Staff

Founder:

TJ Mackay

With well over 3,000 professional book reviews under my belt and rising weekly, I'm not sure where to begin. Obviously, I love to read!  I juggled a double major in both English Education and Dance in college (English Ed. to land a job, Dance for the  pure joy of it!)  From there, I've worked in both fields consistently until this obsession we call InD'tale grew too big to juggle - although I still teach occasionally and dance when the opportunity presents itself!

While working in this industry I've had the wonderful opportunity of meeting and interviewing some of publishing's most famous (and fun) authors and celebrities. Since the biggest complaint people had about me while growing up was that I ask way too many questions, this career has been the perfect fit.  I LOVE people (one has to work very hard for me not to like them!) In past years, however, I had become increasingly aware of the very talented authors that were not afforded media exposure simply because they chose to self or small publish rather than accept the strictures of mainstream publishing. Thus, the idea of "InD'tale" magazine - and then the RONE Awards - was born!

Through more hard work than I thought possible and more love and support than I thought imaginable, InD'Tale quickly became the magazine of choice by tens of thousands of people who want to learn, be entertained and discover new and interesting books in the indie and self published field.

Along with making "InD'tale" the very best magazine of its kind, I still take time for my passion for music (all kinds) and reading just for enjoyment.  I will always indulge both of these no matter where life takes me. I am also passionate about traveling, learning, and enjoying new experiences. I'm continuing an on-going bucket list of visiting a new and interesting place in the world at least once a year. 

Editor in Chief/Review Coordinator:

Katy Nielsen

I was born and raised in Wales, land of myths, legends and amazing castles. I immigrated to the US to marry my husband who was born here. We have four amazing, feisty, hilarious children that I homeschool…at this point, sanity is just wishful thinking. I’ve loved books for as long as I can remember, always owning more books than shelf space. Some of my favorite memories are of my dad reading the Chronicles of Narnia to me when I was very sick as a child, then my mum would join in with The Famous Five and Nancy Drew. It was nothing for me to read a 400+ page book in one day…before children; now it may take me two days 
Getting lost in a book is one of my favorite things to do, and the smell of new books always makes me smile. I love happy feel-good books, good who-dunnits, swoon-worthy love stories and so many more – as long as there’s a happy ending! Working with books is my happy place. Editing, proof reading, Beta reading…as long as I have a book around, there’s always a smile on my face. 
 

Copy Editors:

Julie L. York

I am an author, graphic designer, editor, and mom - though not always in that order. I've been writing and designing since high school, way back, when graphic design was called desktop publishing, and a red pen was the universal sign for a mistake. I still hold the red pen for those who confuse the spellchecker and make the grammar checker smoke. I was born and raised in the East Bay Area, California, graduated with a B.A. in English, minoring in Business Computers...got married and had children. I completed a Masters of Fine Arts in Media Design.  As a reward, I purchased an iPod Touch, but was too exhausted to even open the box. Once I did, however, I started reading voraciously ... no ... I returned to reading voraciously! Thanks to iBooks and the Kindle App, I've consumed thousands of eBooks since 2011 - did I mention reading's my first love? Or is it writing? Maybe designing? Should I mention my husband and kids in there, too?  Along with my own work, I now edit novels for other authors, design their book covers (print and digital), and teach them control of their own creative works.

Penny Friday Baker
I am a southern lady through and through! Even though I made my debut into the world in Utah, I lived my first few years in southern Alabama then arrived here in Southeast Texas in 1969. I have always enjoyed reading. Growing up watching TV I remember pointing out when actors’ clothes or hair would have a sudden change in a scene. I still catch those things today. In college, while earning my Business Mgt & Communications degrees I was often told I had a good eye for detail. I spent a few years in the newspaper business. In radio broadcasting, I learned to ‘rip and read’, write PSA’s, weather and newscasts. Spent decades with large companies, small ones and as a Realtor. One of my bosses used to say “you are too detailed for your own good.” A few years ago, when my husband passed away suddenly, I delved into book after book as my escape. In my emotional fogginess and detachment I noticed typos, missing words, character mix-ups, etc. I started reaching out to authors by sending them samples of what I had found in their already published books. Voila – my editing business was created with Baker Blooper Editing. When not working on two to three manuscripts at a time, I try to read for fun and relaxation on one of my three ereaders. I am an AVID NBA Basketball fan of over 39 years and follow all 30 teams! Friends and I also invest a great deal of time and funds into making lapghans (smaller than afghans) for retirement homes, hospices and rehab centers.
Marc Joseph

