Wicked Weird Story Starters was co-created by lifelong friends Ted “T.M.” Murphy (who wrote the stories in the book) and Mark Penta (who drew the pictures). As individuals, both are previously published book authors who earn their livings solely from their creativity.

About Ted “T.M.” Murphy (the writer)

T.M. Murphy is the author of the acclaimed Belltown Mystery Series and Saving Santa’s Seals for kids. Murphy has received high praise from being listed on BookSense Children’s 76 as a Favorite New Series to being featured in 101 Highly Successful Novelists, and chosen by Cape Cod Life Magazine as One of the 400 Cape Cod People Who Brighten Our Lives. He enjoys motivating kids to read and write and has shown that passion by touring hundreds of schools, bookstores, and writing conferences. Murphy also teaches the Craft of Writing at the Woods College of Advancing Studies at Boston College during the school year and spends his summers teaching young writers at The Writers’ Shack in his hometown of Falmouth, Massachusetts. He is also co-founder of Cape Cod Pulse online magazine.
Visit Ted’s website: www.CapeCodWriter.com

About Mark Penta (the illustrator)

Mark Penta is a freelance illustrator and a graduate of the University of Hartford Art School. His illustrations have appeared on billboards, magazines, book covers, and newspapers. His picture book, Cape Cod Invasion!, was named a “Must-have” product by Cape Cod Life Magazine. Mark is also a popular caricature artist available for special events. Since 1990 he has drawn thousands of people at private parties & corporate events across New England and around the world. His clients include Harvard, Celebrity Cruises, Google, Boston Red Sox, and many more.
Mark has also taught drawing and cartooning lessons to kids and adults for over 20 years, both privately and at schools like RISD and Mass Bay.
Visit Mark’s website: www.MarkPenta.com