes a pinch of emotional damage. She also dabbles in the darker side of paranormal romance, when she’s feeling edgy.
Contemporary and Paranormal Romance
You can find her at: www.laylapine.com
Lee Williamson & Vivienne Lee Fraser
I write YA/NA fantasy under the name Vivienne Lee Fraser and Romance/Cosy Mysteries under the pen name Lee Williamson. I live in Sydney with my husband, son, and a crazy cat called Lola. When I am not writing I love reading, more reading, walking the dog, craft activities and good movies. One day I am sure I will grow up, but hopefully not too soon. And when I do I would like to be exactly what I am now, and what I have always dreamed I would be, a writer.
YA/NA Fantasy, Cozy Mysteries & Sweet Romance
viviennelfraser.com.au, Instagram @vivienneleefraser
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L.L. Hunter
L.L. Hunter has been a published author since 2012. Her first book, The Chronicles of Fire and Ice first got picked by a literary agent, but shortly after L.L. Hunter decided she would rather own her rights and publish everything herself. She has since gone on to write and publish over 50 books, winning a few awards and earning her bestseller’s title. She Began writing in her teens, having written everything from song lyrics, fan-fiction, plays and musicals and screenplays. She has worked in a wide range of professions including dog grooming and as a theatre usher, but she always knew her true calling was to be an author.
Fantasy and mystery romance
Pre-Orders: https://beventi.co/orderform/rxa48xfn27
Olivia Fenwick
Olivia is a romance indie author living on the east coast of Australia with her miniature spoodle, Scotland.
She’s been writing since high school and is doing her best to live out her dreams in becoming a published author. Her hobbies are snuggling with her dog, reading all sorts of romance books, and hanging out with her family.
She’s currently working on her next series that will give you all the small town good vibes.
Contemporary romance, sports romance, historical romance.
You can find Olivia here: oliviafenwick.square.site
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Rebecca J. Chaney
Rebecca J. Chaney is the author of middle grade adventures full of science, mystery, and laugh-out-loud moments. Her debut novel, Stu and the Sketchy Time Stops, was the first children’s book shortlisted for the Newcastle Writers Festival Fresh Ink Emerging Writers Prize. Rebecca was also awarded Runner Up for the Writing NSW Fellowship, and Honorable Mentions in the Kids’ Choice Kidlit Writing Contest and Just Write for Kids’ Pitch it! competition for this novel. Rebecca has previously worked as a bookseller, publishing assistant, schools’ science program coordinator, and platypus monitor, among other things. Books and science are her jam!
Middle Grade Science Fantasy Adventures
Sara Powter
In 1968, my grandfather moved in with us, and he told us of bushrangers, convicts and his childhood. His stories began a lifelong passion for our colonial past. Many years later, my mum, Sheila Hunter, turned some of the family stories into novels. When she died in 2002, she left me three nearly finished manuscripts and a fourth started. Shortly before we retired in 2020, just before the 3rd COVID-19 lockdown, I finally had time to write. By Christmas that year, I had completed two novels and started on mum’s unfinished manuscript. Since then, I have kept writing. I have just released #24 and am nearing the finish of writing book #32. 26 books have been published. The passion has become an obsession. All the stories have a setting of accurate Australian History, but with an added love story.
Historic Fiction
https://www.sarapowter.com.au/, Instagram @sarapowter2251
Serene Conneeley
Serene Conneeley is a myth- and magic-loving, tea-drinking, moon-gazing, stone-circle-dancing writer and witch living on Gadigal Country. She’s the author of original faery tales The Swan Maiden, The Snow Queen’s Daughter and The Crow and the Hollow Hill, plus the Into the Mists and Into the Storm fantasy trilogies; non-fiction titles including Faery Magic, Mermaid Magic and Witchy Magic; and enchanting oracle decks Practical Magic and Light in the Darkness.
Magical novels, magical non-fiction, magical oracle decks and magical faery tales.
sereneconneeley.com or instagram.com/sereneconneeley
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Selina A. Fenech / Lena Fox
Award winning author and professional daydreamer, Selina A. Fenech writes “adorably dark” Epic and Urban Fantasy for teens and adults. Filled with sweet and quirky characters, laugh out loud moments, and breath-taking adventures, her unique worlds are perfect for readers who love thrilling twists paired with happily ever afters. Artist, mother, and cancer survivor, Selina is determined to live life to the fullest, and loves escape rooms, gardening, and all forms of food and geekery. Selina also applies her distinctive take on magical realms as a world-renown fantasy artist and has published many illustrated books, oracle decks, and colouring books.
Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
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Shay Laurent
Meet Shay Laurent—spinner of shadows, lingering tension, and professional wrangler of both feelings and fictional chaos. Shay writes fantasy for adults and young adults who like their magic mysterious, their stakes high, and their romance so slow-burn it practically simmers. Whether she’s crafting gritty urban fantasy or sweeping epic adventures, you’ll always find found families, layered secrets, and just enough emotional tension to keep you up past your bedtime. Curious? When she’s not side-eyeing her ever-looming, chaos-inducing deadlines, Shay can be found hanging out with her partner, her three pretty princesses (the human variety), and her three pretty kitties (the fluffy, judgmental variety). Between cuddles and cat hair, she balances life as a psychologist, a fantasy author, and a memory-capturing camera enthusiast. In short: she writes about magic, studies the mind, lives in beautiful chaos—and somehow makes it all look fun.
Adult Urban Fantasy, YA Epic Fantasy
You can snag her books straight from her website (www.shaylaurent.com) or find them on Amazon—because portals to other worlds should be easily accessible. https://linktr.ee/slauthor03
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Simon Leith
Simon Leith is a fantasy author from the Central Coast of NSW, Australia. With a passion for the fantasy genre born from years of gaming, he writes, influenced by brands such as Warcraft. Expect fast-paced gripping mystery, action, otherworldly beings, and satisfying world-building, all through the eyes of his characters. He is a train driver by night, writer by day. With a loving family that supports his work, he looks forward to more releases in the future.
Epic Fantasy
www.simonleithbooks.com, Instagram @simonleithauthor
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Tilly Tait
I write sweet and spicy Aussie rom coms about curvy girls and the men who love them. An avid reader for most of my life, I’ve wanted to be a writer since I could form sentences. When it came to what I wanted to write, there was no question that it would have to be romance! I love to get lost in worlds I’ve created and can be found searching for notebooks at the most random times. Honestly, you’ll find me writing in the most surprising places, doctor’s waiting rooms, during school pick up or in line at the grocery store. When I’m not writing you can find me at home with my hubby, two young kids and our fur baby.
Small town, curvy girl rom coms, & rugby league rom coms
Find Tilly at: https://linktr.ee/tillytaitauthor.com
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