
Barbara Howard
Author of stories featuring strong female protagonists, a diverse cast of characters, and a dash of romance.
Barbara Howard is a mystery, romantic suspense, and contemporary romance author based in Northeast Ohio with a passion for creating stories that delve into complex relationships and hidden truths. Her works often explore themes of love, trust, and the past’s influence on the present. With extensive experience as a Department of Defense/Pentagon Project Manager, KPMG Eastern Region Project Leader, and Corporate Sales Representative for Borders Books & Music, Ms. Howard brings a unique perspective to her writing. Now back in her hometown, she spends her days treasure hunting, spoiling her fur-babies, growing veggies, and plotting whodunits.
Board President (2024-2025), Great Lakes Fiction Writers
Memberships/Affiliations: Mystery Writers of America (MWA), Sisters in Crime (SinC), Great Lakes Fiction Writers (GLFW), Crime Writers of Color (CWoC), Author Guild (AG)
She has also published a collection of books on food-related topics, food safety, and heirloom recipe cookbooks under the pen name, Arlene Lee.




Media & Presentations:
Cuyahoga County Public Library: Self-Publish Your Book with IngramSpark
Cuyahoga County Public Library: Self-Publish Your Book with Amazon KDP & Draft2Digital
Cleveland Magazine: Cleveland’s Literary Scene 2024
Literary Cleveland: Self-Publishing Made Simple
Cuyahoga County Public Library: Self-Publishing Success
Voyage Ohio Magazine – Conversations with Barbara Howard Phipps
Interviews:
Guest Chick: The Evolution of My “Why?” – Chicks on the Case
Black Authors Matter TV
Sisters in Crime: So You Want to Go Indie
Indie Publishing: The Ins and Outs of Distribution
A Day In My Life ~ Elizabeth Nelson by Barbara Howard via Dru’s Musings Book Blog
Challenging Imagination Without the Trauma (with Barbara Howard
Sisters in Crime (SinC) Writers’ Podcast
George Cramer: Pentagon Veteran, Treasure Hunter, Author
Guest Chick: Of Mermaids and Mysteries – Chicks On The Case
Release The Beauty – Kings River Life Magazine
A Word With Barbara Howard
Chicks On The Case, Guest Chick
Escape with Dollycas: Spring 2021 Book Blog Tour
Beyond the Bookshelf: Author Interview (YouTube)
Soul of a Writer Podcast
American Literacy Corporation: Black Author Spotlight
Glittering Fox: Author Spotlight
L.S. Elee Creations: Author Interview
REVIEWS:
Book Review: “My Sweet Escape” by Barbara Howard
Novels Alive: The Clover City Files Series (Books 1 & 2)
Bookworm Hairstylist: Finding Home Series
Aspiring Authors Magazine: Final Harvest
interests:
- Podcaster
- Gardener
- Veganism
- Quilter
- Animal Rights Advocate