2025 Members
- John Berting
Dan Brehm
Dan is a BVWG Board Member. See more on the Board page.
Dan is a BVWG Board Member. See more on the Board page.
Bob Buckalew
Jane Butler is the BVWG Guest Speaker Coordinator. See more on the Board page.
Paul Callaro
P.A. Callaro is a native New Yorker residing in Malvern, PA. He stumbled into a love of American literature in college after which he enjoyed a forty year career in corporate sales and marketing. His soon to be published collection of short stories is inhabited by characters who discover, or stumble into, life's unavoidable truths. His stories have been published in The Muleskinner Journal, Bloom and Umbrella Factory Magazine.
Lisa Doan is a BVWG Board Member. See more on the Board page.
Geraldine Donaher
Geraldine taught in Philadelphia Area Private Elementary Schools for over 20 years
and uses those priceless experiences to write her stories. She's written two novels that take place in the Philadelphia area and blogs research for her stories on her website: geraldine donaher/philadelphia writer:
See her latest interview: https://youtu.be/Xnvu8yJyWfU?feature=shared
Geraldine taught in Philadelphia Area Private Elementary Schools for over 20 years
and uses those priceless experiences to write her stories. She's written two novels that take place in the Philadelphia area and blogs research for her stories on her website: geraldine donaher/philadelphia writer:
See her latest interview: https://youtu.be/Xnvu8yJyWfU?feature=shared
Sharon Esterly
Beth Evangelista
Victoria Flickinger
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Ron Fisher
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Jorgen Flood is the BVWG Treasurer. See more on the Board page.
Frederick Groya is the BVWG President. See more on the Board page.
Frederick is a retired agronomist and is writing a novel of literary fiction, as well as short stories, from his home in Glen Mills. His writing explores various aspects of human nature, including the external and internal constraints that prevent the realization of full self-awareness. He has attended the Tinker Mountain Writers’ Workshop, and has stories published in BarBar Magazine, Pink Disco Magazine, and Opal Age Tribune. (www.frederickgroya.com)
Frederick is a retired agronomist and is writing a novel of literary fiction, as well as short stories, from his home in Glen Mills. His writing explores various aspects of human nature, including the external and internal constraints that prevent the realization of full self-awareness. He has attended the Tinker Mountain Writers’ Workshop, and has stories published in BarBar Magazine, Pink Disco Magazine, and Opal Age Tribune. (www.frederickgroya.com)
Joe Karas
Joe is a retired environmental attorney, who writes a variety of flash fiction and short stories and is currently working on a novel. His blog, "Watching the Wheels," (josephmkaras.blogspot.com) discusses contemporary social issues and other life experiences.
Joe is a retired environmental attorney, who writes a variety of flash fiction and short stories and is currently working on a novel. His blog, "Watching the Wheels," (josephmkaras.blogspot.com) discusses contemporary social issues and other life experiences.
Richard Lolla is the BVWG.org master. See more on the Board Page.
David Long
Christopher Lumpkin is the BVWG MC for Readings and Critiques and Meetup Coordinator. See more on the Board page.
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Cynthia McGroarty
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Rebecca Malloy
Found in a box in China in 1996, Rebecca was adopted and brought to the States at only 14 months old. With humor, joy, and gratitude as her main tools to combat the trauma of being alive, Rebecca has persevered through many trials and tribulations which have only made her stronger and wiser. An up and coming poet, writer, and illustrator based out of the Philadelphia suburbs, Rebecca's main goal in life has always been to leave the world better than when she found it, and encourage others to do the same.
https://linktr.ee/beccathebutterfly
Found in a box in China in 1996, Rebecca was adopted and brought to the States at only 14 months old. With humor, joy, and gratitude as her main tools to combat the trauma of being alive, Rebecca has persevered through many trials and tribulations which have only made her stronger and wiser. An up and coming poet, writer, and illustrator based out of the Philadelphia suburbs, Rebecca's main goal in life has always been to leave the world better than when she found it, and encourage others to do the same.
https://linktr.ee/beccathebutterfly
Dennis Murray is the BVWG Secretary. See more on the Board Members page.
