Why Choose Indie Authors?

Discover indie authors from across the United States. My Secret Shelves celebrates independent voices with the same prominence as traditionally published works. Explore our curated selection of talented authors from Louisiana and other states such as Michigan, South Carolina, and more! Every author starts with one words that turns into a world you can further explore. We cherish those who are self-published and traditionally published. We often found our indie authors are also not given the credit they deserve. We want to cherish, celebrate, and collaborate with the hearts behind these beautiful masterpieces and we hope you do too!

The Face Behind The Stories

Dr. Brenda Albright Barnhart

Dr. Brenda Albright Barnhart is an accomplished educator, author, and lifelong learner whose journey has been rooted in a deep love for inspiring others. Born in Texas and raised in Central Louisiana, she earned her B.S. in Business and a M.Ed. in Secondary Education with an add-on M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Northwestern State University. Later in May 2024, she achieved her Doctorate in Education with a specialty in Curriculum and Teaching. She graduated with distinction (4.0 GPA) from National University. Over her remarkable 30+ years in public education, she has touched countless lives with her dedication, compassion, and innovative approach to teaching.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Barnhart expresses her creativity through professional photography, exploring the world with her camera and embracing freedom on her Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Her latest children’s book reflects her lifelong mission to uplift and empower young minds — offering comfort to children who feel alone and teaching them how to build lasting friendships through kindness, courage, and self-belief. Through her heartfelt storytelling, Dr. Barnhart seeks to nurture emotional intelligence, resilience, and empathy in young readers, which instills a passion for reading through the love of books. She believes every child deserves to see themselves as capable and valued, and that books can open the door to healing and hope. Her work continues to inspire both children and adults alike — reminding us that with compassion and imagination, we can all make the world a little brighter.

You can follow Dr. Barnhart on her social media platforms to stay up-to-date on all of her endeavors and activities

Her Instagram is brendabarnhart_author

Her TikTok is brenda_barnhart

Her Photography Page and Gallery on Facebook is Barnhart Specialty Photograph

Rebecca Fazzio

Reach Rebecca At: https://www.instagram.com/rebecca.fazzio.writes/

Shelley Jinks Johnson

Shelley Jinks Johnson is a poet and author from Alexandria, LA.  Founder of Poetry AEX and member of the esteemed Bad Gnus Poets, her work grapples with themes of death, acceptance, self-discovery, and how to find joy and meaning in life after loss.

Reach Her At: www.shelleyjinksjohnson.com

J. P. Newmon

J. P. Newmon is a new author with her debut novel Training Sweet Jolie, a spicy stalker romance. She is a wife, mother, and avid reader herself.  Her love for reading and the romance genre inspired her to take the leap from reader to self-published author.

Reach Her On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jpnewmonwritesbooks

Joseph Richardson

Beth Savoie

Beth has loved storytelling since she found out what books were. She writes stories that make you think but not too hard. You love to read them on a beach or curled up with a cup of coffee. She’s heard they make good distractions while flying on a plane as well.
In addition to the Compton and Murray Mystery Series, she has published various short stories and poems, including in Chicken Soup for the Soul. When she's not writing, she works as a pediatric nurse practitioner at the Children’s Clinic of SWLA

Dr. Thomas S. Smith, Sr.

Dr. Thomas S. Smith, Sr., is a retired educator who served 33 years in Avoyelles Parish as a
teacher of English and social studies, assistant principal at three schools, principal at two
schools, and in the district office as a grant writer and English/social studies resource teacher.
He was an adjunct for Northwestern State University, Louisiana State University at
Alexandria, Macomb Community College, University of Phoenix, and Baker College. He
worked as a full-time faculty member at Baker College of Auburn Hills (MI). In retirement he
is the independent author of 13 books (including his 7-book Civil War historical fiction novel
series JUST A PIECE OF RED STRING), a tutor of English and social studies, and a grant
writing consultant. He holds a BA from ULM, a MEd from LSU, a MA from LSU, and a PhD
from UNO.

Contact Dr.Smith At: docsmith618@yahoo.com       

 Bill Sumrall

  Bill Sumrall lives in Alexandria, LA, with his wife Kim.  He wrote nonfiction as a profession for more than 30 years as a journalist for newspapers in Mississippi and Louisiana, his career including The Town Talk newspaper, and occasionally writing for CenLA Focus magazine.Bill now concentrates on fiction and has co-authored two murder mysteries with Branson Boykin of Shreveport, LA, titled SALGIA and One of Us. 

In addition, Bill's six solo fictions include his latest adventure thriller, Schrodinger's Casket, which features his detective heroine Edwina Grant aka "The Crippled Criminologist" and her companion Evelyn "Evie" Shelton nee Hollingsdale, who are also featured in Di, Di, My Darling.

 Plus, he has written a collection of scary short-short stories titled Gravedigger's Delight, and an adventure thriller (all include sci-fi, suspense, detection) titled The Price of Paradise, showcasing a mysterious femme fatale called Paradise, who appears in Schrodinger's Casket.