RISING STAR Award2026 RISING STAR Award for Unpublished Women’s FictionFirst Round Judges
Kathleen Barber is the author of Truth Be Told, which was adapted into a series on AppleTV+, Follow Me, Both Things Are True, and the forthcoming Sisterhood Above All. A certified book coach and former attorney, she lives in Washington, DC, with her family. Instagram: @katelizabee
Author and award-winning musical composer Kathleen Basi is mother to three boys and one chromosomally-gifted daughter. Her debut, A Song for The Road, follows a musician on a cross-country road trip to honor her lost family. Bestselling author Kerry Anne King writes, “In a novel filled with music, heartbreak, and surprising laughter, Basi takes us on a journey that encompasses both unimaginable loss and the powerful resilience of the human heart.” Look for her second novel, Trust Fall, releasing November 2026. Meaty, earnest, occasionally humorous, and ultimately uplifting, Kathleen’s fiction highlights the best within ourselves and each other. This is her fifth year as a Rising Star judge. She writes reflections on life, writing and beauty on Substack. Substack: @kathleenbasi Instagram: @kathleenbasi Facebook: @kathleenmbasi
Betty Bolté is an award-winning American author and editor of fiction and nonfiction books. She has published 30+ books, most recently Katy: The Woman Who Signed the Declaration Of Independence, Snow On Magnolias, and Becoming Lady Washington: A Novel. She earned a master’s degree in English in 2008, emphasizing the study of literature, and has judged many writing contests for both fiction and nonfiction. She’s been published in essays, newspaper articles/columns, magazine articles, and nonfiction books but now enjoys crafting stories that bring American history to life. This is her twelfth year as a Rising Star judge. She’s a member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, Romance Writers of America, Authors Guild, and Historical Novel Society among other professional organizations. Find out more about her and her books at www.bettybolte.com and read her blog at www.bettybolte.net. Facebook: @AuthorBettyBolte Threads: @bjbolte
Beth Dotson Brown is the author of Rooted In Sunrise, a novel about starting over after a natural disaster. She's also an award-winning feature writer, short story author and essayist. Beth is the author of Yes! I Am Catholic and a contributor to A Cup Of Comfort for Breast Cancer Survivors and Scenes from The Common Wealth. Heartland Plays published her collection of one-act plays. Her short stories have been published in literary magazines and aired on the BBC World Service Short Story Programme. Beth lives in Lancaster, Kentucky, where she enjoys gardening, cooking and spending time with family and friends. www.bethdotsonbrown.com. Facebook: @bethdotsonbrownauthor
Julie Mayerson Brown is an author, essayist, and playwright. Her Clearwater Series takes place in a charming town in California Wine Country. The books all feature lovable, quirky characters, adorable dogs, best-friendships, and delicious sticky buns. In addition to feel good stories, Julie writes fiction that delves into darker themes of family dysfunction, betrayal, and suspense. This is her third year as a Rising Star judge. Instagram: @juliemaywriter
If you’re looking for Samantha Bryant, check the woods first. She likes to get lost there in order to find herself, and she’s probably near the water. She’s best known for her Menopausal Superheroes series, a five-novel speculative women’s fiction series, but she’s a multigenre author with short horror, fantasy, romance, and science fiction in her catalogue, too. This spring she’s breaking into romance with Not Too Late: A GenX Romance. Facebook: @samanthadunawaybryant Threads: @samanthabwriter
Katherine D. Caldwell is an author, freelance developmental editor, and former Emmy-Award-winning television journalist. A one-time Rising Star Award finalist, this is her second year judging the award. A member of WFWA and the Atlanta Writer’s Club, Katherine lives in Atlanta with her husband and their three adult children. When she’s not reading, writing, or editing, she enjoys traveling, especially to places with a beach. Instagram: @kcaldwellwriter Facebook: @kcaldwellwriter Twitter/X: @kcaldwellwriter
Carol Owens Campbell is honored to be a WFWA Rising Star Award Judge for the third year. She is the author of a book of essays, Views From a Pier, encouraging timeless, original solutions to problems in America today, and the award-winning debut novel, Look Away No More, a campus novel set in 1970 in Georgia, Carol's home state. Carol earned her MFA in Creative Writing (Fiction) from the Solstice MFA Program (Lasell University). She congratulates each writer who submits to the Rising Star Award.
