Browse the writers who make Kansas City's literary scene beat. Search by genre, reader age, author, or book title and find your next local favorite.
Find your next read ↓The KC Book Beat Author Directory
Writers deserve more than visibility. They deserve readers, community, and a place to belong. Meet the people writing Kansas City's next favorite books.
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Katie Gabbert Downey is a midwestern multi genre author. She loves writing paranormal, dark, cozy monster, and contemporary romance. When she is not writing he enjoys hiking, spending time with her family, and going to music concerts.
Breanna Hicks lives in Kansas City, Missouri with her husband, daughter, and two dogs, where she enjoys simple, everyday adventures like hiking local trails, woodworking with her husband, birdwatching, and painting with her daughter. When she’s not busy chasing a toddler around the house, Breanna can usually be found writing her next novel during nap times with a cup of something warm close at hand. With a background in psychology and a lifelong love of mysteries, Breanna writes cozy romance filled with small-town charm, intriguing secrets, and sweet romance, all with high-stakes twists. Her stories invite readers to curl up, get comfortable, and solve the mystery alongside unforgettable characters.
Tracy Baack connects with readers through relatable romance. She enjoys writing character-driven contemporary romance novels with so much depth and development, you just might think they're real people. Her books are always closed-door but full of heart-melting swoon, and they end happily ever after (after a little dose of angst).
Scarlett Hyde writes speculative fiction for readers who love stepping into new worlds and staying awhile. A lifelong bookworm who began writing at ten, she completed her first novel before graduating high school. Today, she crafts fantasy, paranormal, and modern speculative fiction filled with flawed, determined characters, high-stakes magic, and enduring hope. Her goal remains unchanged: to offer thrilling, imagination-stretching adventures. When she isn’t writing, Scarlett can be found reading, crocheting, or playing a ranger in Dungeons & Dragons—a strategic class that mirrors her storytelling instincts. She lives near Kansas City, Missouri, with her husband and two sons, where she continues raising readers while building new worlds of her own.
E.K. Barnes is a young adult science fiction and urban fantasy author. Her stories are geared toward young adults who not only enjoy reading about characters grappling with real-world issues but also revel in stories with a super-powered edge. Her debut novel, When the Divine Are Dead, was a semi-finalist in the 2021 Kindle Book Awards’ young adult category. For a brief time, E.K. was the owner and operator of Scribe Stash—a personalized subscription box service for readers and writers. She has a passion for awareness and advocacy work, particularly in areas of social issues and mental health. She can sometimes be seen at comic conventions and other bookish events in the Midwest.
MS Chambers is a multi-genre author from Kansas City, Missouri. Her published works include dark fantasy trilogy The Sisters of the Moon, featuring Pearls of the Sea, Blood of the Moon, and Ashes of Oak; psychological thriller Seclusion; Macabre: A Horror Anthology; sci-fi horrormance MandeVilla; and YA adventure The Coos Crusaders. She collaborates with her two extraordinary daughters to bring her books to life: Mirrissa Alexander serves as her full-service editor, while Beverly DeBurger paints her cover art. Chambers is also the proud grandmother of eight. Passionate about family, reading, cooking, travel, horror, and nature, she draws inspiration from life’s mysteries and magic, regularly exploring history and lore to enrich her storytelling. She lives happily in Kansas City with her spouse, Alex, where they love spending time together. Connect with MS Chambers on her website at mschambersauthor.com, via Linktree at linktr.ee/mschambersauthor, or across social media @MSChambersAuthor.
LeTysha Montgomery is a powerhouse catalyst for change, a 13-time Amazon best-selling author, and a distinguished voice for the unheard. Blending sharp business acumen with a deep-rooted passion for holistic well-being, LeTysha brings a rare dual-lens perspective to her work. Whether she is sharing her journey on stage, building her jewelry brand, or championing systemic shifts in women's health, she provides the tactical, heart-centered roadmaps necessary to help others reclaim their health, their voice, and their legacy.
Alice Adare Bea is a neurodivergent children's book author, illustrator and poet. She has been described as quirky, creative and detail-oriented. Her first coloring book was published ten years ago and sold worldwide. Several of her poems have been awarded nationally and published in anthologies. She recently published a planner, another coloring book, and is soon publishing a picture book she edited and illustrated. Many more picture books and middle grade graphic novels are set for the future.
A writer of the dark and disturbing aspects of life with the purpose of shedding light on the world around him.
Kaitlin is an elementary teacher and avid traveler based in the Kansas City, Missouri area. She lives with a menagerie of pets, including her bunny (Artemis), leopard gecko (Bruni), and puppy (Ringo). Books and writing have been her escape for years. When she isn’t creating stories in her head, she is daydreaming about her next trip.