 Plagued with a learning disability, I didn’t read my first book until I was 12 years old, but I’ve been a voracious reader ever since.  I grew up with twelve brothers and sisters in a mine, yours, ours and someone else’s kind of family, splitting time between the San Francisco Bay Area and California’s central coast, which gave me a love of big boisterous families and also secluded, quiet, natural places. A hopelessly habitual, lifelong student, I’ve studied Biology, History, English, Education, Law, and even got most of a Ph.D in Anglo-Norman Non-Arthurian Romance.  I even managed to get a few degrees along the way.  I’ve worked as a writer, a marine biologist, a teacher, paralegal, waiter, soccer coach and tortilla chip maker.  At the moment, and always subject to change, I live with my wife and three cats on California’s Central Coast, while I work on my second novel.  As often as possible we travel to Germany to visit her family and spend time in the beautiful wine country of the Western Rhineland.  When I’m not reading, or working on my next novel, I can be found hiking in the hills, kayaking along the coast, or trying, with little success, to master the art of photography.

Media Marketing:

Lynn-Alexandria McKendrick

Hey Everyone. I’m Lex and I am reviewing from Glasgow in Scotland. I have been an avid reader since I was young and I write as well. I write for dog magazines in the UK and also do the dd bit of fiction. When I am not reading or writing, I am looking after my menagerie of animals ranging from dogs and cats to rats and ferrets. You can usually find me outside in the fresh air with my Kindle reading while surrounded by my pack of dogs

Laura Trujillo

On the Venn diagram of life I’m firmly rooted in the tiny spot where beauty, books, and an obsessive love for the 80s intersect. Okay, so I’m nerdy, but I’m pretty cool too, if I do say so myself. I’m an Aveda beauty school graduate and I’m all about the makeup. Always.
 
I’ve also been heavily involved in indie author marketing and promotion for several years, under both The Literary Vixen (which I founded) and Nerdy Book Services (which I co-founded). I also do public relations for Libra Spa and Face the Fight. Basically, when it comes to marketing, I’ve got you covered.

Special Publications Editor/Marketing

Sarah McEachron

A reader of over 30 years, a reviewer of almost a decade, and a staff member of five years or so, I know Books will always be my thing. Especially during college when I spent more time working on a book of my own than paying attention to Stats, and I realized I had no business being a Business Major. Since graduating, I've lived all over the world and U.S. as both a military brat and military spouse. I also work part time, homeschool, and juggle daily life in between chapters. Fortunately, my handsome husband and three cute kids are willing to indulge my love of reading, as long as some of it is done with them!

Ryan Jo Summers

I am a book aficionado and professional wordsmith. I've read books since earliest memory and started writing my own when I was ten. Since then, I've published twelve books with four publishers, numerous non-fiction articles in magazines and trade journals, and self-published one blog-to-book. My dad is a songwriter and his aunt wrote poetry, so clearly writing is in the genes.

Personally, I recently left a ten-year job in loss prevention to write full-time. I am also  an animal lover, having worked as a veterinary technician for many years. Sandwiched in between was a decade of operating a rescue operation and running a commercial boarding kennel. So now I pet-sit and dog-walk full time around my writing and reading duties. In my spare time I like to enjoy nature, hang out with friends, paint, play chess or mah Jongg and work crossword puzzles. I reside in North Carolina with a houseful of rescued critters.

Technical Editors:

Gabriella (Ellie) Sawyer

I'm a lover of everything books and literature! My favorite books are "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen and "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin De Becker, along with any mysteries, thrillers and suspense I can get my hands on. I am currently working toward a degree in Forensic Psychology and Criminology in anticipation of becoming a Forensic Psychologist (Thus the love those book genres!) Working at InD'tale magazine gives me great opportunities to hone my creative and technological skills.  It's also a fun way to meet great people and learn new things. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, cooking and baking and being in nature. 

Graphic Design:

Elle J. Rossi

I’m an author, graphic designer, and self-proclaimed gypsy. If I had to describe myself in one phrase, I’d say I’m a complex contradiction. I love laughter, wit, sarcasm and sunshine equally as much as I love all things macabre. I like dirt roads and city sidewalks, country music and old school rap. I like ripped jeans and pretty dresses, tailgates and museums.

 My bookshelf is no less eclectic. Give me a romance, paranormal contemporary and everything in between. I’ll have that in one hand and a thriller or horror in the other. My love for reading transformed into a love for writing. I’ve penned paranormal and contemporary romance, urban fantasy and horror. These tales all lean to the darker side, which probably says more about me than I should divulge. I’m also a book cover fanatic. I wander around bookstores staring and studying covers for hours on end. To know I’ve created some of these beauties and had the opportunity to work with so many awesome authors and publishers is something that makes me incredibly proud. 