After working in the tech industry for years, Jill Caugherty is thrilled to write full-time. She is the author of two historical novels, Waltz in Swing Time (2020), and The View from Half Dome (2023), winner of the 2023 NC Author Project for YA Fiction and the 2023 IPPY Bronze medal for Best Regional Fiction, Pacific West. Her third novel, The Throwaway Women, will be published in February 2027. A member of both the Women’s Fiction Writers Association and NC Writers’ Network, Jill lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with her husband and daughter. When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling, reading, learning French, and entertaining her demanding cat, Jax. Instagram: @jillcaugherty
Linda Patricia Cleary is a multi-award-winning, American mixed-race author who grew up on U.S. military bases across Asia with her single father, where escape plans and gas masks were just part of daily life. She writes fantastical stories—often set in space or alternate realities—that explore identity, belonging, and the meaning of home. She’s also a voice actor, artist, and musician. She self-published her first novel, The Dreamer (The Black Stone Cycle Book 1), in January 2026. Book Two is scheduled for release in 2026. This is her first year as a Rising Star judge. Facebook: @lpcauthor TikTok: @lindapcleary
Monica Cox is a writer and Author Accelerator Certified book coach who firmly believes the real writing happens in revision. She loves helping writers through the thorny process of revision to find the rose of their story. Monica is a graduate of the Hussman School of Journalism and Media at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a proud member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association and North Carolina Writers Network. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, two teenaged boys, and an ornery but adorable cat. Monica is represented by Hailey Stephens at Rosecliff Literary. You can connect with her on Instagram or via her weekly Substack newsletter. Substack: Beyond the First Draft, @monicacox
Kathryn Craft is the award-winning author of two works of women’s fiction, The Art of Falling and The Far End of Happy(Sourcebooks), as well as chapters in Author in Progress and The Complete Handbook of Novel Writing (Writers Digest Books). Her two-decade careers in developmental editing and dance criticism informed the perspective of “story as energy” featured in her new book for writers, Crafting Story Movement: Techniques to Engage Readers and Drive Your Novel Forward. A WFWA founding member who served as the organization’s 2020 guiding scribe, Kathryn mentors novelists through her Your Novel Year program, speaks widely on writing, and contributes monthly to top writing blog Writer Unboxed. Instagram: @kathryncraft Substack: @craftoncraft
Carla Damron is an author, social worker, and advocate who writes suspense and women’s fiction. Her work uses entertaining fiction to give readers insight into social issues like drug abuse, mental illness, and human trafficking. She’s won multiple literary awards, including the Women’s Fiction Writers Association Star Award for Best Novel and the NIEA award for best suspense. Damron holds an MSW and an MFA in Creative Writing and teaches with Writers.com. She lives in South Carolina with her husband and their family of entitled rescue animals. Substack: @carlawritesfic Twitter: @carlawritesfic Facebook: @carladamronwrites
Miranda Darrow is a freelance fiction editor and #RevPit writing community volunteer. Miranda’s writing craft books and courses combine editing with her corporate attorney experience for executive summaries of complex writing topics with a dash of humor. Miranda lives in Minnesota with her husband, teens, and two bossy little dogs. Instagram: @miranda.darrow BlueSky: @miranda-darrow.bsky.social YouTube: @mirandadarrow3994
Shelly Davis is a copyeditor and developmental editor specializing in women’s fiction and historical fiction. With clients ranging from Big 5 publishing to independent authors, she loves to dive into the details of a novel to determine what’s working and what needs a little polishing in order to shine. In addition to WFWA, she is also a member of Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) and American Copy Editors Society (ACES). This is her sixth year as a Rising Star judge. www.thedetaildevil.com Twitter/X: @DetailDevilSD
KJ Dell’Antonia is the New York Times best-selling author of the novels The Chicken Sisters (a Reese’s book club pick now available for streaming on Hallmark Plus), Playing the Witch Card, In Her Boots, and the non-fiction book How to Be a Happier Parent. She is also the former editor of the New York Times’ parenting section, then called Motherlode, the creator of the #AmWriting podcast and #AmReading on Substack and an enthusiastic bookstagrammer (@kjda). She lives in Lyme, New Hampshire, with her husband and an ever-evolving cast of children, dogs, cats, chickens, horses and houseguests. Substack: #AmReading, @kjda Instagram: @kjda Podcast: The #AmWriting Podcast, www.amwritingpodcast.com
Laura Drake is a hybrid author of 16 novels. Her debut, The Sweet Spot, won the Romance Writers of America® RITA® award. She is a founding member of Women’s Fiction Writers Association, and their current Guiding Scribe. A city girl turned Texan, she’s currently working on her accent. She's a wife, grandmother, and motorcycle chick in the remaining waking hours. Facebook: @Laura Drake’s - Peace, Love & Books
Amy Dressler writes witty, engaging contemporary fiction featuring heroines who wrestle their emotional baggage while maintaining a sense of humor. As a literature major, theater nerd, and believer in the cathartic power of humor, Amy has always been drawn to Shakespeare’s comedies. In the Shakespeare Project, she transposes those stories into contemporary settings that highlight the heroines’ emotional arcs. Her novels How to Align the Stars and The Best Advice have been recognized with nationally-published reviews and as fiction contest finalists. Amy’s hobbies include reading (of course), rambling walks, and tending her neighborhood Little Free Library. She lives in the Seattle suburbs. Her love language is jokes.