Dennis has been a pioneer with technology companies over his 40-year career. Early on as an
engineer with the wireless industry, then becoming involved with the development of other
leading-edge wireless networks and applications.
Today, Dennis manages technical software portfolios with Comcast’s “Ask Me Anything” AI
applications, that serve front-line workers.
Recently inspired to write, his first novel, in the romance genre, is where the title of his book
titled: Decision Trap was born. This is not yet published.
Dennis has been a pioneer with technology companies over his 40-year career. Early on as an
engineer with the wireless industry, then becoming involved with the development of other
leading-edge wireless networks and applications.
Today, Dennis manages technical software portfolios with Comcast’s “Ask Me Anything” AI
applications, that serve front-line workers.
Recently inspired to write, his first novel, in the romance genre, is where the title of his book
titled: Decision Trap was born. This is not yet published.
Charles Outhier
Greg O
Paula Pierce
Annie Rehill
Erica Reilly
Erica is the founder of Reilly Creative, a marketing and communications firm based in West Chester. Her previous experience includes marketing writing roles at the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX), Lilly Pulitzer, the Commodity Futures Brokers & Traders Association (CFBTA), Guardian Life Insurance, Amercanex International Exchange, and Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP.
You can follow Erica at erica.reilly.writes on Facebook and Instagram or her web page: http://reillycreative.com. Her novel, The Swells of Stone Harbor, is available for purchase here.
Erica is the founder of Reilly Creative, a marketing and communications firm based in West Chester. Her previous experience includes marketing writing roles at the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX), Lilly Pulitzer, the Commodity Futures Brokers & Traders Association (CFBTA), Guardian Life Insurance, Amercanex International Exchange, and Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP.
You can follow Erica at erica.reilly.writes on Facebook and Instagram or her web page: http://reillycreative.com. Her novel, The Swells of Stone Harbor, is available for purchase here.
Scott Pruden
Scott is a full-time freelance writer and the author of the novel Immaculate Deception (Codorus Press, 2010). He's currently at work on his second novel.
www.scottpruden.com
Scott is a full-time freelance writer and the author of the novel Immaculate Deception (Codorus Press, 2010). He's currently at work on his second novel.
www.scottpruden.com
James F. Sassaman
James F. Sassaman has served as defense litigator before the Occupational Safety & Health Review Commission for the past 35 years. For over 20 years, he negotiated with the Building Trades and taught at Drexel University. His novel, Dempsey's Diner, has been completed and is currently being submitted to literary agents for consideration. Framed by Watergate, it is a late adolescent coming of age novel depicting the end of the hippie era.
James F. Sassaman has served as defense litigator before the Occupational Safety & Health Review Commission for the past 35 years. For over 20 years, he negotiated with the Building Trades and taught at Drexel University. His novel, Dempsey's Diner, has been completed and is currently being submitted to literary agents for consideration. Framed by Watergate, it is a late adolescent coming of age novel depicting the end of the hippie era.
Joseph Taleroski
Ninette Tustin
Premal Vora
I'm an Economics and FInance professor at a large state university. I age closer tto retirement, I have started writing a few short stories. It's not clear that anyone would be interested in reading any of these, but I'm hoping to get some inspiration and wisdom from this writers' group.
I'm an Economics and FInance professor at a large state university. I age closer tto retirement, I have started writing a few short stories. It's not clear that anyone would be interested in reading any of these, but I'm hoping to get some inspiration and wisdom from this writers' group.
