Joe Chianakas
AUTHOR

Joe Chianakas

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Joe Chianakas is an award-winning author, professor, speaker, and LGBTQIA+ advocate whose work spans young adult fiction, horror, romance, action, and stories of identity, resilience, and belonging. A multi-time Teacher of the Year recipient, Joe has built his career around inspiring students and helping others discover the power of their own voices. He teaches communication and writing, and his passion for storytelling extends from the classroom to the page, where he writes books designed to entertain, empower, and connect with readers across genres. Joe is the author of Darkness Calls and Rabbit in Red for horror fans, as well as Singlets and Secrets and Pride and Persistence, the first two books in the Unveiling Aiden series, which blends action, romance, martial arts, coming-of-age drama, and a powerful fight for equality. In 2025, Joe received the River City Arts and Entertainment Award, which recognizes artists whose work uplifts diversity in the arts and makes a meaningful impact on the LGBTQ+ community. His novel Pride and Persistence was a finalist for the 2025 Imaginarium Award for Best Young Adult Novel, and Darkness Calls is a finalist for the 2026 Imaginarium Award for Best Horror Novel. Joe made his national television debut with a feature interview on The Whitney Reynolds Show, a nationally syndicated, Emmy-nominated program devoted to sharing inspiring stories of hope, courage, and transformation. Joe is represented by Amy Brewer of Metamorphosis Literary Agency and has publishing contracts with Roan & Weatherford. He lives in Peoria, Illinois, with his husband, Brian, and their mini-Australian Shepherd, Bailey, who is, according to Joe, the best dog in the world. Readers can connect with Joe on social media for book news, events, media appearances, and updates on future releases.
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