“Leaders are made, they are not born. They are made by hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile.”
Vince Lombardi (June 11, 1913–September 3, 1970)
2011 Liberty States Fiction Writers
Board of Directors and Founding Members
| President – Rayna Vause |
 Click here to contact RaynaRayna Vause is fascinated by the paranormal and she loves a good romance as well, which probably explains why these two elements perpetually crop up in her writing. The perpetual student, she took fiction writing classes and steeped herself in reading tales of love conquering all before attempting to write her own story. Now, Rayna divides her time between crafting stories of sexy men finding their way to love and penning the adventures of kick-butt heroes and heroines who overcome impossible odds. Naturally, she mixes in a bit of the supernatural.When Rayna isn’t writing or being bossed around by the two two cats that allow her to live with them, she’d attending karate classes, planning her next trip to Disney World or indulging her obsession with video games. For more information on Rayna please visit www.RaynaVause.com. |
| Vice President – Gail Freeman |
 Click here to contact GailGail Freeman has been writing for twelve years and is a yet to be published author. Ms. Freeman served as President of the New Jersey Romance Writers for two years and has also served as Vice President, Treasurer, Special Events Chair, and Hospitality and Critique Chair in that organization. On a national level, Gail was one of the founding staff members of the Romance Writers of America’s electronic newsletter, eNotes and served as editor of that publication for a number of years. In 2005, she was awarded the RWA’s prestigious Service Award for her commitment and volunteer efforts. She also chaired the RWA’s 2007 Chapter Newsletter Contest and the 2008 ad hoc committee for reform recommendations and changes to that contest. For the past eight years she has been a member of the RWA Communication Committee. After being out of high school for twenty years, Gail went back to college and obtained her associate degree in accounting. A lifelong resident of the Jersey Shore, Ms. Freeman believes in happy endings and working towards your goals, no matter how long it takes. |
Secretary – Linda Parisi |
| Click here to contact Linda Bio Coming Soon |
| Treasurer – Michele Richter |
 Click here to contact MicheleMichele Richter, CPA is a big believer in balance, and not just with numbers. She manages her own accounting firm of 100+ clients. Her #1 clients are her husband and daughter who request 24-hour consulting services. Michele also loves dogs, playing piano, singing and Walt Disney World. She writes science fiction, romance and poetry, and is extremely excited about her new project “Life’s Equations.” |
| Board Member at Large – Melinda Leigh |
 Click here to contact MelindaMore than a decade ago, Melinda left a career in banking to raise her children and never looked back. Melinda began writing romantic suspense when her youngest child entered first grade as a way to preserve her sanity and put to use the overactive imagination that caused her so much trouble as a child. Writing as Melinda Leigh, she is the winner of the 2007 Put Your Heart in a Book contest, 2008 Marlene award, 2008 Where The Magic Begins contest and 2008 Gateway to the Best contest. Her debut romantic suspense novel, She Can Run, released in November 2011. For more information on Melinda, please visit www.melindaleighauthor.com. |
| Board Member at Large – Lois Winston |
 Click here to contact LoisAward-winning author Lois Winston writes humorous, cross-genre, contemporary novels and romantic suspense. She often draws upon her extensive experience as an artist and crafts designer for much of her source material. Her first book, TALK GERTIE TO ME, was the recipient of the Readers and Bookbuyers Best Award, took second place in both the Beacon Awards and Laurel Wreath Awards, and was nominated for a Reviewers’ Choice Award and a Golden Leaf Award. Her second novel, LOVE, LIES & A DOUBLE SHOT OF DECEPTION, was the winner of the Winter Rose Award for Excellence in Romantic Fiction, the More Than Magic Award, and the Laurie Award. When not writing or designing, you can find Lois trudging through stacks of manuscripts as she hunts for diamonds in the slush piles for the Ashley Grayson Literary Agency. Visit Lois at www.loiswinston.com. |
Additional Founding Members
| Kathye Quick |
 Click here to contact KathyeKathye Quick has been writing since she used #2 pencils and Catholic School lined paper, but finally got published in 1999. Since then she has published 9 books: Contemporary Romances with Avalon Books, Historical and Romantic Comedy with Wings e-Press, Fantasy Romance with Cerridwen Press and a Medieval Romance with The Wild Rose Press. Currently she is under contract for a Contemporary Series Romance with Avalon Books and is working on an Urban Fantasy Series as P. K. Eden. Writing as P. K. Eden with partner, Patt Mihailoff, their fantasy romance, FIREBRAND, recently won two Reviewer’s Choice Awards and a 5-Star review. She has also been a finalist for the HOLT Medallion with her Avalon Romance, “TIS THE SEASON. Her favorite things are getting the stories out of her head and onto paper and helping other people get published. For more information on Kathye, please visit www.pkeden.com |
| Anne Walradt |
 Click here to contact AnneAnne Frazier Walradt is a freelance teacher, writer, and editor. Her articles and essays have appeared in such diverse publications as Maine in Print and Romance Forever. She taught literature and power writing at the secondary and college levels. Prospective authors take her nationally known “Show, Don’t Tell” course, which often leads to publication. She’s taught a humor workshop at the International Women’s Writing Guild conference held at Skidmore College for thirteen years. A past president of New Jersey Romance Writers, she is the editor of their monthly newsletter. In 1999, she edited Romance Recipes for the Soul (Doubleday), which includes one of her short stories. As a leader in her church and community, has actively supported families in grief and has created digital montage testimonials. |
To contact the Liberty States Fiction Writers by regular mail, please write to us at:
Liberty States Fiction Writers
c/o L. Winston
PO Box 2914
Westfield, NJ 07090