I’ve been telling stories for as long as I can remember. A surprising number of them have made it into print—fifteen novels so far, which still surprises me a little when I say it out loud. I live in the woods nears Stockton, New Jersey, a small borough on the Delaware River. The kind of place that inspires mysteries, thrillers and horror in the towns and countryside.

My longest-running series is The Kyle Callahan Mysteries—character-driven, funny in places, dark in others, and rooted in lives you might never expect to be troubled by murder. I also write the Marshall James Thrillers series and the Maggie Dahl Mysteries, each with their own voice and world.

More recently I’ve been working in horror and psychological thriller—territory I find endlessly compelling. And my forthcoming (October, 2026) Devil’s Wood is a supernatural thriller set in nearby Lambertville, drawing on modern small town life and ancient horror.

Through Your Write Path, I offer workshops and coaching for writers at every stage—beginners who’ve never shown anyone their work, experienced writers who’ve hit a wall, people who want to tell the story of their own lives. “Every life is a story, and each of us is the storyteller.”

My imprint Vivid Press publishes annotated editions of public domain classics—recent titles include Carmilla, The Willows, and Gaston Leroux’s The Mystery of the Yellow Room. Stories matter.

Look around, you’ll find much more here, and thanks for stopping by. – Mark

I’m very excited about this event. It’s not a back room at a coffee shop (and I love those too!).

I’ll be double-teaming again with author Kim Cook, whose memoir I helped write, and we’ll be joined by artist Larry Felder exhibiting his work.

This is my favorite group, at the New Hope Free Library. I’ve been running it with the same participants for over a year and a half now. Newcomers are always welcome and we had two last night.

This week’s Twist Podcast survey (results next week!) R

TAKE  THE SURVEY

When the temperature climbs, where do you want to be?

On a shady porch with a cool beverage and nowhere to be
Floating in a swimming pool
In the mountains / outdoors where the air is clean and cool
Inside with the air conditioner on
Baking in the sun
Name your own in the comments

What a breath of fresh air! And a blast from the past.

I met Brenda Williams at the Flemington Book Festival on Memorial Day and it turns out we both worked at Sesame Street (Children’s Television Workshop at the time) in the early-mid 1990s. Wow! what a great energy, and so very needed in these times of conformity, diminishment and, yes, mediocrity. Girls need to be reminded now more than ever that they matter, they’re beautiful, and they can accomplish their dreams.

About ‘Worthy and Wonderful’

A children’s book that celebrates confidence, self love, and the bright potential inside every girl.

This uplifting book follows four young friends who remind each other of their worth and inspire children to speak kindly to themselves, explore their dreams, and grow with courage. Filled with heart and intention, Worthy and Wonderful invites families to create moments of connection and confidence building that last far beyond the final page.

About Brenda Williams

Brenda Williams is a writer, speaker, and advocate devoted to empowering young girls to see their beauty, believe in their dreams, and know they matter. Through her Worthy & Wonderful series, she celebrates the brilliance, strength, and limitless potential of Black and brown girls everywhere. Worthy & Wonderful: A Celebration of Girls Who Matter is the first book in this inspiring series.

Brenda is also the President & CEO of BW Empowerment LLC, a leadership and empowerment company that partners with executives and emerging leaders to unlock new possibilities, lead with purpose, and create lasting impact. Her work reflects the same mission as her books, helping people rise with courage, clarity, and confidence.

Inspired by her four granddaughters, Kaehla, Demi, Dala, and Dior, Brenda writes to spark confidence, kindness, and pride in every reader. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with family, listening to music, and spreading light, love, and hope wherever she goes.