Alexandria Faulkenbury is the author of the novel Somewhere Past the End (Apprentice House Press). She has previously served as a Star Award judge and on the Rising Star Award committee. When she is not writing, she teaches English at Midlands Technical College and University of the People. Instagram: @amfaulkenbury
Maggie Ginsberg is the author of Still True (University of Wisconsin Press, 2022) and the forthcoming Daisy Chain(Blackstone Publishing, 2027). Still True was a finalist for the WFWA Star Award for Outstanding Debut, won the Wisconsin Library Association’s 2023 WLA Literary Award for Fiction, and was the inaugural selection for the 2026 statewide Wisconsin Reads: A Digital Book Club. Maggie is also a nonfiction writer and editor who published hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles throughout her career, earning numerous honors from the City Regional Magazine Association, the American Society of Journalists and Authors and the Milwaukee Press Club. Instagram: @maggie.ginsberg
Christine Gunderson grew up on a fourth-generation family farm in rural North Dakota where she read Laura Ingalls Wilder books in her very own little house on the prairie. She’s a former television anchor and reporter and former Capitol Hill press secretary. She currently lives in the Washington D.C. suburbs with her husband and three children. Her debut novel, Friends with Secrets, was an Amazon bestseller, an Amazon Editors First Reads pick and winner of the Women’s Fiction Writer’s Association Star Award for Best Debut Novel. Her next novel, Behind White Picket Fences, releases in June of 2026 with Lake Union. Instagram: @gunderchristine Facebook: @christine.i.gunderson Substack: @christinegunderson
Brenda Haas, award-winning author of Finding Sutton’s Choice, lives in Lakeside, Ohio, the Chautauqua setting of her Lake Erie novel. A regional magazine feature writer, speaker, and “lake-obsessed” photographer, Brenda spent many years as a reporter and humor columnist for a Pittsburgh press. She also worked in nonprofit public relations and currently volunteers as Vice President of the Ottawa County Community Foundation. KIRKUS recommended and the recipient of multiple book awards including International Impact Book Awards in both Women’s Fiction and Aging categories, Brenda’s book club pick explores parent-child relationships, failing mental health (Alzheimer’s), family secrets, and second chances. This is her first year as a Rising Star judge. Instagram: @writerbrendahaas Facebook: @writerbrendahaas
Leslie J. Hall is the author of the Kaitlyn Willis Road Signs Mysteries, an amateur sleuth series starring a Pacific NW code enforcement officer. Her short story “A Strange Rain” will be published in an anthology by White City Press in late 2026. Leslie is working on a new suspense novel and writing women’s fiction, Leslie is a cheerleader for writers through teaching in adult ed. She co-facilitates Write Night, a weekly online critique group. She loves the beach and anything tropical. Leslie lives in Bremerton, WA.