Promotional Design:

Rachel Rossano

Rachel spends most of her time with her three rambunctious young children and keeping their home from falling down around her beloved husband’s ears. When she isn’t wrangling little ones, she spends hours in her personal fantasy worlds of words talking to imaginary people and writing their stories down. With a small side business in cover design and book trailer creation, her schedule is almost always overflowing. Regardless, she is always eager to meet a new writer or reader and talk about books and writing.

Transcriptionist:

Ralph Conley

I was born a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…no, wait. Wrong story. I was born in Indiana, I’ve lived in Ohio, and I now reside in North Carolina. I was in the Marine Corps for nine years and I’ve been at my current job for 23 years, all with perfect attendance. I have a BA in Romance Languages in Literature:Spanish from A&T University and I’m two classes shy of a BS in Computer Science which I hope to finish next year. I love history, puttering around outside, woodworking, and spending time with my wife, six kids, and two grandchildren.

RONE Awards Coordinator:

Amanda Hupe

I am a Southern California native that has been hooked on reading since I was a child. I ALWAYS have a book on me because I never know when I might need it. I will find any excuse to discuss Jane Austen, JRR Tolkien, or Alexandre Dumas! Outside of reading, you will find me running trails or on a yoga mat. However, my world revolves around my husband of 11 years and my two wild and sweet boys! I started my journey with InD'Tale Magazine over 3 years ago as a reviewer and now I work as the RONE Coordinator. It is so wonderful to be able to work with so many amazing and talented people in the book industry!

Videographer:

Jonah McGehee

I am a digital media content creator from the central coast of California who loves what I do. I have a huge passion for art, photography, media and music!”

 

Columnists:

S. L. Carpenter

A lifetime Californian, I live what I consider the ordinary life of a husband and father, with the addition of three dogs and a couple of cats. Humor has always played a large role in my life, and I enjoy making people smile. When I discovered that my short stories did just that, my career as a writer was born and some time later my first book of humorous erotic short stories was published. That was over a dozen years ago and since then readers have discovered the twisted delights offered by my unique and off-beat personality. My stories range from the outright absurd to the deeply poignant. Still, if asked, I would describe myself as just another guy. But my fans will tell you that my writing paints a quite different picture!

Andy Peloquin

I am, first and foremost, an artist and words are my palette. Fantasy is my genre of choice, and I love to explore the darker side of human nature through the filter of fantasy heroes, villains, and everything in between. I am also a freelance writer, a book lover, and a guy who just loves to meet new people and spend hours talking about my fascination for the worlds I encounter in the pages of novels.

 
Tamara Cribley

I'm a self-professed formatting junkie who believes beautiful books don't happen by chance. Having worked as a Commercial Photographer, Graphic Artist, and Art Director, my unique skills enable me to put together classy and professional books that keep the reader focused on the story. I reside in Colorado where I give back to my community by being an active Search and Rescue volunteer.  In my free time, I enjoy reading, gardening and exploring with the dog.

 

 

 

Reviewers:

Ruth Lynn Ritter

Growing up in the middle of the wide open west amidst farms and ranches, the highlight of the week became the trip to the local library.  I could go anywhere in the world and experience things I could only dream of within the pages of books!  Around 12 years old and bored with the "pre-adolescent" offerings, I picked up a Harlequin romance for the first time and was lost as the world of love unfolded before my eyes!  Since that fateful day, my favorite books are always those with a love story.  I have been reviewing professionally for over 10 years, along with my "day" job in education. I love to teach, craft, bake and create when I don't have a book in my hand (hmmm, come to think of it, I don't do those things often!)

Belinda Wilson

I  began reading at the tender age of four. From there my love of books grew to astronomical proportions. I also have a great love for animals, so upon graduation from high school, I set off for the University of Arizona with the intention of becoming a veterinarian. Due to unforeseen circumstances, that was not to be, so I had to choose an alternative career field and followed the advice of my beloved high school senior English teacher and pursued a degree in English literature. From there I married my college sweetheart, Tom, and went on to be a supportive Air Force wife, editing and publishing newsletters for the squadron, PTA, and American wive’s organizations. I also wrote feature stories for the Officers’ Wives’ Club magazine as well as articles about Family Services for the local paper.  I have been with my husband 27 years and have three adult daughters and one grandson. Their menagerie includes four Shelties, a turtle, and an aquarium of tropical fish.

