Community

Get to Know the Voices and Creators Behind the Stories

Tidebound Press is built on collaboration. Every book we publish is shaped by the writers, artists, designers, performers, and supporters who believe in the power of storytelling.

This page celebrates the creative community that helps bring Tidebound projects to life, from the authors whose stories fill the pages to the artists, collaborators, and supporters who help carry them into the world.

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Our Storytellers

Our authors bring bold voices, imaginative worlds, and unforgettable characters to every project. From eerie short fiction to genre blending storytelling, these writers form the creative backbone of our books and anthologies.

Author

Brent Lewis

Writer, playwright, documentarian, and native Eastern Shoreman with deep local roots. Latest release Stardust by the Bushel.

Author

Ellen Smith

Freelance writer, editor for Inkandescent Kids Magazine, and author of Reluctant Cassandra and the Time Wrecker Trilogy. All Kinds of Time dropped in January 2026.

Author

Janet Johnson

Began as a newspaper journalist in Arizona and
Central New Jersey and enjoys writing about major milestones in life, often exploring darker themes with a thread of humor.

Author

M.K. Sholund

Horror writer who recently published a writing prompt book, 150+ Prompts: A Creative Writing Journal.

Author

Jim Duffy

Author and regular on WBOC-TV’s DelmarvaLife. Has written multiple books that explore the Delmarva Peninsula, including: Eastern Shore Road Trips and Tubman Travels: 32 Underground Railroad Journeys on Delmarva.

Author

Alexandra Kuehn

Author of Libby the Lunchbuddy, a children’s book that focuses on creativity, confidence, and the fear of first experience.

Author

Kenton Kilgore

Author of fantasy novels for young adults, and adults who are still young. Latest works include: This Wasted Land, Stray Cats, and The Scorpion & The Wolf.

Author

D. Lara Smith

Writer of post-apocalyptic, dystopian and horror stories by night. Curriculum manager by day.

Author

Ray Van Horn, Jr.

Contributing writer for The Metal Hall of Fame. Work has appeared in various magazines and anthologies. Latest releases, Bringing in the Creeps and October Rust.

Author

Samantha Curtin

An occult and paranormal horror author who is also

a practicing witch, medium, and tarot reader. Latest works include: the Hollow Series and the Carmichael Series.

Author

Andrea Grabenstein

A community journalist for the Bay Times and Record-Observer. Has also written for the Gettysburg Times, the Emmitsburg News-Journal, and the Shippensburg News-Chronicle.

Author

S.R. Webster

Dark fiction author and MC for live author events at Cult Classic. Latest releases, A Girl Named Ghost and Dark Quirks.

Author

Paul Briggs

Author of the Locksmith novels and Altered Seasons: Monsoonrise. Has also written short plays, including the award-winning The Worst Super Power Ever and The Picture of Health.

Author

J Coursey Willis

Songwriter, storyteller, and historian. His Kent Island memoirs have been published in magazines and on digital platforms, blending personal narrative with documented history. Also the Founder of Historic Kent Island, Inc.

Author

Chris Hohl

Author and artist whose work blends romantasy and suspense for new adult readers, also a member of the Eastern Shore Writers Association.

Author

E.C. Syliva

Author and technologist whose work blends grounded realism with high-stakes narrative. Debut novel, Big Papi’s Rules.

Our Artists

Books don’t just tell stories, they show them. Our artists, illustrators, and designers help create the visual identity of Tidebound Press through cover art, interior illustrations, and design that brings each project to life.

Cover Artist

Kyle Conway

Animator, photographer, and illustrator creating art on Kent Island, including sections of the mural at Cult Classic. First children's book, Inside the Human Factory.

Illustrator

Marti Wensel

Retired teacher, portrait artist and long-time supporter of the creative community.

Our Collaborators and Friends

Tidebound Press thrives because of the passionate supporters who believe in local storytelling. From event partners to creative supporters, these individuals and organizations help keep the tide moving.

Bookstore

Brackish Books

A mobile bookstore serving the Eastern Shore, delivering stories, connection, and a love of reading to the communities they call home.

Venue

Cult Classic Brewing

A beloved Kent Island venue where craft beer, local creators, and offbeat live entertainment share the same stage.