Meet Our Judges and panelists
Blessed Selling Author and Literary Chaffeur
Joylynn Ross
With over 23 year's experience in the literary industry, Joylynn chauffeur's writers, authors, business owners, CEOs, and entrepreneurs along their writing and publishing journey.
For more information and to receive assistance with your writing journey go to www.pathtopublishing.com
Music Video Director
Steven "Phillyflyboy" philip
Steven has worked with a diverse group of music genres with artists including: T.I., Lil Wayne, J. Cole, Snoop Dogg, Trae Tha Truth and many more. His videos have been placed on major networks and have acquired millions of views; over 25 of his videos were placed on MTV last year alone. Self-taught with no formal film school training, he has developed a unique style and approach to music videos that’s set him apart from the traditional filmmaker.
Award-Winning Marketing and Promotion Expert
Ned Barnett
In a writing and promotion career spanning more than four decades, Ned Barnett has been an award-winning marketing and promotion expert who has also written and published 39 books, as well as several screenplays that were profitably optioned – in 1994, his earnings ranked him among the top 97 percent of working screenwriters. Among his three dozen published books are 15 ghost-written books. He has also written three traditionally-published science fiction novels and ten military history novels published on Kindle.
Vogue Contributor and Video Editor
Christpher E. Burton
Christopher E. Burton, organizer of the Emmy Award winning show “Connections 2010” is the founder of Jream Publishing, parent company of Jream Publishing and Productions. Specializing in both still and motion visuals, his work has been featured in publications such as Vogue Italia and Vibe Magazine. He carries production credits in indie films and shows such as Destination 414, Fractured Fairy Tales, Old Timers, Cozy, and was the editor of a documentary featuring rapper Mystikal. He has captured the likeness of celebrities such as former President Barack Obama, Lupe Fiasco and TI (Summerfest).
Emmy Award-Winning Producer and Singer/Songwriter
Denise Burton "Compose"
Denise Burton (artist name Composé) is a recipient of the National Television Academy (Emmy) Award. She is Co-Owner of Jream Publishing and Productions; a multimedia company dedicated to the growth, education, and professional development of artists and their product vision. The award winning producer and international singer/songwriter has been featured in Queen Hype magazine winning a contest hosted on Talent House. Known for her innovative ear, she served as a panelist on Riverwest Radio’s “Compose Yourself,” a local platform for indie artists to showcase their work and delve into the compositional structure of their music.
Award-Winning Author
Brian W. Smith
Brian W. Smith is the award winning, best selling author of thirty-three novels to include the best-sellers: QUAGMIRE, DEADBEAT, The Delusion of Inclusion, and If These Trees Could Talk. His novels have appeared on numerous best sellers list to include: Amazon, Dallas Morning News, Target, and Black Expressions.
When Brian is not writing novels and appearing at literary events, he serves as an Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing, at two colleges in the Dallas, Texas area.
Filmmaker, Actor and Comedian
Derrick Muhammad
Derrick co-wrote, directed and starred alongside 2x Grammy Award nominee, Karyn White in the critically acclaimed feature Indie film, "Gale & The Storm". The movie and soundtrack was self distributed on several platforms including Amazon Prime, iTunes and more. Derrick is the author of, Guerilla Film Grind - How to Make a Movie For Little to Nothing.
Film Producer and Director
Tonia Maurice
Maurice Tonia is a producer and actor, known for And You Call Yourself a Christian (2022), Baby Momma (2022) and Mother of a Day (2019). Maurice has written over ten books.
Associate Producer/Creative Director
darell johnson
Darell Johnson is an actor and producer, known for True to the Game (2017), Dutch (2021) and Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is (2006).
Award-Winning, Amazon Best-Selling Author and Publisher
stephanie r. bridges
Stephanie R. Bridges founded In Spirit Power and Truth Publishing (I SPaT), LLC in 2014 and has since released ten titles in multiple genres. In 2018, Stephanie turned her attention to assisting other writers in achieving their literary goals. In that effort, she wrote and published two non-fiction books. “Seeking and Securing Individual Artist Grants” provides the steps, tools and resources for funding craft-related purchases, projects, and professional development with grants and sponsorships.