Emerson Matthews

I have loved books since around ‘forever’. This made it easy to buy for on birthdays and holidays. I'm also an avid animal advocate (Say that five times fast) and have spent almost thirty years involved somehow in the animal welfare world. In my spare time—when not reading-- I like to paint and do crafts, potter in the garden, bake; cook, or simply enjoy nature. I live in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in a 100-year- old cottage filled to overflowing with rescued pets and plants. A perfect day would be rainy, but not too cool, and ample time to sit on the porch with a cuppa tea, fuzzy blanket, a good book, and with lots of birds at the feeders. In lieu of that, I will settle for just a rainy day with no pressing place to go. I am also a confessed and unrepentant chocoholic and coffee fiend.

 

Viola Robbins

I'm a retired registered dental assistant who has always been an avid reader turned professional reviewer. I love to bake, follow a healthy lifestyle and am currently a stay at home, homeschool mommy to my son, Giovanni. For fun we love to travel in our motor home on long adventures (La Push Beach is my favorite place to go!) and spend time at our lake house.
 
Roslynn Ernst

I was never a lifelong reader. In fact reading was always a struggle for me when I was growing up due to a speech impediment along with my ADHD caused me to have difficulties reading. I didn’t start to enjoy reading until about age 14. After that it became fun and I couldn’t stop reading even when I needed a break from school, work or life in general.
I am a dancer, pianist, wife, lover, sometime scrap booker, pet mom to my crazy black lab Gemani, sister, daughter, nurse, sometime runner and a reader of all different types of books or genres.  Nursing  is my daily real life job. I’ve been married to for 16 years to the love of my life.

 
Tonya Mathenia

I was taught to read as a toddler because my favorite question was “What’s that say?” and my Mama wanted some peace! I’ve been reading any and everything ever since. I feel naked without a book in my hand or in my purse. I mostly love mystery, erotica, romance, sci-fantasy/fiction, horror, and poetry. I’m a detail-oriented, paper pushing, document reviewer by day who escapes into books at night. I dabble in writing poetry and often wonder if I’d be able to write an actual book. I also love action and monster movies. Nothing makes me happier than car chases, giant monsters, steamy sex scenes, and heroic humans on a big screen….except a book with some or all of the above.

Chelsea Anderson

I've been a reader for a long time. Living in the tundra of the bold north, winters make for lots of curling up with a book opportunities. I dove into the world of audiobooks a few years ago so I could multitask my reading with the other daily things of life and I've never looked back. Favorite books span across multiple genres, from books like Stephen King's "The Stand" and Veronica Roth's "Carve the Mark", to books like Kristin Hannah's "The Nightingale". There is rarely a book I'll say no to! If I'm not reading, I got sucked into the black hole of social media or I'm being attacked by a child/cat looking for attention.

Tricia Hill

Tricia Hill likes mysteries, romance and chocolate, and not necessarily in that order. Reading has always been her vice and her passion, and with the advent of audiobooks, she can continue to “read” books while doing the dreaded housework.  Married with three sons on the verge of leaving the nest and working full time as a teacher, time is a precious commodity, which is why there is nothing she loves better than to lose herself between the covers of a good story.

Carey Sullivan

I graduated in the last millennium with a degree in Technical Writing and spent the first part of
my career writing and editing documents and user’s guides headed to space with the various Space
Shuttle crews. I’m retired now, and spend my days reading, exercising, volunteering in local schools and organizations, and tackling interesting projects.
I appreciate simple pleasures: camping, reading, snapping photos, hiking, laughing, dark
chocolate melting on my tongue, and sharing quality time and good meals with friends and family. I love waking up early, especially when camping, so I can enjoy the peace and quiet of the morning. I find at least 5 things every day to be grateful for, and I journal about those things. I also love playing card games and other types of strategic games with my family. I married my best friend nearly 30 years ago, and we are still going strong. I’m a voracious reader, and enjoy several different genres of books. I’d rather read than watch TV. I’m curious and I love to learn new things. I’m good-natured and kind-hearted, and I love my smile.

Moira Wolf

I have a bookshelf in every room of my house, except for the bathrooms. I always have a stack on my nightstand that continues to grow. Reading is an escape and an inexpensive ticket to travel. Encyclopedia Brown introduced me to mystery and I have been hooked ever since. I appreciate the time and research it takes an author to write a book. I rarely leave the house without a book and can be found wandering the aisles of bookstores. My background is in the business world where I learned that people are not always what they seem, just like characters in a book! My dream retirement is that of reading, writing, mountains, cool rainy days, and a cozy fire, but my husband says I wouldn’t last one night with all of the stories I have read. Thrillers, mysteries, and suspense are my favorite. However, I do love a good romance mixed with mystery..