Chris Kamler is a Kansas City–based broadcaster, columnist, and storyteller whose work blends humor, nostalgia, and a deep appreciation for Midwest culture. By day, he works in technology; by night, he can often be found behind a microphone announcing or covering high school and college sports across the Kansas City area. Kamler has covered or announced more than 1,300 games, events, and competitions during his broadcasting career. A longtime newspaper humor columnist and author, Kamler draws inspiration from the people, places, and memories that shaped his generation. He lives in downtown Kansas City with his chihuahua, Tuco.
F. Wallers is the writer of her debut novel, Insolitam Drive. She’s a former pre-professional ballet dancer who is now a Pilates instructor. You can find her reading, baking, cooking, doing pilates, playing pickleball, or hanging out with friends when she’s not writing. She views her childhood as a magical time and connects deeply with young people.
Sophie Ellen is a young writer with a lot of determination and spunk. Born and raised in Kansas City, the world to her is bright and colorful. But, she has a dark side, with her favorite genres to write being Lovecraftian Horror, Dark Fantasy, and Dark Romance.
Laurea Matthews is a US based romance author with a passion for writing books that contain a sparkle of fun, a splash of plot twists, and a whole lot of love that will probably make you cry. After growing up with her nose in a book, Laurea strives to write books for readers to escape in when reality becomes too much. Laurea and her furry, four-legged sidekick, Rio, spend their free time reading books, listening to Taylor Swift, and daydreaming about being a mermaid at the beach. For updates about upcoming works, please follow along on Laurea's social media accounts @authorlaureamatthews.
Robert Christiansen was born in Las Vegas in 1977. At the age of 3 his family moved to the small town of Pahrump. At only a few months old, Robert's parents took him to see Star Wars in the theater. From then on, the possibilities of science-fiction stuck. He spent most of the next two decades enjoying the view of the stars from the desert floor. Robert now lives north of Kansas City, Missouri with his wife and four energy-filled sons. Between spending time with his family and working full time, he manages to put pen to paper on occasion. The results can be found in his published books and on his blog.
ca clemons, mother, podcaster, Reiki Master, hypnosis practitioner, medium, and poet, is from the Kansas City area and has a playful love affair with words as well as a master’s degree in English linguistics. Relatively new to the poetry scene, she discovered that she prefers writing poetry over journaling as a way to make sense of her “Swiss Army life”. Find her on Instagram and TikTok @caclemonspoetry.
Christi Clemons Hoffman is the host of the award-winning Real-Life Angel Encounters Podcast and the Radiate Wellness Podcast, in its 6th year. Both are on the MindBodySpirit.FM network, dedicated to bringing thought leaders, authors, practitioners, and inspirational guests to radiate light, wellness, balance, creativity, and much more to an international audience. She is also a co-author of the internationally-bestselling book The Gap: Simple Steps to Reclaim Your Health and Reverse Most Chronic Diseases. Christi is a lifelong intuitive, channel, teacher, consultant, and Reiki Master whose passion is connecting people with their spiritual “team” through angel communication, animal communication, mediumship, and spiritual coaching. Christi is also certified at Level 3 in QHHT (Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique), as developed by Dolores Cannon. Find Christi on Instagram @radiatewellnesskc and @caclemonspoetry; on Facebook @angelsguidance11 and @radiatewellnesskc; and online at radiatewellnesscommunity.com. Join the Real-Life Angel Encounters group on Facebook!
Ana Blessing has always had a passion for reading, devouring hundreds of books over the years. A fan of the phrase, "I'm only going to read one more chapter" but really meaning 'I'm finishing this book at 3AM'. This passion for reading, led to her writing her debut novel Should Have Called Dibs the first book in The Friends Group Series in 2025. She loves to watch football, baseball and tennis, cheering loudly in person or from her couch. She has been married to her leading man for over fifteen years. She is a mother to two wild boys, who keep her busy when she's not writing. They happily call the Kansas City home along with their family cat.
C. R. Riley writes emotionally raw romance about imperfect people finding connection in the middle of chaos. From high-stakes suspense to small moments that hit deep, her stories are grounded in heartache, healing, and the slow, powerful journey to love. She writes across tropes, guided by the belief that every kind of romance—messy, steamy, unexpected—deserves its place on the page. Her characters often carry scars, secrets, or second chances, and she doesn’t shy away from life’s harder moments. But at the core of every story is hope, intimacy, and the kind of love that makes all the wreckage worth it.
Author of Midwest historical crime fiction. Co-host of Tikiman and the Viking Podcast. Writer con speaker.
Heidi Monath is a passionate romance author who thrives on crafting steamy, scandalous stories that push boundaries and ignite fantasies. A devoted mother of six, she balances the chaos of family life with her love for writing, creating unforgettable characters and sizzling plotlines for readers to devour.
