De Simone, Joanne: - Joanne de Simone is an author, dramatist, poet, and film historian. Joanne has written 12 plays, and her film review column was published in "The Fire Island News" from 1998-2003. Joanne's books include, "The Metro Cats: Life in the Core of the Big Apple," a children's book, and "The Peculiar Plight of Milicent Wryght," a young adult urban tale, both set in Manhattan. She also penned "Mating Habits Couples Guide a-z." Ms. de Simone is a member of the Dramatists Guild of America, Shakespeare Guild, and the Academy of American Poets. She holds a BA in Film, Literature, and Creative Writing and lives on the east end of Long Island, New York.

Schmidt, C. M.: - C. M. Schmidt began travelling with her parents as an infant and has already visited six continents. She also participated in three Study Abroad trips to Australia/New Zealand, Japan, and Costa Rica during her college years. She graduated with honors from Western Washington University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in English with an Emphasis on Creative Writing. She enjoys photography, music, pottery, cooking, traveling, and learning about new cultures. She also enjoys putting her degree to work editing for authors. Mrs. Schmidt currently lives in the Seattle, Washington area with her husband.