2024 Faculty: M through R
Ami McConnell
Ami McConnell is a writer, editor, publishing veteran, and the host of The WriterFest Podcast. She founded and directs WriterFest Nashville, an event for writers of book, song, and screen.
Amber Meyer
Amber Meyer is a Story Grid Certified Editor with a passion for murder mysteries. If you long to commit fictional murder, then Amber may be your ideal partner in crime. Amber currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three crazy kids and four fur-babies. She dreams of living on a beach In Hawaii and becoming the next Agatha Christie. https://www.mysteryeditor.com/
Lauren Nossett
Lauren Nossett’s debut novel, The Resemblance was listed as a 2023 Books All Georgians Should Read, nominated as a Best First Book by International Thriller Writers, and called “elegant and thoughtful” by The New York Times. Her second novel, The Professor, was published in November 2023. She lives in Nashville.
Tj O'Connor
Tj O'Connor is a thriller and mystery author with a pending new thriller and multiple paranormal mysteries coming soon. He’s an anti-terrorism consultant—life experiences that drive his novels. He has lived and worked around the world and now lives with his wife and Labrador companions in Virginia. www.tjoconnor.com
Kelly Oliver
Kelly Oliver is the award-winning and bestselling author of three mystery series: the seven-book Jessica James Mysteries; the three-book kid’s Pet Detective Mysteries; and the nine-book historical cozies Fiona Figg Mysteries.
Kelly is currently President of Sisters in Crime and Distinguished Professor Emerita of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University.
Randy Overbeck
Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, author and speaker, who served children for forty years and turned this experience into captivating fiction, earning bestseller status and twelve national awards. He has shared four different book talks featuring his books with over 250 audiences all over the country.
T.O. Paine
T.O. Paine is an award-winning author of fast-paced thriller suspense novels. He is a member of International Thriller Writers and holds a master’s degree in computer information systems. His high-emotion novels focus on the consequences of his character’s choices, resulting in spine-tingling, suspenseful twist endings. https://topaine.com/
Dale T. Phillips
Stephen King was Dale's college writing teacher, and since then Dale has published the Zack Taylor mystery series, other novels, over 80 short stories, story collections, poetry, and non-fiction. He's appeared on stage, television, radio, in an independent feature film, and competed on Jeopardy (losing in a spectacular fashion). https://www.daletphillips.com/
Carol Potenza
Carol Potenza, an award-winning author, transitioned from teaching biochemistry to becoming a full-time mystery writer. She blends strong women sleuths, murder mysteries, and science to create a mix she calls “BiocheMystery.” All her books are set in the beautiful state of New Mexico, and you can visit her at www.carolpotenza.com.
Heather Riley
A high school teacher for twenty-five years, Heather Riley is also a yoga and meditation teacher in Pennsylvania. After learning about positive psychology at the school where she taught, she enrolled in a 400-hour program to get certified in it, and now consults organizations on the intersection of Eastern wisdom and Western social science. https://www.hive-thrive.com/
Erica Rodgers
Erica Rodgers lives with her husband, two children, and one very lovable, frenetic pit bull mix. Her constant state of ‘fernweh’ fuels a love for travel, but she calls Nashville, Tennessee, home.
When she isn’t writing or talking story over coffee (or tacos), you can find her rock climbing, in the woods, or beneath an ever-growing pile of bookish quilting fabric.
Carolyn Rowland
Carolyn Rowland is a real estate and corporate lawyer turned writer. She writes the Haunted City mystery novel series set in Savannah, Georgia. Her short fiction can also be seen in various anthologies. You can keep up with Ms. Rowland’s upcoming fiction at www.carowland.com.