2025 Writing Workshops Around Mississippi

A graduate of Mississippi State University, Joe Lee has a background in radio, television, and journalism and was a radio disc-jockey and a television weatherman before becoming a full-time author and publisher. He is the editor-in-chief of Dogwood Press, a small but traditional publishing house headquartered in central Mississippi, and Resting Place, the seventh volume of his critically acclaimed Oakdale suspense series, is his ninth novel. Dogwood Press: https://dogwoodpress.com/

​John Floyd’s work has appeared in more than 400 different publications, including Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, Strand Magazine, The Saturday Evening Post, Best American Mystery Stories (2015, 2018, and 2020), and Best Mystery Stories of the Year (2021 and 2024). A former Air Force captain and IBM systems engineer, John is also an Edgar Award finalist, a Shamus Award winner, a six-time Derringer Award winner, a three-time Pushcart Prize nominee, and a past recipient of the Short Mystery Fiction Society’s lifetime achievement award. [http://www.johnmfloyd.com/

Melissa Carrigee is the owner of Brother Mockingbird, a small but progressive publishing house focusing on well-written stories and talented authors. Melissa began her publishing career as a literary agent. From there, she worked as a creative director on a children's book line for a publishing house. Combining the skills she gained in both positions, she launched Brother Mockingbird Publishing. Melissa's goal is to bridge the gap between publisher and author, forging a partnership beneficial to both parties. With a support staff created by publishing professionals she met throughout her career, Brother Mockingbird Publishing offers the author experience, professionalism, and integrity.
https://www.brothermockingbird.net/

​Susan Marquez has been writing since high school. She wrote concert reviews for her school newspaper. After a career in advertising and marketing, Susan began writing full-time in 2001. She has written over 3000 articles in local, regional, national and international publications, ranging from magazines, newspapers, and business journals to trade publications and online sources. She also writes newsletters, press releases, and website copy for select clients. "Having a curious nature and a desire to learn is what keeps me going as a writer. Everybody has a story, and I love to hear them and write about them." http://susanmarquezmedia.com/

Richelle Putnam holds a BS in Marketing Management and an MA in Creative Writing. She is the senior editor of The Bluegrass Standard Magazine, a Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) Teaching Artist, a two-time MAC Literary Arts Fellow, and a Mississippi Humanities Speaker. She is also the Arts/Arts Education Project Director for The Montgomery Institute. Among her six published books are a 2014 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards Silver Medalist and a 2017 Foreword Indies Book Awards Bronze Medal winner. She believes you should always dare to dream, discover, and do …YOU ... at any age. Visit her website at www.richelleputnam.com.