Sports Columnist at St. Louis Post-Dispatch and @stltoday. Radio talker at @550KTRS. Instagram: benfredpd. Living one word to the next, one line at a time.

SAMPLE WORK: BenFred: Nogowski left it all on the field, and that earns him spot on Cardinals' opening-day roster

I know in my inner ear that W.C. Fields would have found Fedora AMIS to be a sublimely “euphonious appellation.” I revel in the sound of it. What’s more, I can’t resist the irony. Strange twists of karma have warped the meaning of a Russian lady’s name into unisex headwear. In a thousand ways, the legacy--the historic roots--the epic melodrama in the word “Fedora” transport me to my favorite era in history--the Mauve Decade of the 1890s.

If I asked you to think of a person in a fedora, whom would you picture? Scarface Al Capone? Humphrey Bogart as Sam Spade--wearing his Private Eye uniform of trench coat and fedora?

The fedora looks as though it was born to adorn the dome of a tough guy--a gangster in a pin-striped suit knocking on the door of a speakeasy or the skull of a storekeeper who wouldn’t stand still for extortion. But it was, in fact, created by a theatrical costumer for the head of a high-born lady--a fictional high born lady--the widow Fedora Romazoff, heroine of the play that bears her name. A woman made the part and the hat famous—the divine actress madame Sarah Bernhardt.

SAMPLE WORK: "To Build A Better Coffin"

Kevin has been an educator and writer his entire life. He lives in St. Charles, MO with his wife, who is also an educator, and daughter. He has a degree in American History from Truman State University and a Masters in Education. When not reading or writing, Kevin enjoys cycling, hiking, and board games. Intercession is his first novel.

SAMPLE WORK: Chapter 1- Intercession

Born and raised in St. Louis, MO, Andrew Noles has been a storyteller – and Halloween fanatic! - since before he could even write, dictating stories to his parents when he was just a few years old and planning out costumes well over a year in advance. 

Over the years, he followed this passion for storytelling across various media and industries before launching the Halloween blog Your Best Halloween Ever with his partner, Devin, in 2018. Featuring daily posts in the fall with tips, tricks, and treats for your best Halloween ever, the blog is viewable year-round at yourbesthalloweenever.com.

Andrew continues to reside in the suburbs of St. Louis where he is often to be found working on projects of the writing, baking, or crafting variety… and is likely already decorating for Halloween.

His first novel, Cityscape, was released in 2014.

At seventeen Cole found herself homeless with only a beat-up Volkswagen Jetta and a bag of Goodwill clothing to her name. The only things that got her through the nights she spent parked in truck stops and cornfields were the stacks of books she checked out from the library along with her trusty flashlight. Because of the reprieve these books gave her from her troubles, Cole vowed to become a writer so she could provide the same escape to readers who needed a break from the reality of their own lives.

Jill Orr is the author of HOW NOT TO BE OLD (EVEN IF YOU ARE), which hit #1 on the Amazon Bestseller list in the categories of Internet & Social Media humor, Aging Parents, and Cultural, Ethnic & Regional humor in its first week after publication. She also writes the Riley Ellison mystery series, which has been called “delightfully comic” and “highly amusing” by Publishers Weekly. Orr’s work has garnered praise from industry professionals and readers alike and books have earned a Silver Falchion nomination, a starred review and “Best Book of the Week” from Library Journal, and a Midwest Connections pick.

A graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, Jill lives in Columbia, Missouri with her husband and two teenage children. She is always happy to hear from readers - connect with her on social or through the contact form on her website.

SAMPLE WORK: 

Excerpt from THE GOOD BYLINE

Rejection Reflection

Forbidden Fructose

Lessons From Yoda & Other Small Creatures

Louis Conphliction isn't an entertainer, he is Entertainment! 

Whether ravaging sixteen bars, serenading love interests or igniting our inner most passions with poetry, you are bound to request Louis Conphliction's presence inside of your hearts, minds and homes.

"Hello to the hard times, goodbye good times...

I'll see you 'round" is a line from the title track of Nick Gusman's debut Folk/Americana record, "Dear Hard Times".  Though desperation is heard on top of the songs blunt and honest lyrics, underneath there is a wave of confidence. Taking note of inspirational artists like Dylan and Prine, Nick's songs are chock-full of imagery, and storytelling. Dear Hard Times will be released November 9, 2018. Nick Gusman is a South Saint Louis native with roots in Southern MO as well.

James “Jay Luvve” Watford II began writing in 2008, performing in 2011, and competing in slam poetry in 2012. He placed 6th in the nation at the 2014 National Poetry Slam in Ybor City, FL, and is recognized as the 2012 and 2018 Slam Champion in St. Louis, MO. Currently, Jay is a coach and a member of the 2020 Saint Louis Poetry Slam team, hosted by the Urban Artist Alliance (UrbArts) in Old North Saint Louis, MO.

Corey Black is a poet, spoken word artist and host of Poetic Justice Open Mic [2017 St. Louis Post-Dispatch GO! Magazine’s favorite open mic night]. He is a military veteran, having served in the United States Marine Corps during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He formed his own clothing line, Black Supply Co. in 2013. His anthology, Shoot The Messenger was self-published in 2014. 

Always one to collaborate, he has recorded his poetry with artists such as Tef Poe, L-Vis 1990, Black Spade, and Nick Hook. He has opened up for Talib Kweli, Common, Lupe Fiasco, Malcolm London, Nappy Roots and many more.

He has won slams at The Nuyorican Poets Cafe in New York City as well as The San Antonio Slam. He’s graced the stage at some of the country’s premier open mics such as Da Poetry Lounge in Los Angeles, The Seattle Poetry Slam, The Boston Poetry Slam and Smoken Words Open Mic in Tampa, FL. In 2017, Black performed at Harvard University’s Ed Portal. His charismatic personality and alluring stage presence gives him the ability to engage with any audience.

As a veteran, Black uses poetry to combat his post-traumatic stress disorder. In his hometown, he uses his poetry as a vehicle to help mentor under privileged middle and high school students and conducts Spoken Wordshops with Freedom Arts & Education Center.

An advocate for mental health, Black also provides motivational speeches for schools, businesses, and non-profit organizations.