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Connecting local accomplished indie children's book authors with readers through community events by fostering meaningful interactions between writers and their audience.
Meet our members
Shawn P. Cooney is a storyteller who finds inspiration in the colorful tapestry of his own life. With a boundless imagination and an uncanny ability to craft vivid scenes within his mind's eye, Shawn employs his photography expertise and a unique "eye through the lens" perspective to breathe life into his creative visions. This talent finds its pinnacle in the conceptual designs of his captivating Zorro the Boston Terrier book series, where each illustration is a canvas for shared visions, brought to life by Shawn and his creative partner, Paola.
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Shawn's creative legacy extends to his other published work, The Giving Planet, where he adds a contemporary twist to the beloved "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein, merging timeless wisdom with modern sensibilities.
Outside of his creative pursuits, Shawn is the owner of NW Injury Care, a wellness center located in Portland, OR, where he practices as a physical therapist.
Susanne Hovis is a Joyful Writer, Children’s Book Author and Illustrator, Energy Healing Intuitive, Nature Photographer, Inspiring Teacher, Motivating Leader, and Racecar Driver - yes, it’s true! She has dedicated her life to inspiring shattered spirits in the art of connecting with their joy.
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Having rebounded from experiencing multiple life traumas, and always in search of how she could best be of service, Susanne found herself in many organizations supporting those who have experienced traumas. But it wasn’t until she returned to her family home to help her aging mom, that she found a way to share her gift of healing through joy, and earned an accreditation as a practitioner and teacher of the Chios Energy Healing discipline.
During that same time, Susanne also returned to college to learn digital art design in order to work on her nature photography, and found what has always truly inspired her—the love of writing.
Susanne now cherishes every moment she spends penning amazing and joyful adventures for the characters depicted in her children’s books. She believes it is what she was always meant to do!
Paola Kay was born in a small town in southern Germany. Her love for writing began at an early age but it wasn’t until 2020 that she set out to fulfill her lifelong dream.
Her debut picture book and first in the series, Zorro the Boston Terrier: Accidentally Locked Out, based on her family’s dog, Zorro, was published in 2023.
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When Paola is not writing, she is a Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner. She has helped children and adults heal in the hospital setting for over a decade and embellishes her stories with messages of positivity, resilience, love, and inclusivity.
​Paola lives in Portland, Oregon with her family, which consists of her spouse, kids, and two Boston Terriers.
Corinne Kaz is a Portland, Oregon-based author and illustrator, celebrated for her debut picture book, Why Does Delvin Bark?, inspired by her own dog Delvin and his big feelings—a theme many can relate to.
With a rich background as a preschool teacher spanning two decades, Corinne's passion for nurturing young minds shines through in her storytelling. Originally from Southern California, she now shares her home with two dogs, two cats, and six chickens.
When she's not busy sketching out her next story, Corinne indulges in quilting, baking, and gardening—often getting muddy in the process. Her life revolves around creating, whether it's new stories, art, or delicious baked goods.