Hend Hegazi is a writing coach, freelance editor, and author of three novels. For several years, she served as the Editorial Director and Senior Writing Coach for Muslimah Writers, an online organization dedicated to helping women writers reach their highest potential. As an editor and writing coach, she helps authors of children’s books, novels, and non-fiction books develop their stories, tighten their narratives, improve their craft, find literary agents and publishers, and publish their books. With over ten years of experience, her expertise has guided tens of authors to achieve their writing goals, with over 40 of her clients’ books making their way to publication. www.hendhegazi.com
Rebecca Hodge is the award-winning author of Wildland, Over the Falls, and Island Endgame, books of page-turning suspense that have plenty of heart. When her characters find themselves in impossible situations, they take the initiative instead of watching from the sidelines. In doing so, they discover unexpected inner strength, resilience, and courage. Following a scientific career as a veterinarian and clinical research scientist, Rebecca discovered how much fun it is to create fictional worlds of her own. She lives in North Carolina, where you’ll find her sipping tea on the screened-in porch with a dog at her feet and a computer on her lap. Instagram: @rhodge.fiction Facebook: @rebeccahodgefiction
Cat B. Hooper is an upbeat fiction writer finalizing publication of her debut novel. An active member of the Nashville literary community, she serves as membership chair and newsletter coordinator of the Women’s National Book Association’s Nashville Chapter. This is her second year as a Rising Star judge. Instagram: @catbhooper Facebook: @catbhooper
As an Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach, Ching-Lo Hsu empowers first-time multicultural writers to craft evocative upmarket fiction that doesn't just find its voice, but its readers. Beyond the page, Ching-Lo's role at an internationally renowned film studio gives her a front-row seat to global storytelling trends. By merging the strategic market positioning of the film industry with proven coaching methodologies, Ching-Lo helps writers identify the hooks that give a story market appeal. Ching-Lo holds a BA in Theater Design and an MFA in Film Production, providing a rigorous foundation in the arts. Her coaching is built on this holistic blend of literary, theatrical, and cinematic training, guiding writers from the first spark of inspiration to a finished, commercially viable manuscript. Ching-Lo offers coaching in both English and Mandarin Chinese.
Jennifer Jabaley is the author of the international bestseller and People Magazine's most anticipated summer read, What's Yours Is Mine. She won Georgia Author of the Year for her young adult novels. Jen is a practicing optometrist. She brings sharp focus to eye care by day and to storytelling by night. She lives in the north Georgia mountains with her sports-obsessed family and two rescue dogs. Instagram: @jabaleyjennifer Facebook: @jennifer.jabaley
Barb Kasten is an Author Accelerator-certified book coach, specializing in helping novice authors of women's fiction and romance realize their publishing dreams. A contemporary romance author herself (pen name: Barbara Valentin), Barb had the privilege of seeing her first book, False Start, earn a starred review from Booklist and her fifth book, Order Up, included in USA Today's Happily Ever After list of Smashword's "hot pre-orders." Barb is also a seasoned first-round judge in WFWA's Rising Star competition.
Lisa Williams Kline is the author of The Bristlecone Writers' Group (Harpeth Road Press), Ladies’ Day (CamCat Books), Between the Sky and the Sea (Dragonblade), The Ruby Mirror (The Bridge), and ten novels and a novella for young readers. Her work has appeared in Literary Mama, Skirt, Sasee, Carolina Woman, moonShine review, The Press 53 Awards Anthology, Sand Hills Literary Magazine, and Idol Talk, among others. She attended Duke University, and received her MFA from Queens. She lives with her veterinarian husband, a cat who can open doors, and a sweet chihuahua who has played Bruiser Woods in Legally Blonde: The Musical. She treasures frequent visits with her daughters and their families. Visit her at www.lisawilliamskline.com. Facebook: @lisa.kline.566
Sara LaFontain lives in Arizona, where her husband lovingly supplies her with chocolate to fuel her writing habit. She is the author of the Whispering Pines Island series of romantic women’s fiction, and The Corbitt Calamities series of pop star thrillers. Additionally, she is one of four co-writers under the pen name Ivy H. Booker, who recently released their debut dark friendship fiction The Accidental Life of MF Ascher. Sara currently works as an Author Accelerator certified book coach focusing on women’s fiction and women-centered domestic thrillers. She is a member of WFWA, the Tucson Author Alliance, and the Iris and Ivy Reads Collective. Substack: @irisandivyreads Facebook: @saralafontainauthor
Hadley Leggett writes twisty family dramas exploring truth in shades of gray. Her debut novel, All They Ask Is Everything, won the 2025 Nancy Pearl Award, and her second novel, Not a Perfect Science, will be published in November 2026. Hadley holds a doctorate in medicine from the University of California, San Francisco, and is a graduate of the science communication program at UC Santa Cruz. After moving all over the United States during her childhood, she now lives in Seattle with her husband and three children, as well as her parents, three cats, and a very sassy rescue pup. Instagram: @hadleyleggett
Cat Mazur is an author and educator. Her first novel, Rose in Time, is currently out on submission. She is represented by Joanna Mackenzie of Nelson Literary. She was a Rising Star finalist in 2022 and this is her third year as a Rising Star Judge. Instagram: @cmazurje
Rachel Mans McKenny is a humor writer and author. Her first novel, The Butterfly Effect, was the 2022 All-Iowa Read, and her shorter work has been published in The New York Times, Ploughshares, Elle Magazine, The Washington Post, and other outlets. This is her fourth year as a Rising Star judge.