J.R. Hall is a multidisciplinary author, creative strategist, and cultural curator whose work explores the intersections of masculinity, mental wellness, relationships, identity, and human connection. Through his writing and live conversations, he creates spaces where vulnerability is reframed as strength and honest dialogue becomes a catalyst for growth. Drawing from storytelling, psychology, and lived experience, Hall challenges conventional narratives surrounding modern manhood, inviting audiences to embrace emotional intelligence, intentional living, and authentic self-discovery. His work encourages readers and listeners alike to move beyond performance and into purpose. As the creator of Confidential Space, Hall has built a platform dedicated to meaningful conversations that foster reflection, healing, and community. Whether through literature, public speaking, curated experiences, or media, his mission remains the same: to create environments where people—especially men—feel seen, heard, and empowered to evolve. Hall believes that every meaningful transformation begins with a conversation, and every conversation has the power to change a life.
Amelia is an indie author from NW Missouri! After spending a few years writing erotica under another name, she decided to dip her toes into dark fantasy romance. She loves toxic men and wild adventures that always end with a HEA or HFN. When she's not writing, you'll find her reading, working out, or studying. She have too many cats and enjoys fall, tea, and daydreaming.
Born and raised in the midwest, Anya often finds herself Googling “how do I stop being such a people pleaser, someone help me” and that’s okay. She’s accepted that part of herself. As a queer, neurodivergent, chronically ill person, she is on a mission to write stories that represent those who have long been underrepresented in literature. She spends most of her days working from home with her two rescue dogs by her side, so yes, she is in desperate need of human contact. Come find her at an event and say hi!
Jordan Lanio-Burns is a Johnson County native and fantasy romance author with a passion for weaving stories of magic, resilience, and unforgettable romance. Inspired by her love of immersive worlds and character-driven adventures, she writes stories that blend slow-burn romance, high-stakes quests, and found family. When she’s not writing, Jordan enjoys reading, baking, playing tennis, and spending time with her husband and their dachshund.
Bethany has been writing her whole life. When she’s not writing a new story, she is either reading, riding motorcycles with her hubby, or helping to mold young minds by following her passion of being a teacher. She is usually found at her home in Kansas, in Florida visiting her dad, or in New York visiting other friends and family. She is happily married with 3 wonderful Fur-babies, and beautiful twin daughters! “The Witch’s Savior” was her debut novel, and she has multiple other novellas published as well as being a part of a few anthologies! “The Witch’s Soul”, book 2 in the 5 Witches Series, was released in 2022, with a cute grouping of Novellas that follows the coven which was released in 2023! She also has an AWESOME Wolf Shifter novel, a Reaper novel, and a contemporary novel as well!! So much happening, and more stories to come!
Andrew Stuart Bergerson is a history professor, fantasy novelist, gamemaster, and tàijí player. In his award-winning scholarship on modern Germany, he studies the roles of ordinary people in making history. In his fantasy fiction, he explores themes of role playing and storytelling in becoming who we are.
Deborah Dilks is the author of several cozy murder mystery books in the Miss Markham Mysteries Series, set in the 1930s in the Greater Kansas City area. (Murder Among Friends, Peculiarities at the Picnic, Killing the Kansas City Shuffle, Murder at the Pickwick Hotel, and Mystery of the Kerns Estate) Three books are under the pseudonym Juliet E. Sidonie. The stories are one-part historical fact and three parts fiction. Several more books are planned in the Miss Markham Mystery series. Deborah also wrote three biographies: (Miss Kansas City Kitty Doris Markham’s Story, Mrs. Kansas City Kitty Doris Swinney’s Family, and From World War II to the Run of the Year). Deborah lives in eastern Jackson County, Missouri, with her husband, one dog, twenty-two chickens, and three steers. She and her husband have two children and five grandchildren. Deborah’s hobbies include genealogy and reading.
Emily Swaim is a speculative fiction author living in the Midwest. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys handicrafts, anime, and yoga.
Before starting to write books, Squall Charlson previously worked both in front and behind the camera on various movies, television shows, and commercials. He is currently based out of Kansas City, where he, his wife, and their three cat children live.
Lindsey Hobson is an award-winning author from Southwest Missouri, where she lives with her husband and daughter. A proud member of SCBWI and local writers' guilds, Lindsey has penned two self-published picture books, several short stories, and a middle-grade novel. Passionate about storytelling for all ages, Lindsey believes children’ s books hold a unique and timeless magic.