Austen Grace

As a current full-time student with a double major of Journalism and English-Creative Writing at the University of Nevada, Reno, it is fairly obvious that my passion for reading has been a flame that has never burned out! Outside of reading and writing, my hobbies include travelling (even though I haven’t been very far), swimming, hanging out with friends and family, and of course-watching Netflix! I have also been thoroughly trained by my dad to be a movie buff (he says I still have a lot to learn) and I love watching some of my favorite books finally get the chance to reach the big screen! I also have a passion for writing. Jane Austen is one of my favorite authors and inspirations, a woman writing during one of the most difficult times for feminist advocates. She inspires me to want to be an author and do the best with what my writing abilities entail-well her and my mom of course! Anyways, there’s a little synopsis about me! As the Truman, from the classic movie, “The Truman Show”, would say, “In case I don’t see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and goodnight!”

 

 

Victoria Zumbrum

I am a mother to a teenaged boy and I work as a legal secretary. I love watching movies, but my passion has always been for reading. I love getting lost in a good book and being taken to another time and place. I love to read all kinds of genres. I am a hopeless romantic who believes in true love and soul mates. I run my own blog where I’m able to help authors I love promote their books, and leave my honest reviews. More often than not, you will find me with my head in a book.

 

Heather Kroll

From being read everything from nursery rhymes to Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss in my young years,  to hiding under the covers with a flashlight when I should have been sleeping (and my mom ALWAYS knew!) I have always cherished books for the places that they take you and the knowledge that can be gained. I have loved the adventures I have gone on, the way my world has expanded and having my opinions challenged, all because of the pages within a book. I enjoy reading crime novels, suspense, cozy romances, among others, and it's a bonus if they make me laugh!  When I am not reading, I work in a rewarding position helping students who have learning disabilities succeed to meet goals and to graduate high school, though my heart belongs to working in the Social Services field. When not in the pages of a book, I also enjoy cooking and baking, being with family and friends and enjoying adventures in new places!

 

Jennifer Shepherd 

My obsession with books started at a very young age. Joining a Dr. Seuss book club around the age of 5 is one of my fondest memories. Not a lot has changed since then. You will always find me reading a book, talking about a book, or perusing books online to add to my never-ending wish list. Quite often I find myself toting a book around with me just for that little five minute window of reading time that I may or may not get. Even now as a mama to three little ones, my passion for reading hasn’t wavered. I like the simple things in life, and what I enjoy most in the world is spending time with my children and husband, devouring iced coffee, and taking long leisurely strolls through bookstores.

 

 
 
 
 
Piper Valentine
 
Books have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, covering and filling every available space in the small house I grew up in. Even when I was little, one of my favorite things to do was to sit with my Papa while he read me stories because he always did the best voices, bringing the stories to life in a way that even now, as an adult, I love to listen to. When I was a young teen, the cover of a book caught my eye across the central city library that got me hooked on stories of witches, vampires and all manner of supernatural creatures, expanding my small world in the most amazing of ways. I still love all kinds of stories - as long as they have happy endings! You’re most likely to find me with a Kindle on my lap, devouring the newest release from one of my many favorite authors.

Joan Lai

My very first romance novel was Pride and Prejudice. From there I have developed my love of
reading through the exploration of many genres from crime and mystery to literary classics to science fiction and fantasy. Somewhere along the way, I discovered paranormal and I absolutely devour them. I believe in fated mates and am fortunate to have married mine. Although my family and my day job keep me very busy, nothing can stop me from reading every day. I read to relax, recharge, and escape.

 

Cara Cieslak

Growing up I devoured books. I still do. I love getting lost in a good story. I am an eclecticreader loving all kinds of genres. My love of reading started with my mom reading to menightly. She may have regretted that when she would constantly catch me “sneak” reading under the covers each night. I also remember her being quite upset that I wanted to spend my vacation time reading on a beach. That, however, is my very definition of paradise. Reading on a beach, or in a hammock in the mountains, in a lounge chair on a ship, anywhere I have a book is my perfect vacation spot. When I’m not reading I love running, knitting, and cooking, all of which I can do while listening to a book.

 

 

 

Sadie Wilson

As a recent STEM graduate and an aspiring doctor, reading and writing has been a way to decompress and to keep my imagination in check. My interests are incredibly diverse! You can find me gazing at each line in a poem, laughing at light-hearted comedies, grimacing through thrillers, or jotting down notes on my latest obsession in nonfiction. My love is for anything that can expand my own reality (or take me to an entirely different one). Outside of reading and writing, my interests are just as diverse. I love playing tennis and board games, dancing around (badly), hiking, and travelling. So far, I have been blessed to travel the country, and plan on venturing far into the world to see all of God’s creation!