2026 Authors’ Alley
Step into Authors’ Alley, a special corner of Old Home Day dedicated to celebrating local talent and the written word.
Meet authors from across New England as they showcase their books, share their stories, and connect with readers of all ages. Whether you’re a passionate reader, an aspiring writer, or just curious about the creative process, this is a wonderful opportunity to chat with authors, purchase signed copies, and discover new favorites.
From children’s books to historical fiction, memoirs to mystery, there’s something for everyone at Authors’ Alley. Stop by, be inspired, and support the literary voices that make our community shine!
2nd Annual Author SpotLight
Joseph DeProfio is the author of the LitRPG sci-fi series Ascendant: Online, with its two entries Witness the Beginning and Crash Through, and the dark superhero novel (Anti)Hero Chronicles. A lifelong gamer turned storyteller, DeProfio weaves his passion for interactive worlds, mythology, and high-stakes adventure into fast-paced, character-driven narratives.
He holds an MFA in Creative Fiction Writing from Southern New Hampshire University and balances his creative life with his work as a barber at The Male Room Barbershop & Shave Parlor in Hooksett. A Twitch streaming affiliate and lifelong fan of gaming, Joseph brings authenticity and energy to his fiction; blending the heart of role-playing with the epic scope of fantasy and science fiction.
When he’s not writing, you can find him behind the chair at the barbershop, streaming on Twitch, or working on one of his many upcoming projects at The Spot. His books have been praised for their imaginative worldbuilding, emotional depth, and the way they merge game mechanics with human storytelling.
Joseph lives in Southern New Hampshire and is excited to share his work with local readers, gamers, and fellow storytellers.
Tony Tremblay is the Bram Stocker nominated author of The Moore House, Dark Roads Travelled, and several other novels and short story collections.
He has co-edited three horror anthologies, served as the host for the genre based television series The Taco Society Presents, and was a co-chair of the NoCon horror conventions. He lives with his wife in New Hampshire.
You can visit Tony on Facebook or visit his author page at tonytremblayauthor.com
Mr. Duford has always possessed a vivid imagination, and writing fiction stories is how he best
expresses those wild ideas. Sci-fi and unexplained phenomenon have fascinated him since he
was a kid, whether it’s Star Wars, Star Trek, sasquatch, extraterrestrial beings, or superheroes.
Influenced by masters such as Stephen King, George Orwell, Ray Bradbury, Orson Scott Card,
Dennis E. Taylor, and others, David finds inspiration everywhere, and from so many sources.
When you crack open his stories, you should expect plenty of “out there” twists to Keep you
guessing where the story will take you next.
David belongs to the New Hampshire Writer’s Project and you can find him on Facebook under
NHwriter.
He also maintains a weekly blog on his website: https://david-duford.com where you’ll
see his creative imagination on full display.
You’re invited to come have some fun exploring new
perspectives, while spreading positivity and thoughtfulness to help make this a better world to
coexist in.
Logan Boulanger
Logan Boulanger is a talented fantasy writer who loves to share his captivating stories with a diverse audience. A proud Hooksett local, he is currently pursuing a career in Special Education at SNHU. In his free time, Logan enjoys immersing himself in the world of fantasy as a Dungeon Master for Dungeons and Dragons, LARPing, exploring Renaissance faires, and playing video games. His deep love for all things fantasy and adventure shines through in everything he does.
His curent books include:
The Seven Amulets: Tenebris Empire
In the year 2100, magic is just a myth, wizards and sorcerers were made up just to entertain. Yet the people are very unaware of the true world underneath their feet, and as an empire to a fallen god of darkness searches for the legendary seven amulets, those who discover them have greater problems than realizing that all their myths and legends were always truthful.
The Seven Amulets: God of Darkness
It has been 3 years since the fall of the Tenebris Empire. The Amulets have remained vigilant in case of Mors Tenebris’ return. As Victor assists in reforming Europe he learns of a cult hiding within London. If they are allowed to continue, the cruel and relentless Mors Tenebris will return and crush the world under his iron fist.
Victims of the Ravens: Sorrow
Years ago, there was a great fire in the town of Riverhedge. Those who did not burn were slain by the blades of raiders. Many years later, one of the few survivors, Blaine Gilerus, discovers an evil goddess’ plot, and he now finds himself at the start of a war between the Kingdom of Etrogalla and the Warlocks of the Raven Matron.
Victims of the Ravens: Suffering
As the capital of Etrogalla has fallen, Blaine and Chloe find themselves as fugitives from the King. Blaine and Chloe, alongside Noon, work to avoid being captured and plan to put an end to the warlock, Vulre Necrotin. Nuala, Nedaline, and Druthrig search for them in an attempt to reunite. As Nuala’s side starts their search, and Blaine’s side make the preparations to stop Vulre, they are both caught into the plan of the cruel Lord Kask.