Theresa Munroe writing as T.A. Munroe is an independently published author of three works of women’s fiction: Zook’s Corner, Another Place On The Planet and Places Bright and Dark. She has been a member of WFWA since 2015 and has previously participated in the Rising Star Contest as entrant, judge, and judge coordinator. Instagram: @tamunroe Facebook: @tamunroe
Mary Jane Nirdlinger writes books and works in local government in North Carolina. She lives with her husband and scaredy-cat dog named Felix. She has degrees in International Relations, Urban Planning, and an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Current non-writing obsessions include sewing, yoga, baking, and (as always) reading.
L.G. O’Connor spends her free time spinning fantasy, contemporary, and mystery stories that touch the heart with themes of family, redemption, forgiveness, and above all, hope. L.G. is the author of the multi-award-winning romantic women’s fiction trilogy: Caught Up in Raine, Shelter My Heart, and Surrender My Heart, which follows a family of three women who must confront the past to find redemption and second chances. She’s also the author of the epic fantasy romance series, The Angelorum Twelve Chronicles. Besides writing, L.G. is a Mayo Clinic & Board-Certified Wellness Coach and Book Coach. She’s passionate about connecting with readers and loves food, antiques, and excellent coffee. Instagram: @lg_connor
Kathy Otten is the published author of a young adult paranormal mystery and multiple historical romance novels and short stories. Her Civil War romance novel, A Place in Your Heart, was a 2016 RWA Northwest Houston Chapter, Lone Star Winner and her western novel, Lost Hearts, was a 2008 Utah/Salt Lake RWA Hearts of the West finalist. Her newest historical romance novel, The Whisper of a Kiss, was voted by Still Moments Magazine as one of the ten best novels of 2025. Kathy is also a certified fiction book coach, trained through Author Accelerator and now helps clients bring their writing vision to life. She is a regular presenter at the Pennwriters Area One Writers Road Trip mini-conference and was a presenter at the 3-day Pennwriters Conference in Pittsburgh in 2025. She also presented workshops for the Liberty States Fiction Writers Conference in Isling, NJ in 2019. Online venues such as Savvy Authors, Pennwriters, and RWA's Hearts Through History Romance Writers have all had her teach workshops. YouTube: @kathyottenauthor
Linda Paul is an award-winning author. Her historical romance novel, The Last Gypsy Queen, was published in April 2026, about a young Romani gypsy who must read tarot cards at a lakeside amusement park instead of becoming a doctor. She writes contemporary and historical fiction. Linda is a former retail and eCommerce executive, a senior lecturer at a major university, and ran a research center. She is a passionate life-long volunteer and sits on several nonprofit boards. This is her first year as a Rising Star judge. www.lindaspaul.com
Diane Owens Prettyman is the author of three books and numerous essays. She is a frequent contributor to the Austin American-Statesman. Her fourth novel will be published in July of 2027. This is her second year as a Rising Star Judge. Instagram: @prettymanreads Facebook: @diane.owens.125
Barbara Pronin is the author of nine novels and two nonfiction books as well as hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles on a variety of topics. Her most recent novel, the award-winning Winter's End, will be followed by The Moon at the End of the World, a WW II novel to be published in September. This is her first year as a Rising Star judge. www.barbarapronin.com Instagram: @writerbobbi Facebook: @barbarapronin
Lalitha Ram is a multi-faceted published author. Her novels, short stories, essays, poems and a lyrical drama reflect a graceful confluence of literary artistry and cultural depth. She writes in English and Telugu. After a distinguished career in public finance as an assistant treasurer in a local government, she turned to creative writing, crafting narratives of remarkable women and men. She is inspired by epics, mythology, and world philosophy. She produced a music album celebrating her grandfather, the renowned romantic and spiritual poet Devulapalli Krishna Sastri, and mentored and contributed to three recognized literary anthologies. She is as a Rising Star Judge with the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Through the Devulapalli Foundation, she nurtures literary and artistic talent with awards. She leads the World Telugu Consortium and is an active member-patron of a large group of contemporary Telugu women writers.