In Memoriam
Anthony "Tony" Conway
wayneaconway.com Tony was one of our earliest leaders and longest standing members. In a variety of ways, he was a generous supporter of other writers, but always in his booming voice. He met with success in his nonfiction business book Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands: The Bestselling Guide to Doing Business in 60 Countries, as wells as scores of published short stories and essays. He used to say he’d think of something clever as soon as he caught up with his deadlines. We lost Tony in 2021, but like to think we do him right with the Tony Conaway Free Library installed at our meeting place upstairs at Ryan’s Pub in West Chester. Be sure to “take a book and leave a book” to honor our lost author, humorist, mentor and friend. |
Bill Greenhalgh Bill was an active Ham Radio operator and held an FCC Extra Class license with the vanity call W3DE (formerly known as W2NCN). He enriched us with stories of his experiences as a ham radio operator. He was a longstanding and loyal member of the Brandywine Valley Writers Group and is missed for his quiet but thoughtful participation.
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Past Members
2024 Past
Mark Mitchell, President Emeritus
Marilyn Metter
Marilyn is happily retired after thirty years as a psychologist! While working, she enjoyed providing emotional and behavioral support to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, and led an amazing team of behaviorists, nurses, and case managers. Through her work and experience, she gained a great deal of insight into relationships, parenting, behavioral and emotional health, inspiring her to write Savor The Feast.
She has bachelor’s degrees in both psychology and anthropology from the University of South Florida, and a master’s degree in community psychology from Temple University. Marilyn is fascinated by the ways our individual lives are molded by culture. The influence between culture and individuals holds great power! How shall we use it to better our lives?
Marilyn lives with her family just south of Philadelphia. She and her husband, John, have been joyously married for thirty five years. Marilyn loves traveling with John and their sons, hiking in beautiful settings, and getting absorbed in heart to heart conversations, with a cup of sweet tea at her side.
Marilyn is happily retired after thirty years as a psychologist! While working, she enjoyed providing emotional and behavioral support to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, and led an amazing team of behaviorists, nurses, and case managers. Through her work and experience, she gained a great deal of insight into relationships, parenting, behavioral and emotional health, inspiring her to write Savor The Feast.
She has bachelor’s degrees in both psychology and anthropology from the University of South Florida, and a master’s degree in community psychology from Temple University. Marilyn is fascinated by the ways our individual lives are molded by culture. The influence between culture and individuals holds great power! How shall we use it to better our lives?
Marilyn lives with her family just south of Philadelphia. She and her husband, John, have been joyously married for thirty five years. Marilyn loves traveling with John and their sons, hiking in beautiful settings, and getting absorbed in heart to heart conversations, with a cup of sweet tea at her side.
2023 Past
Secretary: Evangelina Mandeville Cook
Evangelina is a social psychologist, researcher, and college administrator, turned full-time author. A published writer for 20 years, her works of narrative non-fiction and contemporary fiction feature complicated romantic relationships, conflicting social identities, and the complex history and culture of her hometown of New Orleans. To protect the delicate sensibilities of her UW-Madison colleagues, much of her non-academic work is published under pseudonyms. Even so, she assures you her play, “The Oldest Profession,” is NOT what you think it’s about.
Evangelina is a social psychologist, researcher, and college administrator, turned full-time author. A published writer for 20 years, her works of narrative non-fiction and contemporary fiction feature complicated romantic relationships, conflicting social identities, and the complex history and culture of her hometown of New Orleans. To protect the delicate sensibilities of her UW-Madison colleagues, much of her non-academic work is published under pseudonyms. Even so, she assures you her play, “The Oldest Profession,” is NOT what you think it’s about.
Sharon Esterly
Christine Bennett
Bradley Beyer
Jennifer Bondzeit is a native Georgian who has called West Chester home for the past twelve years. She joined the group in February 2023. She has written numerous children’s stories and books and an autobiography. However, she mostly enjoys writing short stories. She is currently working on a screenplay.
