Tricia Skinner
Tricia Skinner writes Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance. She’s an award-winning former journalist who discovered her inspiration to write fiction as an escape from “real life.” Her reading tastes are all over the place, but she’s mainly drawn to fantasy (and its subgenres), paranormal, sci-fi, and history.
When she’s not writing, Tricia is a newbie “green” practitioner, fitness procrastinator, and a technology geek. She is a mother and a wife. Her family includes two Great Danes. She’s also a gamer. Tricia is the Web Editor for Pony Express(ions), the online literary journal of the
Masters of Liberal Studies Program at Southern Methodist University. She also volunteers with SMU’s The Writers Path. In December 2012 she received a masters degree in Creative Writing from SMU.
She enjoys helping other writers as a “List Mom” in The Mud Puddle, the online critique group for the Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal Chapter of Romance Writers of America. She was elected the 2013 Newsletter Editor for FF&P.
Tricia’s debut novel, ANGEL BAIT was published February 18, 2013 by Crimson Romance (F+W Media). She is represented by Laurie McLean of Foreword Literary.
Candice Bledsoe
Global Executive EdD student Candice Bledsoe has been named a recipient of the Profiles in Leadership Community Award for 2013 at SMU's 35th Annual Women's Symposium. The Profiles in Leadership award honors women who exemplify the purpose of the Women’s Symposium to educate women for social and political leadership. Their purpose is to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of women who have made a significant impact on the city of Dallas and on the quality of life for women overall.
Candice graduated with a Masters of Liberal Studies degree, with a concentration in African American Literature and Human Rights, from Southern Methodist University's Annette Caldwell School of Education. Currently, she is studying at the University of Southern California where she is pursuing a doctorate in Global Education. Candice received her BA in Communications from Baylor University.
She is the founder of the Cutting Edge Youth Summit and Poetic Diamonds. Candice is known for her innovation and creativity. She believes in, works for, and loves her community.
When asked why she created the summit she answered, "For years I noticed many problems in the public education system that effected poor, minority, and female students." As a result, she created Poetic Diamonds, a program that enhances students written and verbal communication skills. The Cutting Edge Youth Summit focuses on enhancing effective student leadership.
Her work is not limited to educational issues. She is also a poet, human rights activist, and motivational speaker. Candice is a 2012 SMU Embrey School of Human Rights Fellow. She says her work is to "uplift the broken and withered soul." Candice has given speeches to uplift the citizens of Burma, Cambodia, Germany, France, England, Luxembourg, Italy, Thailand, the Netherlands, and Scotland. You can always find her "speaking into the lives of others."
Congratulations Candice!