Diana C. Reep, also writing as D. C. Reep, has been a writer since she told horror stories to classmates in elementary school. As an English professor, she taught film studies, popular culture, and the Arthurian legend while publishing textbooks and literary biographies. No longer grading papers, she’s writing historical fiction about danger and excitement around the beginning of the 20th century, e.g., Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders in the Spanish-American War, ghosts, time travel, danger in World War I, and sisters fighting for success in the early movie business in Chicago. Publishers Weekly has called her historical fiction “vivid,” “fast-moving,” and with high “tension.” This is her second year serving as a judge.
Janet Roberts is a former global leader in cybersecurity education. Her books are set wholly or partially in Western PA, where her roots run deep. Her readers know to expect a female character who awakens to the discovery of her own inner strength while facing adversity. Wired For Magic (2026), her first fantasy thriller, combines a strong woman, magical realism, suspense, and elements of cybersecurity. She’s also the author of the award winning novel, What Lies We Keep(2024). A member of Women’s Fiction Writers Association and Sisters in Crime, she lives in Pittsburgh and loves travel, wandering through bookstores, reading on her porch swing, and sharing a bottle of wine with friends. Substack: Let’s Start with a Coffee Instagram: @janetroberts77 Bluesky: @janetwrites TikTok: @wpawriter12
Grace Santamaria is a Colombian American author of contemporary fiction who writes stories about Latinas making bold moves and crushing life’s challenges. Her debut novel, Sea Salt and Coffee Beans, blends office drama, immigration struggles, messy family dynamics, and plenty of romance. She holds a BBA and an MBA and has spent the past fifteen years working in marketing roles across consumer products companies, often focusing on Latin American markets. Grace grew up in Barranquilla, Colombia, and now lives in Miami with her husband, children, and very enthusiastic golden retriever. This will be her third year as a Rising Star judge. Instagram: @gracesbookcollection
Suanne Schafer was born in West Texas at the height of the Cold War. Her world travels and pioneer ancestors fuel her writing. A genetic distrust of happily-ever-afters gives rise to strong female protagonists who battle tough environments and intersect with men who might—or might not—love them. Schafer has served as an editor for a mainstream/romance publishing house and fiction editor for a literary magazine as well as authored three novels. Passion & Paint depicts a late 19th century artist in West Texas while Hunting the Devil explores the plight of an American physician during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Her current work-in-progress, Dust Bowl Odyssey, is a loose retelling of Homer’s Odyssey set during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl.