The Legends of Ordos: Kindling
The evil God of Fire Ignis Mortis has conquered all of Ordos almost a century ago, and he now aims to claim the rest of the world. Four heroes must come to Ordos in order to save the land from Ignis’ reign of terror. The rebellion is small and weak, but the four prophesied heroes may just be enough.
Michael Skinner is an award-winning advocate, educator, writer, and critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, and guitarist, who addresses trauma, abuse, and mental health concerns through public speaking, writing, and his music. He has worked with organizations nationwide to address the stigma of mental health and to end the silence around child abuse and suicide. Michael is the founder and director of the Surviving Spirit, a monthly newsletter and website sharing resources to help those affected by trauma, abuse, and mental health challenges.
Michael Skinner – Author • Musician • Advocate – Explore Healing and Find Strength in Resilience – https://www.mskinnermusic.com/
Hi, I’m DJ Bajraktari. I am a husband and father of two (five, including our furry babies) from New Hampshire. I’ve always had a passion for writing and creative expression, writing my first book at 12 years old based on stories I told my cousins while babysitting. Though I faced challenges and limited support early on, I have surrounded myself in my thirties with a wonderful community that supports my work. I am now a self-published author and excited for the future.
Never give up, always believe, and surround yourself with love and support. It’s never too late, and while it may not be perfect for everyone, all that matters is that it is perfect for you.
Social Media Links:
https://linktr.ee/djbajraktari
https://www.facebook.com/share/1J47Za9GU5/
Ian M. Rogers is an author, editor, and instructor in the online MFA program at Western Connecticut State University.
He grew up in New Hampshire before studying literature at Bennington College in Vermont and creative writing at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and taught English in Japan for many years, most recently at Kanagawa University in Yokohama.
His novels include Carcrash Parker and the Haven of Larpers (2025) and MFA Thesis Novel (2022), both published by Vine Leaves Press, and the chapbook Eikaiwa Bums (2018), published by Blue Cubicle Press.
Website: https://ianmrogersauthor.com/
Instagram: @ianmrogers
Bluesky: @ianmrogers
Avree Kelly Clark is an author of historical fiction whose work breathes new life into the real people and events she writes about—some long forgotten and some infamous. With a deep respect for historical accuracy, she navigates the complexities of the past to uncover the human stories often lost to time.
Her passion lies in bringing overlooked narratives to the forefront, transforming dusty archives into evocative, research-driven storytelling. Whether exploring the social mores of 1890’s Chicago or 1870’s rural New Hampshire, Avree’s novels serve as a bridge between history and the modern reader.
Beyond her books, she finds great joy in reading, daily walks, freelance editing, puzzling, and visiting the rugged coast of Maine with her favorite person—her husband. When she’s not researching or writing her next novel, she is excited to make time for her new blog, where she shares her latest news, personal tidbits, research discoveries, and insights into the craft. She invites you to join her community of readers as she continues to resurrect the hidden souls of the past.
David R. Schoorens is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, retired educator, and author. A graduate of Southeastern Massachusetts University (now UMass Dartmouth), he was commissioned as a Coast Guard officer in 1980 and served at the National Response Center in Washington, D.C., and as Operations Officer for Coast Guard Group Baltimore.
His military life and extensive travels throughout the United States, Germany, and Europe have provided inspiration and authenticity for his writing. His Coast Guard experience, particularly in coastal search and rescue, influenced his 2022 political and moral thriller, Refuge: A Novel of Lost Democracy.
Schoorens also holds graduate degrees from The George Washington University and Boston University. Recently retired from teaching high school biology and chemistry, he now lives in Rhode Island with his wife, Cathy.
Meet WD Shipley
Meet local Hooksett author W.D. Shipley!
W.D. is the author of M.A.I.A., winner of the 2025 New Hampshire Writers’ Project People’s Choice Award for Fiction, and the newly released sci-fi thriller D.O.R.E. – Department of Reverie Experiences.
But D.O.R.E. isn’t just a book. Readers can step beyond the pages into an immersive experience where characters reach out through texts and emails, videos expand the story, and you can even chat directly with characters from the book in real time.
FB – https://www.facebook.com/WD.Shipley.MAIA/
IG – @wdshipley13
WDShipley.com/dore
Meet Young Author Addison Shipley!
