The People

Authors & Illustrators

The writers and artists whose work fills the Koolidoscope catalog.

Author · The Turquoise Twins · Married to Mardi Gras

Hiram Taylor

Hiram Taylor wrote his first play at the age of eight and continued to write. Soon his plays were produced at local high schools and regional community theaters. Twenty-eight of his plays have been produced off-off-Broadway or off-Broadway in New York City and other major cities. At the age of nineteen he won the Bultman Playwriting Award, an international honor. His short stories have been published in various magazines. Hiram has worn many hats over a long career in show business — among his many accomplishments, he was artistic director of the Taymon Welch Theatre Company in Manhattan and directed documentary films in Los Angeles. He produced the film Connections in Louisiana and currently lives in New Orleans, where he is active in a Mardi Gras Krewe and has won four awards for his float designs.

Co-author · The Turquoise Twins

Lorre Brewer

Lorre Brewer began her career in entertainment as a member of the acclaimed Downey Children's Theatre. Co-author of The Turquoise Twins and the Koolidoscope Kids series.

Author · He Watched

Mekenze Walden

Mekenze Walden, a rising literary star, emerges from the shadows with her debut collection of poems — a mesmerizing blend of dark fantasy and raw emotion. Her words dance on the precipice of reality and imagination, weaving intricate tales that linger long after the last stanza.

Born and raised in Sacramento, California, Mekenze's passion for storytelling ignited before she entered junior high school. To the surprise of her friends and family she had created her debut work He Watched behind closed doors. Despite her limited experience, she possesses an innate ability to conjure worlds where magic and darkness collide. Her poems are like whispers from forgotten realms, beckoning readers to explore the enigmatic corners of their own souls.

In addition to her poetic endeavors, Mekenze co-founded a district-wide literary magazine alongside a fellow writer. Their collaboration breathed life into the pages of their school community, celebrating the diverse voices of young artists. Mekenze's editorial prowess and dedication to fostering creativity have left an indelible mark on her peers.

With her debut work Mekenze invites readers to confront their deepest fears. Her lyrical verses evoke both wonder and trepidation, leaving readers hungry for more.

As she steps into the literary limelight, Mekenze Walden's journey is just beginning. Keep an eye on this emerging talent — her poetic incantations may influence the course of dark fantasy as a new generation raise their collective creative voices.

Illustrator · He Watched

Stephanie Sloan

Stephanie Sloan brings an enchanting touch to the dark fantasy world of He Watched. As the artistic sorceress behind the book's illustrations, her work dances on the edge of light and shadow, mirroring the haunting verses penned by Mekenze Walden. Stephanie's art resonates with the same mysterious emotion that permeates Mekenze Walden's verses. As you turn the pages of He Watched, Stephanie's illustrations guide you through the twilight, where crows soar and lost souls find solace.

Stephanie's journey as an artist began long before she could articulate her visions in words. As a toddler, she wielded crayons and pencils with an intensity that belied her age. Her keen eyes absorbed the world around her — the rustling leaves, the moon's silver glow, and the secrets whispered by ancient trees. From these observations, she wove her own magic, creating ethereal renditions that seemed to breathe with life.

As a newcomer to book illustration, Stephanie embarked on a journey alongside Mekenze's poetic words. With each smudged stroke of her charcoal, Stephanie wove magic into the pages. Her art became a bridge between reality and imagination, amplifying the emotional impact of Mekenze's verses.

Together, they created a symbiotic dance — a dance where poetry whispered secrets to the canvas, and art breathed life into forgotten dreams.

Author · Our Evolving Times

Wendy Ansel

Wendy Ansel, owner of Rocks and Runes, was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts and raised and educated in Natick. Shortly after graduation she traveled extensively through Europe and South East Asia, ultimately landing in Australia where she resided for over 12 years on the Great Barrier Reef. Wendy holds dual citizenship in Australia and the United States — her nationality best described as 'Bostralian.' An accomplished rune reader and expert on gemstone healing, she has done in excess of 10,000 readings and has been a trusted life coach for clients for over 30 years.