After a 20-year career in nonprofit management, Elise Schiller has been teaching at the Community College of Philadelphia in the English Department since 2019. Ms. Schiller has two published books: Even If Your Heart Would Listen, a memoir, in 2019 and Watermark, a novel, in 2020. She is currently querying a novel, The Classics, while at work on another. She has also published short stories and articles in various publications. She is a frequent participant in WFWA Writing Dates, and serves on several non-profit boards. Instagram: @Schiller.Elise Facebook: @eliseschiller1
D.K. Silver is the author of The Weight of Flowers and Forcing Shoots, the first two books in a genre-bending saga. The series explores themes of sexual exploitation and dalliance, greed in its many guises and the quest for self-worth. D.K. Silver is fearless in her determination to explore taboos, using her gifts to relentlessly dig below the surface. As a costume designer, she’s been trained to visually reveal a character’s truer nature—as a writer, she takes it to another level, passionate to unmask the deliciously decadent, the deviant, and the downright misguided aspects of our collective humanness. Her stories are paced like a slow-motion car crash that’s difficult to look away from. She is thrilled to be back as a Rising Star judge. Facebook: @danakschwartz
Rosemary Shomaker is a women’s fiction and mystery short story and novella writer. You may find her two novellas in the Mutt Mysteries collections and her short stories in several of the Virginia is for Mysteries and in the A Shaker of Margaritas series, and in other anthologies. She writes about the unexpected in everyday life--she's the woman you don’t notice in the grocery store or at the wine festival but whom you do notice at estate sales and wandering vacant lots where she is collecting story ideas. She is a member of the Women's Fiction Writers Association and national and local Sisters in Crime chapters. Instagram: @rosewritesva
Ruth F. Stevens is a produced playwright and award-winning author of three novels: Stage Seven, My Year of Casual Acquaintances, and The Unexpected Guests. A former public relations executive in New York and Los Angeles, she is a member of WFWA and the Dramatists Guild of America and has served as a volunteer and acquisitions editor for AlzAuthors. Ruth also received an Excellence in Arts Award from the City of Torrance (CA), where she lives. This is her first year as a Rising Star judge. Instagram: @ruthfstevensauthor Facebook: @rfsauthor
The author of twenty-seven novels and a hundred short stories, D.J. Stevenson is the Executive Vice President of the International Association of Media Tie-In Writers and chairs their Scribe Awards. She administers Pennwriters’ Online Courses and Critique Partner Program. She earned her degree in Journalism and German after which she worked as a technical writer and technical translator. She has written for corporate newspapers and magazines. She enjoys travel across the U.S. and overseas. She attended school and worked in Germany, which is also where she began studying Shotokan karate, in which she earned a black belt. She’s worked backstage at local theaters, running lights and sound, and stage managing—and, once, keeping sets from falling over during a show. Most importantly, she’s a doting mom to her beloved, rambunctious, astronomically adorable cats. Bluesky: @bluetrixbooks Twitter/X: @BluetrixBooks
Rachel Stone writes stories of hope and redemption, set against vibrant Canadian backdrops. Her debut novel The Blue Iris, about a group of broken people learning to face the past while reclaiming their futures at a Toronto flower market, is a Booklife Editor’s Pick, Kirkus “Get It” Pick, NYC Big Book Awards Distinguished Favorite, and winner of the 2025 International Book Award for General Fiction. Her uplifting personal essays and "story behind the story" have appeared in publications around the world including Publisher's Weekly, 2 Lives Podcast, and SheDoesTheCity, and her Launch Diaries on Substack offer lessons and confessions for writers at every stage. Rachel is a dynamic speaker, powerful advocate for the pursuit of one's passions, and proud member of the WFWA and the Iris and Ivy Reads book collective. She lives with her family in Toronto, Canada, and when she’s not writing or reading books she enjoys belting nineties pop rock off-key from her paddleboard. This is her fourth year as a Rising Star judge. www.linktr.ee/rachelstoneauthor
Kimberly Sullivan writes the women’s fiction stories she loves to read, both contemporary and historic tales of women and the rich lives they lead along their journeys of self-discovery. She is the award-winning author of six novels and one short story collection. She also co-edits, with fellow WFWA authors, The Feisty Deeds anthologies, Feisty Deeds: Historical Fictions of Daring Women and Feisty Deeds II: Historical Tales of Batches and Brews, with a Feisty Deeds III on the way. All proceeds from these collections benefit the WFWA Scholarship Fund. A lifetime admirer and longtime resident of Italy, Kimberly is often guilty of sneaking the bel paese into her stories. This is her fourth year as a Rising Star judge. kimberlysullivanauthor.com
Liza Nash Taylor is the author of two historical novels, Etiquette for Runaways (2020) and In All Good Faith (2021); both from Blackstone Publishing. She was a 2018 Hawthornden International Fellow and received an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts the same year. Her work has appeared in Gargoyle Magazine, Deep South, and others. A native Virginian, Liza lives in Keswick with her husband and dogs, in an old farmhouse which serves as a setting for her novels.