Margot Callahan
Marjorie Cook
Steven Collier
Peter Crooke
Emily Gmnona
Jonathan Greco
Susan Gregson
John Haverty
Jack is a retired professor and is working on a thriller set in Hong Kong and Macau
Jack is a retired professor and is working on a thriller set in Hong Kong and Macau
Marie Haverty
Sami Kaissia
Marlene Kimble
Matthew Konchel
Callie Marsalisi
Joanette McGeoch
Andrew Moore
Summer Newett
Scott Pruden
Scott is a full-time freelance writer and the author of the novel Immaculate Deception (Codorus Press, 2010). He's currently at work on his second novel.
www.scottpruden.com
Scott is a full-time freelance writer and the author of the novel Immaculate Deception (Codorus Press, 2010). He's currently at work on his second novel.
www.scottpruden.com
Susanna M Reilly
Heather Riley
Swarna Neema
Ross Stein
John Steffney
Laura Tamakoshi
Anthropologist. Joined BVWG to work on my creative non-fiction voice, a collection of stories about my first fieldwork in Papua New Guinea in 1982-83. Link:
The Anthropologist in the Field
Anthropologist. Joined BVWG to work on my creative non-fiction voice, a collection of stories about my first fieldwork in Papua New Guinea in 1982-83. Link:
The Anthropologist in the Field
Annette R. Thies
Annette writes for a national swim coaching journal, and is working on short stories for her
granddaughter, which she hopes to complete by the time her granddaughter is in grade school.
Annette writes for a national swim coaching journal, and is working on short stories for her
granddaughter, which she hopes to complete by the time her granddaughter is in grade school.
Teresa Vratil
Kristina Winter
Janet Winters
Janet Winters fell in love with mysteries and horses thanks to Trixie Belden. After reading Trixie's first adventure, in which she and Honey cantered down the bridal path to solve a mystery, Janet was hooked. Then came Agatha, Sir Author, Rex, Daphne, and of course Dorothy L., who inspired her to name her horses after characters in the Lord Peter Wimsey series.
Janet was encouraged to write after winning a fifth grade essay contest which was actually published in the local newspaper. After that, her writing took a deviant turn to ad copy, press releases, and commercials, for which she snagged a Matrix Award.
After thirty years of convincing people to buy things they didn't need, she turned to her real love...mysteries. She penned her first novel "Murder at Morgan House", introducing amateur sleuth Ivy Snow, her psychic teenage daughter Jaycee, and potential paramour Detective John Garrett. Together they expose deadly secrets that lie beneath the veneer of quintessential American small town life.
Janet Winters fell in love with mysteries and horses thanks to Trixie Belden. After reading Trixie's first adventure, in which she and Honey cantered down the bridal path to solve a mystery, Janet was hooked. Then came Agatha, Sir Author, Rex, Daphne, and of course Dorothy L., who inspired her to name her horses after characters in the Lord Peter Wimsey series.
Janet was encouraged to write after winning a fifth grade essay contest which was actually published in the local newspaper. After that, her writing took a deviant turn to ad copy, press releases, and commercials, for which she snagged a Matrix Award.
After thirty years of convincing people to buy things they didn't need, she turned to her real love...mysteries. She penned her first novel "Murder at Morgan House", introducing amateur sleuth Ivy Snow, her psychic teenage daughter Jaycee, and potential paramour Detective John Garrett. Together they expose deadly secrets that lie beneath the veneer of quintessential American small town life.
Gary Zenker
Marketing strategist and implementer. Author of Says Seth: Life Observations from a Six Year Old Perspective and publisher of White Lightning Publishing.
www.ZenkerMarketing.com
Marketing strategist and implementer. Author of Says Seth: Life Observations from a Six Year Old Perspective and publisher of White Lightning Publishing.
www.ZenkerMarketing.com
Prior to 2023
Scott Ocamb
Scott Ocamb is an author who tells unusual stories about growing up in a small town, the great outdoors, hiking, camping, and motorcycles. He is working on a memoir about how motorcycle trips helped him learn that forgiveness does more for the forgiver than the one being forgiven. He is also a freelance author specializing in agile and lean software delivery.
