Our Authors
Dr. Amber Johnson, COO
Amber is a physician, associate professor, and research scientist at the University of Chicago in Illinois. She is a co-founder and co-owner of Goudelock and Three Bears Publishing, where she serves as Director of Operations. She is an award-winning author and public speaker. She has written several publications and won several awards for her research. Her favorite pastimes include cooking, working out, and traveling. Amber is an avid runner, has run 1/2 marathons, and is training for a triathlon. She is a mother to two daughters, Leilani and Nia, both of whom love reading about new characters.
Karolyn Denson Landrieux, CEO/Founder
The Adventures of Maxine and Beanie
Karolyn Denson Landrieux is our CEO and co-founder. She’s an award-winning author and publisher. Karolyn has published children’s books as well as short stories and poetry. She’s a retired flight attendant and currently lives in Paris as well as in the United States. She’s married and has one daughter, who is a physician, professor, and research scientist at the University of Chicago. She has two granddaughters. Karolyn left a 35-year career during the pandemic and decided to pursue one of her many creative passions as a new career. Karolyn has published several works. Her children’s books are published in English, French, and Spanish. You can find her work at Maxine and Beanie. She also has a blog that chronicles her journey from Pittsburgh to Paris and from flight attendant to professional writer and publisher at Pittsburgh to Paris blog.
You can keep up with the latest from Karolyn by following Maxine' and Beanie’s Facebook page and shop for books on Maxine & Beanie’s website!
Ashley-Nichole
Wicked Awesome Stepmother
Ashley-Nichole grew up in Ft. Myers, Florida, and currently resides in Newnan, Georgia, with her partner, Eric, stepdaughters, Kendra and Cassie, and two Australian Shepherds, Rocco and Dolly.
Her childhood passion for travel led her to pursue a career as a flight attendant, a position she has held with Delta Air Lines for over fifteen years.
When she isn’t traveling or writing, you can find her thrifting, crafting, or simply spending good old-fashioned quality time with her family.
You can keep up with Ashley-Nichole’s latest by following her at @wickedawesomestepmother on social media or heading to WickedAwesomeStepmother.com!
Martin Kaplan
Martin Kaplan currently lives in Valencia, Spain, with his wife Susan. For 45 years, he taught Spanish at colleges and secondary schools. His teaching career took him from College Park, Maryland, to Buffalo, New York, on to Middleburg, Virginia, and finally on to Pasadena, California. He is both a performer and the author of Things Magical. He has performed magic for elementary school students both in the United States and Spain. He is the official magician of the Ronald McDonald House in Valencia, Spain, and, in addition to performing there, he is also actively involved in fund-raising for the organization.
Martin donates all proceeds and royalties from Beanie’s Bedtime Stories to the Ronald McDonald House in Valencia.
Stephanie Dawn Askew
When My GiGi Flies
Stephanie Dawn Askew was born in Anchorage, Alaska, and was raised in the eastern part of North Carolina. She is the mother of two beautiful adult children, Zachery and Samantha.
Stephanie received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, before stepping out on faith and pursuing her dream to become a flight attendant. She currently flies with Southwest Airlines.
In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, meeting new people from different walks of life, and reading a good book. She would like to leave a legacy for her children to build upon.
You can keep up with the latest from Stephanie by following her on Facebook at When My GiGi Flies!