About Us
Maryanne Knight, Editor-in-Chief
Maryanne’s first publication was a flash fiction story that appeared in Volume 2 of The Santa Barbara Literary Journal, and the Journal has held a special place in her heart ever since. She joined the editorial team in 2021, stepping into the role of Editor-in-Chief with the publication of Volume 12.
She loves stories that follow unexpected paths and poems that deepen in meaning with each subsequent reading. As editor, she is eager to promote new writers of any age and to publish a wide array of voices from around the world.
In addition to the Santa Barbara Literary Journal, Maryanne’s short stories have appeared in On the Run, Grand Dame Literary Journal, The Yard (Crime Blog), and the anthology The Fifth Fedora. She lives in the Goleta Valley with her husband and three cats. MaryanneKnight.com.
Zachary Murdock, Poetry Editor
• Musician, Poet, Creative Director
• Host of The Pink Hearse Podcast
• Founder of Channel the Sun
Nose in a novel. Raising a child. Humming Sly and the Family Stone. Writing pre-dawn poetry. Cooking. Cleaning. Exercising. Rinse and repeat. My daily life is simple. And this routine allows me to be the farmer of an overflowing dream vineyard.
Poetry into songs, songs into visions, visions into webs of community and collaboration. I live and breathe creativity in all forms and am grateful to be navigating reality on a trippy Quixote steed in the form of a pink hearse with hubcap mirrors.
Fred Williams, Assistant Editor
Fred Williams is determined to bring readers a new storytelling experience guiding them down a twisted dark rabbit hole where moral ambiguity abounds. Known for his dark and suspenseful style, he discovered his passion for writing and jumped on the scene in 2019, leading to multiple short stories being published in various anthologies, including Max Talley’s Delirium Corridor. He also released his first novel, Scramble: The Perfect Recipe of Math, Murder, and Revenge in 2020 attracting a large following to his unpredictable style of bringing the supernatural to the streets.
When Fred doesn’t write, he speaks @ www.fredcreates.com. An inspiring motivational speaker and mentor, Fred delivers several topics with rich content that he shares with audiences relating to anyone needs guidance after a dream has died or been deferred. Through a mix of fresh ideas, humor and deep expertise, he merges energy, humor and enthusiasm to empower and embolden anyone who chooses a fresh start in life after a setback.
Fred had fond memories as an actor and model. As a model he won the People’s Choice 2007 RT Times Mr. Romance contest. He is also featured talent on two romance novels book covers. His best memories as an actor included an opportunity to lend his talents to creating and starring in the storyline to The Shaft which was created, shot, and edited in 24 hours. That culminated into a walk-on role in the 2009 horror film, Ligeia. Later renamed The Tomb, this 2009 horror film directed by Michael Staininger and starring Wes Bentley, and Sofya Skya. Fred was cast as a student in the opening scene.
Fred was blessed to spend a lengthy stint in the fitness industry, first climbing up the ranks in natural bodybuilding. After six first place shows, and 12 placings in the top five of his division, Fred achieved his dream when he won the Mid-Illinois Overall Bodybuilding Championship in 2009 in Rockford, Illinois. During this time, he also gave back by working at several gyms teaching aerobics to anyone who was dedicated as he was to fighting obesity. He insisted that a great body looks good, but true confidence comes from building a healthy spirit.
Fred divides his free time between reading, working on his spiritual growth, and having fun living in Ventura, California.
Nicholas Deitch, Art Editor
Nicholas is a writer, architect, and advocate for social justice whose fiction explores the intersection of cities, history, and human resilience. His debut novel, Death and Life in the City of Dreams, is an epic tale of urban decay, renewal, and personal transformation.
Deitch has honed his craft through short stories, with works published in Litro Magazine, Club Plum, and the Santa Barbara Literary Journal. His short story Grace Eternal won Best Fiction at the Santa Barbara Writer’s Conference (2019).
A passionate champion for the unsheltered, fair housing, and social justice, Deitch’s work is deeply influenced by his real-world experiences in nonprofit leadership, and the design of inclusive communities and urban places. Originally from Los Angeles, he now lives in Ventura, California, with his wife and creative partner, Diana Salas-Deitch.
Cala Gold, Assistant Editor
Calla owned a jewelry design business for thirty-eight years. Her Indie non-fiction book Design Your Dream Wedding Rings, From Engagement to Eternity, was released on Valentine’s Day 2019.
Her recent short stories and novelette have been published in Mobius Blvd, Killer Nashville Magazine, and Confetti Magazine.
Calla resides in southern California with her husband and an assortment of mountain bikes.