As a child, L.A. McBride loved all things vintage and Halloween. Fortunately, she moved to the Kansas City area where she discovered the wonders of old stockyards, world-class barbecue, and some of the greatest haunted houses in the country. When she’s not writing urban fantasy romance, she spends countless hours treasure hunting in thrift stores and attempting to win the devotion of a flock of chickens named after Buffy the Vampire Slayer characters.
Brian Johnson's storytelling began with childhood encounters in mythology and Star Wars, sparking a lifelong passion for science fiction, fantasy, and horror. He has published poetry and short stories, anthologies, and online magazines. He's released the novels: Hell to Pay, The Dark Cry of Aristid, Middle-Aged Man in a Trashcan, and Double-Wide Justice. A fellow with The National Writer's Project Writer's Circle, Artist INC, and Project Atmosphere, Brian has a side quest that combines his writing and scientific background with artistic vision as a storm chaser and photographer. His work has been used by NASA, the National Weather Service, and NOAA. He also co-hosts "Tikiman and the Viking," a podcast exploring creativity and the writing process. William Brian Johnson is a crow in a field of broken glass—an author, teacher, storm chaser, and photographer whose books are semiautobiographical and damn lies.
Piper Hale is a Midwestern girl who loves golden-retriever heroes, imperfect heroines, and some coffee with her sugar. She lives with her two crazy (but amazing) kids in the middle-of-the-map USA. Piper grew up listening to her dad’s silly stories at bedtime, became a voracious reader as a child, and never forgot her high school creative writing teacher, who told her she had what it took to write romance. Even if she didn’t give it a go until the pandemic. These days, you’ll find Piper writing contemporary romance that’s sassy, sexy, and chock-full of cinnamon rolls.
Ali Stalone writes voice-forward, emotionally charged romance centered on women reclaiming the parts of themselves they were taught to shrink. With a background in criminology, a master’s degree in legal studies, and a career in legal marketing, she brings a love of complicated systems, sharp banter, and morally gray men with soft spots to every story. Her books blend humor, heat, danger, found family, big yearning, emotional healing, and—more often than not—a man on his knees for the woman he loves. When she isn’t writing, Ali can usually be found reading romance and fantasy novels, hosting book clubs, spending time at her local bookstore, or lovingly bothering her husband and two children.
Residing in her childhood home where Ashley Donegan was born and raised in small town Kansas, she enjoys farm life with multiple animals and family close by. Her animals are more than just pets-they’re part of what inspire sweet, fun stories that help make kids feel like they’re wrapped in a big, warm hug. Teaming up with her daughter, who is the real creative talent and ultimate inspiration, they both enjoy working together to create various art and have ideas for several more children’s books to come.
J.F. Hopper, author of the Fianna Chronicles, a Celtic-inspired epic fantasy series that explores memory, myth, and promises that shape our lives. After a 30-year career as an educator, he now writes full-time, blending Celtic folklore with character-driven storytelling and timeless questions about identity, courage, and belonging. His debut novel, The Fianna Chronicles: Awakening, introduces readers to the world of Mórradún, where forgotten oaths awaken ancient powers and memory itself holds magic. Beyond his novels Hopper writes essays and fiction on Substack and Medium. He lives in the Kansas City are, where he enjoys connecting with readers, discussing mythology and storytelling, and encouraging others to discover the power of stories.
Anna Sajovic is a writer and former educator whose memoir Surviving Mommy draws from a childhood marked by instability, countercultural excess in and early responsibility. Over decades, she recorded and refined the memories that would eventually become this manuscript, formally organizing and drafting the book beginning in 2013. Sajovic holds a graduate degree and spent her professional career as a teacher, coach, and public speaker. She has published professional articles and is previously published within the field of education, but Surviving Mommy is her first work of literary nonfiction for a general audience.
Joely Sue Burkhart has always loved heroes who hide behind a mask, the darker and more dangerous the better. Whether cool, sophisticated billionaire, brutal bloodthirsty assassin, or simply a man tortured by his own needs, they all wear masks to protect themselves. Once they finally give you a peek into the passionate, twisted secrets they’re hiding, they always fall hard and fast. Dare to look beneath the mask and find love in the shadows.
Gabrielle J. Miller writes the kind of stories that keep you up past your bedtime, the “just one more chapter” kind… until it’s 3 a.m. and you have zero regrets. An award-winning author and lifelong creative, Gabrielle crafts fantasy, sci-fi, horror, supernatural, psychological thrillers, dystopias, and dark romances packed with tension, heat, grit, and characters who make questionable decisions in the best possible ways. She traded a practical career for fictional chaos and has been happily wrecking readers (with words) ever since. If you’re here for book boyfriends, broken heroes, fierce heroines, and stories that don’t play it safe: welcome home.
Dystopian & surrealist horror author specalizing in experimental narratives. He's published three short story collections with two more currently in progress, both of which he hopes to publish in 2027.
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