Authors & Illustrators

Abby Hugill

Abby Hugill’s passion for the environment led her to focus on the benefits of bees and bats for her Girl Scout Gold Award (equivalent of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts). She wrote Betsy and Bernie, Eco-Guardians to help children overcome their fears of bees and bats and realize that these two animals are beneficial in many ways. Abby also created a bat house and a pollinator garden at her high school. Abby’s friend, the talented artist Cody Paddack, created the beautiful illustrations for the book.

Taylor C. Phillips

Taylor C. Phillips serves as the chaplain at Westminster Oaks Retirement Community in Tallahassee, Florida, collecting life stories and sharing them with upcoming generations. In 2015, he led a series entitled A Whirlwind Tour of the History of Women in Aviation through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Florida State University. Taylor tells stories on stage at Florida Storytellers events, The Moth storytelling events, churches, schools, and conference centers. He and his family live in Tallahassee, Florida.

Zelle Andrews

Zelle Andrews was born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida. With an interest in writing since she was twelve, she still has her first diary, which was given to her as a Christmas present by her parents. When Zelle learned about a stray dog that had been adopted by a nearby coastal community — one that Andrews’ previous novels were set in — the Crawfordville, Florida-based author knew she had to write the story. The Adventures of Surf Dude: The Dog of Ochlockonee Bay, a hilarious romp told through the eyes of the canine hero, is appropriate for middle-grade through adult. The book won a Gold Medal from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association.

Lt. Gen. Lawrence F. Snowden, USMC

General Snowden wrote his memoir as a gift to his family, but realized many people around the world would want to read his story. From childhood memories to impactful events in his military career, second career as a successful international businessman, and calling to community service, the General’s tale is one of inspiration and humble achievement. Snowden’s Story won a bronze medal from the Military Writers Association of America. Per his family’s wishes, all the General’s royalties are donated to the Iwo Jima Association of America.

Suzan E. Zan

Suzan E. Zan is an author unafraid to tackle emotional issues, x-ray her ego, and inject humor and sass where appropriate. In her collection of poetry, From Suffering to Salve: My Journey to Happiness, she tells her story with attitude, while empathizing with other women who have faced struggles. Suzan has won awards for poetry, non-fiction, and journalism, and has written for newspapers, non-profits, education, and corporate America. She is passionate about encouraging others, particularly women, to find their voice and tell their story.

Barbara Psimas

Barbara’s early childhood was spent in California, where her love of nature, animals, rocks and minerals, flowers, and water developed. She displayed artistic talent at a very early age, producing realistic watercolor paintings by the age of three. She is known for her iridescent watercolors of koi fish; several of these paintings were selected for publication with a fine art print company in Milan, Italy. She is an active member of Tallahassee’s arts community.

Cody Paddack

Cody loves making upbeat and colorful art. Whether it’s a mural or a digital illustration, her art will always have an edge to it. She can be found creating bright and fun things @coylectric on Instagram.

M.R. Street

M.R. Street, MPH, MSI, began Turtle Cove Press as a home for quality stories, poetry, and memoirs for children, teens, and families. Her first contract was Snowden’s Story, the memoir of Lt. Gen. Lawrence F. Snowden. She counts meeting and working with the General among the highlights and great honors of her life. Subsequently, she has worked with award-winning children’s authors Susan Koehler and Zelle Andrews. She recently edited a poetry anthology and will launch Queen of the Clouds, a biography of two pioneering women pilots by Taylor C. Phillips, in April 2023. She and her husband split their time between Tallahassee and Ochlockonee Bay, Florida.