Local Author

Local author Luke McQuillan sits down with Community Voices to discuss his recent novel, "Love in the Light." This is Luke's first published novel. In addition to writing the book, Luke has also created an entire musical for the reader to enjoy as they move through each chapter.

Jonathan Reyman joins Community Voices to discuss his new book Pueblo Bonita and Chaco Canyon Revisited, his time at the Illinois State Museum, and his love of anthropology and archeology.

Ladd Mitchell introduced himself to the Community Voices audience to share his first novel, Theory Markspurn. After running a label and playing in California, he's returned home to launch his authorhood with a story of a high performing athlete and how the pressure is fracturing her health.

Christina Shutt highlights artifacts from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in new book, exhibit.

Curtis Sanders is a children’s book author and the new Financial Literacy Program Coordinator at the UIS Career Center. He spoke with Community Voices about his passion for teaching financial literacy and how he’s helping students at UIS navigate budgeting, debt, and saving. Curtis also writes children’s books based on his family. His latest, Spring City Stories: Oliver’s Emotional Odyssey, helps kids understand and express their feelings through colorful illustrations and storytelling.

Kathy Lamsargis is the author of the book “Marbles in a Fishbowl,” which details her memories with her grandparents and the life lessons they shared. Lamsargis spoke to Community Voices about her inspiration for the book, how it can be incorporated into classroom lessons and the importance of sharing stories.For more information on the book visit: https://kathylamsargis.net/

Lanette French is a local author who released her book The Blended Family: My Bonus Mom. She spoke to Community Voices about the book, her blended family, and gives advice to others on how to navigate their own situations.

Melodie Parrish is the author of 8 Months of Hell: My Journey with PTSD . She spoke to Community Voices about the process of writing her book, as well as her experience with PTSD and traumatic brain injury.For more information visit: https://www.8monthsofhell.com/

LJ Pemberton is the marketing and patron relations manager for the Kirkland Fine Arts Center. LJ is also an artist and published author. She returned to Community Voices to speak about her journey as a writer and her new book "Still Alive." LJ also talks about a future book she is currently working on.

Peyton Leonard is a local singer, songwriter, and author. She spoke to Community Voices about her journey with singing, various health challenges, and her new book The Mutates. Peyton also talks about her first book signing and the importance of words.