Please see https://www.scottocamb.com/ for details.
Scott Ocamb is an author who tells unusual stories about growing up in a small town, the great outdoors, hiking, camping, and motorcycles. He is working on a memoir about how motorcycle trips helped him learn that forgiveness does more for the forgiver than the one being forgiven. He is also a freelance author specializing in agile and lean software delivery.
Please see https://www.scottocamb.com/ for details.
Jim Breslin
Has published two collections of short fiction as well as the novel Shoplandia. He is the founder of the West Chester Story Slam as well as the Delco Story Slam. Visit him at jbreslin.com. |
Paige Worth
Robb Cadigan
Robb's debut novel, Phoenixville Rising, is a "noir and richly emotional love letter to small-town America." www.robbcadigan.com |
Matty Dalrymple
Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels and Suspense Shorts and the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, many of which are set in and near the Brandywine Valley! Learn more at www. mattydalrymple.com. |
John Dixon
John’s debut novel, Phoenix Island, won a Bram Stoker award for Superior Achievement in a Young Adult Novel and inspired the CBS TV series Intelligence. The follow-up, Devil's Pocket, garnered him a second Bram Stoker. www.johndixonbooks.com |
Elisabeth Flood
Liz writes a health blog sharing her passion for the healthiest foods and lifestyle through attempted humor, science and common sense. Visit: www.ahealthyElf |
Jeff Hennely
Published his novel The Power on Amazon. Look for The Ninety Five Percent in January. www.jeffhennelly.com |
Ken Lozito
Ken writes fantasy and science fiction books and is the author of The Safanarion Order series (epic fantasy) and the Ascension series (space opera/adventure). Learn more at kenlozito.com
Ken writes fantasy and science fiction books and is the author of The Safanarion Order series (epic fantasy) and the Ascension series (space opera/adventure). Learn more at kenlozito.com
Samuel Lemon
Sam has a new website: www.buckhornpress.com. In addition to his 2014 novel, Go Stand Upon the Rock, his 2017 nonfiction work, The Case That Shocked the Country, about a mysterious 1930 murder case, is posted there; along with a new blog, articles, and interviews. Sam deeply values the support, collegiality, and friendship he's experienced at BVWG. He's currently working on the sequel to Go Stand Upon the Rock. |
Annette Murray
Since 1980 Annette has been involved with printing and publishing as a typesetter, graphic designer and prepress technician at ANRO Comm. She loves to work with authors helping them to format, publish and market their books. Website Stickyearth. |
Linda M. Scott
A graduate of University of Pennsylvania in English and Creative Writing and UPenn short story award winner. She expanded this story into a psychological thriller, “Widow of Arbor Heights”. Her debut novel is expected to be available from Amazon in 2015. Link: lindamscott |
Nicole Valentine
Writes for young adults and children. She has an MFA from the Vermont College of Fine Arts and enjoys speaking and writing about the future of digital storytelling.. Link: nicolevalentine / twitter: @nicoleva |
Gary Zenker
Marketing strategist and implementer. Author of Says Seth: Life Observations from a Six Year Old Perspective and publisher of White Lightning Publishing. www.ZenkerMarketing.com |
Ellie Searl
Short story writer and owner of Publishista, a print and eBook design and formatting service. Publishista.com Elliesearlstories.com |
Joseph Karas
Joe is a retired environmental attorney, who writes a variety of flash fiction and short stories and is currently working on a novel. His blog, "Watching the Wheels," (josephmkaras.blogspot.com) discusses contemporary social issues and other life experiences.
Joe is a retired environmental attorney, who writes a variety of flash fiction and short stories and is currently working on a novel. His blog, "Watching the Wheels," (josephmkaras.blogspot.com) discusses contemporary social issues and other life experiences.
Jack Haverty
Jack is a retired professor and is working on a thriller set in Hong Kong and Macau
Jack is a retired professor and is working on a thriller set in Hong Kong and Macau
