A new collaborative group of writers is gaining momentum in Western New York. The WNY Authors Team has officially launched, bringing together local authors, poets, songwriters, and publishing support professionals with a shared goal: strengthening their craft and promoting their work together.
The group currently meets on Friday afternoons at 12:30 p.m. at the Holley Community Free Library, where members pool their talents, share ideas to improve their writing, and tackle one of the most challenging aspects of being a writer—marketing.
“Like most writers, all we want to do is write,” members say. “However, we also need to market our writing, and we plan to do this as a team.”
The WNY Authors Team represents a wide range of genres, including faith‑based and Christian fiction, spirituality, mindfulness, poetry, self‑discovery, romance, action, adventure, comedy, and murder‑mystery detective stories. With such diversity, there is something for readers of all interests.
Founding Members
Christine Thompson of Medina is the author of Sharing Secrets: Soles to Souls, a true spiritual mystery centered on a family moving into a new home. She is currently expanding the story to explore additional untold events leading to its conclusion. Thompson is also drafting a novel, Boomerang Wishes, which follows Megan, a high school graduate coping with the loss of her mother and fiancé, Kevin. Megan strives to thank the man who stopped her from jumping into the Erie Canal to save Kevin, but Jake struggles with his own challenges. Thompson writes Christian fiction romance and mystery. She strives to raise awareness of medical and mental health issues through her stories.
Cynthia Unger of North Chili has authored two books focused on self‑awareness, mindfulness, and personal growth. Blending personal reflection, nature‑inspired insights, and original photography, her work invites readers to slow down, reconnect, and explore their own path with curiosity and compassion. Writing from lived experience, Cynthia shares her journey of growth in a way that feels approachable and real—offering gentle reminders about the power of perspective, the importance of inner alignment, and the beauty found in everyday moments. Her work is rooted in the idea that small shifts in awareness can lead to meaningful transformation. Through her Lovin Nature with Cynthia concept, Unger continues to expand her message—connecting storytelling, nature, and personal development in a way that encourages others to reflect, grow, and move forward with intention.
Eric Weatherbee of Holley is a prolific storyteller whose self‑published books include Wash Day, Beyond the Veil, The Road to Enchantment, Journeys of My Mind, and The Portrait. His stories explore magic, adventure, comedy, mystery, and history. Weatherbee also shares some of his world-renowned short stories in a self-published paper called The Humble Bard. This publication has gained an international audience.
LuAnn Henry of Kendall is the author of a faith-based two-book historical romance series that integrates spiritual awareness into a wild romance that struggles to uphold family values. Her books, A Gust of Wind and A Whirl of Wind, share a love for family, the spirit of life, and faith. Katrina, a middle-aged woman, takes a journey west to discover passions that she never expected. The Wind series portrays the challenges and expectations of life in the 1870s. Henry is currently working on a unique modern-day cyber adventure. It’s a story of inspiration, romance, self-doubt, curiosity, and growth, wrapped in a big cautionary tale.
Matt Kreutz of Medina is preparing to release The Devil’s TransAction, the seventh installment in his Untamed Fury series. The novel follows private detectives Jake and Cash—Pendleton-based Starpoint graduates—on another action‑packed, Christian‑infused murder mystery based on a heartbreaking true story that happened in Western New York.
Melissa Thompson of Medina provides research and editing services to members of the group, including investigative and writing support for Christine Thompson’s projects.
Scott McMillian of Holley is a poet, songwriter, and locally known musician who is regularly accompanied by his singing dog. He has an innate ability to put his pencil to paper and let the words flow swiftly. His newer works are often Christian-based, as he documents his transition from secular man to full-blown believer. Comical at times, his words are emotionally expressive and uplifting. His is a joyous celebration of life from a wheelchair.
Upcoming Events and Invitation to Join
The WNY Authors Team is planning a future reading and book‑signing event at the Hoag Library in Albion, where members will present their work and offer books for purchase. Watch for details.
The group welcomes authors, writers, editors, publishers, and those interested in collaborating to support local talent. For more information or to get involved, contact LuAnn Henry at ldhenry57@gmail.com or call 585‑750‑4317.
The WNY Authors Team looks forward to continued growth and to connecting with readers at community events throughout the year.
Provided information and photo