Judy Taylor has published four short stories and her debut novel In the Company of Whales releases June 2, 2026. This is her second year judging the Rising Star Awards. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky or sign up for her newsletter on her website Instagram: @judymarytaylor Bluesky: @judytaylor.bsky.social
Lorrie Thomson is the award-winning author of three novels from Kensington Books: A Measure Of Happiness, What’s Left Behind and Equilibrium. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and their youngest offspring. When she’s not reading or writing, you can find her climbing indoor walls, hiking outdoor trails, and pedaling her mountain bike along non-mountainous gravel. Facebook: @lorriethomsonauthor Twitter/X: @LorrieThomson
Sue Toth is a book coach and developmental editor, specializing in women's fiction, romance, and psychological thriller. She is an active member of WFWA, RWA, and Sisters in Crime. This is her first year as a Rising Star Judge. Instagram: @suetothediting Facebook: @suetothediting LinkedIn: @suetoth
Kyle Turley is a book coach on a mission to help frustrated fiction writers face their imposter syndrome and send self-doubt packing. She is also a storyteller who loves when genres meet and blend together. Kyle is a member of WFWA, Sisters in Crime, and a first-time Rising Star Judge. Follow her on Instagram,and Facebook. Instagram: @thehypegirlbookcoach Facebook: @thehypegirlbookcoach
Kate Underwood is a freelance editor and proofreader who particularly gravitates toward women’s fiction and romance projects. She formerly taught high school English and French and worked as a freelance personal finance writer. This is her second year as a Rising Star judge. Follow her on Instagram for editing tips and reading recommendations. Instagram: @authorkateunderwood
Jane Alessandrini Ward is the author of Should Have Told You Sooner, In the Aftermath, The Mosaic Artist, and Hunger. After graduating from Simmons College, Jane began working in the food and hospitality industry almost immediately, taking on a range of roles that included planning private events and working as a weekend baker in a neighborhood bakery. Later, she became a contributing writer to an online regional and seasonal food magazine, as well as a blogger and occasional host of cooking videos for an internet recipe resource affiliated with several regional newspapers. Most recently, she has contributed book reviews to Story Circle and Mom Egg Review. She loves to travel and often documents her trips through travel photography. Jane lives north of Boston. Facebook: @janealessandriniward Threads: @authorjaneward
A former toxicologist and university professor, Ann Warner is the author of a heartwarming cozy mystery series, a romantic trilogy, and six single titles that have collectively garnered thousands of five-star reviews. During her career as a clinical toxicologist, Ann encountered many medical mysteries and intriguing stories that have now found their way into her novels.
Caitlin Weaver is the bestselling author of suspenseful, emotionally layered domestic dramas that are perfect book club reads. She also covers topics including health, style, parenting, and business for outlets like Well+Good, Business Insider, Huff Post, Scary Mommy, and more. Caitlin lives in Atlanta with her family. When she’s not writing you can find her on the tennis court, struggling with the NYT crossword puzzle, or reading “just one more” story to her kids. Follow her on Substack and Instagram where she talks books and writing. www.caitlinrweaver.com Instagram: @caitlinrweaver TikTok: @caitlinrweaver
Jaclyn Westlake writes about funny, flawed women doing their best to find their footing in the world. Her debut novel, Dear Dotty was a finalist for the Star Award and her second novel, Lucky Break is out now. This is her third year as a Rising Star judge. You can find her on Instagram where she'd love to see pictures of your pets. Visit her website at www.jaclynwestlake.com. Instagram: @jaclyn_writing
Bestselling author Barbara Claypole White was born in England but lives and gardens in Central North Carolina. She writes emotionally-layered book club fiction about families in crisis, complicated relationships, and crazy critters…topped off with a dollop of hope. Her passion is for creating characters who chip away at stereotypes of mental illness. Her novels include: The Unfinished Garden (Golden Quill for Best First Book); The In-Between Hour (SIBA Okra Pick); The Perfect Son (Goodreads Choice Awards Nominee for Best Fiction); Echoes Of Family (WFWA Star Award Finalist); and The Promise Between Us (Nautilus Awards Medalist for books that foster positive change in the world).
JudgingAs an organization, WFWA supports diversity and inclusivity and seeks to elevate Women’s Fiction as a genre that reflects professional ethics and creative excellence. All stories are judged on a variety of elements, including a clear and compelling hook, strong voice and setting, established conflict and point of view, an interesting story with an emotional arc, and authentic, multi-dimensional characters.
Additional Questions? Contact the RISING STAR Award co-chairs at [email protected]. |