Addison Shipley loves dancing, going to the beach, designing clothes, and bringing her creative ideas to life. She is the young author of Celia the Singing Sea Lion, her very first published children’s book—a heartwarming story about friendship, courage, and finding your voice.
Addison is also the young entrepreneur behind Addi’s Corner, her own online shop featuring products inspired by her creativity and designs.
Addison believes in dreaming big, working hard, believing in yourself, and always helping your friends.
Come meet Addison at Hooksett Old Home Day and support a local young author and entrepreneur!
Store – https://mtn-view-addis-corner.printify.me/
Tag – FB – https://www.facebook.com/people/Wonderful-Dreamers/61573473047169/
Amazon – https://a.co/d/06jE0D7D
Meet Brady Dumais!
Brady Dumais is an 8-year-old author who loves dance, snow days, and using her imagination to create big adventures. Her first book, Flappy the Flying Penguin, began with her own story and drawings and became a published children’s book.
Brady believes that even if penguins can’t fly, dreams can. Come meet Brady and learn more about Flappy the Flying Penguin at Hooksett Old Home Day!
Tag – FB – https://www.facebook.com/people/Wonderful-Dreamers/61573473047169/
Amazon – https://a.co/d/06MZv65b
Nicole Sgroi
Michale & Karen McDonald, Authors
Matt Forrest Esenwine is a NH-based author of a dozen children’s books including the Kirkus- starred Flashlight Night (Astra Young Readers, 2017), included on Encyclopedia Britannica’s list of “11 Children’s Books That Inspire Imagination;” the 2026 NCTE Notable poetry
anthology A Universe of Rainbows: Multicolored Poems for a Multicolored World (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2025); and I Am Today (POW! Kids Books, 2022), recipient of the
2023 NH State Literary Award for Outstanding Children’s Literature.
Meanwhile, his poetry can be found in anthologies like The National Geographic Book of Nature Poetry (National Geographic Kids Books, 2015), The Mistakes that Made Us (Carolrhoda, 2024), and the Donald Hall tribute, Except for Love (Encircle, 2019), as well as ‘Highlights’
magazine. Connect with Matt and order personally-signed books at MattForrest.com.
www.MattForrest.comFacebookXMy blogBlueSkyInstagram
2026 NCTE Notable: “A Universe of Rainbows: Multi-Colored Poems for a Multi-Colored World” (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers)
“I Am Today“ (POW! Kids Books, 2022) WINNER, NH Literary Award for Outstanding Children’s Literature, 2023
“Flashlight Night” (Astra Young Readers, 2017) Kirkus star; Encyclopedia Brittanica “11 Children’s Books That Inspire Imagination”
“The Thing to Remember about Stargazing“ (Tilbury House, 2023) WINNER, Northern Lights Book Awards, Best Picture Book/Mindfulness category, 2025
“Don’t Ask a Dinosaur” (Pow! Kids Books, 2018)“Rollicking rhyme!” – Booklist
“Once Upon Another Time“ (Beaming Books, 2021) “A necessary addition to picture book collections.” – ALA’s Booklist
Ashley Boulanger is a kindergarten teacher and the author of the children’s book, The Adventures of Duck Duck and Obot: A Quest for Friendship—a heartwarming story inspired by the beloved childhood stuffed animals of her two boys. Dedicated to fostering a lifelong love for reading and learning, she spends her days inspiring young minds, answering approximately four hundred unprompted questions a minute, and narrowly surviving high-energy movement breaks.
Outside the classroom, she is a mix of creative chaos and natural curiosity. She can be found balancing the high-octane energy of local punk shows with the quiet serenity of nature. Her free time is driven by two deep passions: the thrill of outdoor discovery and the art of visual preservation. She can be found searching the shorelines for seaglass, capturing life’s beauty through a camera lens, or attempting to master the meticulous art of taxidermy. Whether she is uplifting young minds or bringing nature back to life, she approaches every new adventure with boundless imagination, relentless energy, and just the right amount of quirk.
Steven M Nedeau is a New Hampshire engineer, author, and storyteller.
Stretching across a wide range of genres, his works include children’s
picture books, comedy stage plays, and sci-fi and fantasy novels.
With a history of public performance, Nedeau uses interactive
storytelling to introduce readers to his children’s books and short stories.
Rather than traditional static book signings, Steven regularly travels
throughout the region to perform his work live, presenting interactive
readings at local schools, libraries, agricultural fairs, after-school
programs, and community festivals across New Hampshire. He is a
regular participant at the New Hampshire Renaissance Faire (NHRF)
and local library events like the Oscar Foss Memorial Library’s annual
“Shirefest,” where he reads to audiences from a dedicated pavilion.
Hooksett Old Home Day 