Philana Marie Boles has a BFA in English/Creative Writing and Theater from Bowling Green State University and is the author of Little Divas - a popular novel for tweens - as well as the adult novels In the Paint and Blame It on Eve. She lives, writes and works as a consultant in New York City.

In addition to being a word artist, Philana has worked for
Spike Lee's Brooklyn based film company (40 Acres & a Mule
Filmworks), Glamour magazine (as a media relations assistant)
and as a substitute teacher, which she often refers to as her
"favorite gig of all".

One who unfailingly always gives any and all glory to God,
Philana Marie Boles is also the founder of CeleRead,
a "read-for fun" not-for-profit literacy campaign.

Growing up in Ohio, Philana was an ambitious artist with
unyielding passion who began writing, directing, and
producing her own stageplays and musicals in high
school. At just fifteen years old she was featured on BET's
"Teen Summit" and won a national NAACP ACT-SO award as a result. While still in high school, her accomplishments also led to an internship in Hollywood.

At Bowling Green State University, Philana was awarded leadership scholarships in addtion to those in theater (for both acting and speech and debate). For her alma mater, she won state Forensic titles in both dramatics and poetry performance. Two years after earning her degree, Philana was invited right back to BGSU to give the May Commencement Address.

To the graduates, Philana offered a message as testament to her budding accomplishments, "Live fiercely in the moment and follow your heart's good desire without compromise." Anyone who knows her can attest to this having always been her way.