The Creatives Behind the Guild
Meet Our Board of Directors
Our Board is made up of authors, bookstore owners, and creatives--all who have the same goal in mind: help authors throughout any step in their career.
I’m a fantasy romance author exploring a range of genres, but for now I’m focused on my debut series, The Chaos Chronicles and The Hearts Question Series. Between writing and baby prep, life’s a bit chaotic—but hey, art imitates life, right?
As a child, I was always told my head was in the clouds—dreaming and fantasizing was my favorite hobby. I spent most of my teen years writing on Fanfiction.net before taking a long break from storytelling. Now, I’ve picked up the pen (well, laptop) again and haven’t looked back.
My stories explore the line between good and evil, feature strong but misunderstood women, and embrace the thrill of unexpected twists.
Ashley Montoya
President
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Everyone has dreams, and this is a slice of mine.
Traveling Tales started out as a high school answer to the ever-pressing question of "what do you want to be when you grow up?", and then a "well, let's make that our retirement plan" goal in favor of obtaining a "stable career", and then eventually a "but maybe I could do it now" thought.
I took time away from the dream to pursue my career as a Registered Nurse, and then again to go back to school to earn my Doctorate of Nurse Practice, and then AGAIN when I got pregnant with my son. But through that all, owning a bookstore has always been in the back of my mind.
While I still work full-time in the hospital, and am a full-time single mom, Traveling Tales is my passion project. Being with Tally, meeting you all, that's what I do to fill my own cup.
So, thank you, for giving me a space to be happy and fuel my soul through my love for books, people, and community.
Cassie Lee
Vice President
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I am a published romance author who writes about strong, iron-willed women and those who love and support them. While I explore multiple genres, I currently focus on my Dystopian and West Coast Romance series.
Growing up, I was often scolded for reading a book hidden under my desk or scribbling in a notebook that never left my side. I've wanted to be an author since I first put pencil to paper, and I like to think that little girl would be so proud of where I am today.
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, I earned a bachelor's degree in Creative Writing from WSU and studied Literature, British Fantasy, and Theatre in London, England. My path to becoming an author wasn't a straight line, but it's a journey that I wouldn't change. Through every detour, writing remained the dream I kept coming back to.
I currently live in Seattle, though my heart always seems to drift abroad. When I'm not writing, you can find me traveling, dancing, spending time with my three cats and dog, or enjoying a good book with my book club.
I am a published romantic suspense author who writes about strong willed women, the men who love them, and the long and (usually) dangerous road they travel to get their HEA.
My Story
I was born and raised in southern Oregon. I wrote my first story when I was in third grade about a magic cello. (I played for 5 years.) My family moved to Portland so I could attend college, and it was there that my best friend/roommate spent many late nights writing silly, ridiculously over the top stories on her electric typewriter. During my junior year of college I got the first ideas for my FMC in The Asset, though the story wouldn't come to life for a very long time.
I currently live in Seattle, and when I'm not writing I love photography, taking care of our family of rescues, and annoying my teenaged sons.
Spicy Contemporary Romance and Dystopian
Romantic Suspense
Kamira Lennae
Samara Black
"As a reminder, it's still illegal to sh**t people just because they annoy you."
"You're no fun."
-The Asset
Director of Public Relations
Director of Operations
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Hi, I’m V. K. Alenko. By day, I work for a bank; it’s steady, practical work that keeps me grounded. By night, I turn back to the stories that I love — quiet, sometimes haunted tales about love, loss, and the strange ways people find each other.
I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember, though most of it lived on AO3 for years before I finally got brave enough to share something publicly. Le Chat Gris is the first story I’ve let out into the world, and it still feels a little like handing someone my heartbeat.
When I’m not writing, I’m usually reading, playing video games or otherwise keeping my mind busy. I write because stories make the world feel a little bigger — and because sometimes, the only way to understand a feeling is to put it on a page and see who else recognizes it.
Contemporary. MM, and Gothic Romance
V.K. Alenko
"The whole country is clapping because you finally got your head out of your arse."
-Try Line Hearts
Treasurer
"What are we celebrating, Skylar?"
"The end of the world, of course."
-Dead Girl Walking
Bookstore Owner
Contemporary and Fantasy Romance
"I am no one's damsel. And the idea of you wanting to send me away to protect me? Frankly, it's insulting."
_The Chaos of a Hunter