After returning home from a difficult tour of duty in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, Steven Manchester stepped back behind the walls of a Massachusetts penitentiary where he battled each day as a prison investigator. Needless to say, there was great negativity in his life at that time, and very little opportunity to heal from wartime demons (or pursue dreams of being published). Steven finally decided to return to college to finish his degree in Criminal Justice. During one of the classes, his professor, Barry McKee, detailed police work, but barely touched on other topics. He finally raised his hand and asked, “As the criminal justice system is so vast, what about the courts, probation, parole – corrections?” Barry smiled and told Steven to see him after class. He thought he’d done it! In his office, Barry explained, “Except from the slanted perspectives of inmates, there’s no real written material out there on corrections, or prisons.” Barry smiled again and then dropped the bomb that would change Steven's life forever. “If you’re so smart,” he said, “why don’t you write it?” It was the last push he needed to get writing. Nine months later, he placed the first draft of 6-5; A Different Shade of Blue (under the pen name, Steven Herberts) on Barry’s desk. From then on, he was hooked. He was a writer.

Today, 30 years later, Steven is the co-author of the historical biographical novel, You Will Be Peter, the author of the soul-awakening novel, The Menu, as well as the '80s nostalgia-series, Bread Bags & Bullies; Lawn Darts & Lemonade; Yearbooks & Yo-Yos. His other works include #1 bestsellers Twelve Months, The Rockin' Chair, Pressed Pennies. and Gooseberry Island; the national bestsellers, Ashes, The Changing Season, and Three Shoeboxes; the multi-award-winning novels, Dad, and Goodnight Brian; and the heartwarming Christmas movie, The Thursday Night Club (NYIFA & LAFA winner). Steven is also the co-author of Officer Erik & the Very Special Dad with TV icon, Erik Estrada, as well as In the Valley of the Shadow, featuring the artwork of Brian Fox. His work has appeared on NBC's Today Show and CBS's The Early Show; in Billboard and People Magazines. Three of his short stories were selected "101 Best" for Chicken Soup for the Soul series. He is a multi-produced playwright, as well as the winner of the 2017 Los Angeles Book Festival, 2020 New England Book Festival, 2023 Paris Book Festival, and 2025 New York Book Festival. When not spending time with his beautiful wife, Paula, and their children and grandchildren, Steven is promoting his works or writing.

About Bread Bags & Bullies: 

It’s the winter of 1984. Twelve-year old Herbie and his two brothers—Wally and Cockroach—are enjoying the mayhem of winter break when a late Nor’easter blows through New England, trapping their quirky family in the house. The power goes out and playing Space Invaders to AC DC’s Back in Black album is suddenly silenced—forcing them to use their twisted imaginations in beating back the boredom. At a time when the brothers must overcome one fear after the next, they learn that courage is the one character trait that guarantees all others.

This hysterical coming-of-age tale is jam-packed with enough nostalgia to satisfy anyone who grew up in the ‘80s or at least had the good fortune to travel through them.

"If you loved the ever popular A Christmas Story, be prepared for another classic. Bread Bags & Bullies is a must read! Funny, poignant, and heartwarming—Steven Manchester is a master storyteller.” – Jamie Farr, Actor, M.A.S.H.



About Lawn Darts & Lemonade:

It’s the summer of 1984, a season of dodging lawn darts and chugging lemonade—or at least the discolored tap water Ma tried to disguise as lemonade.

Growing up is never easy, no matter what era you do it in. For generations, teenagers have suffered peer pressure, bullying, fear of rejection, and a sadistic obstacle course of one unexpected challenge after the next. Three brothers, Wally, Herbie, and Cockroach, learn that the past can be filled with questions—even shame and regret—while the future might be shrouded in worry and fear. But staying in the moment, now that’s where the sweet spot is.

“When Sunglasses At Night is the main character’s favorite song, you just know you’re in for a fun and quirky ’80s-centric novel!” – Corey Hart, '80s Icon




About Yearbooks & Yo-Yos: 

It’s the summer of 1986, a season of transition from childhood into young adulthood. The three brothers—Wally, Herbie, and Cockroach—are back at it and crazier than ever. While innocence gives way to higher expectations and responsibility, the boys discover that there’s no reason growing up can’t be insanely fun.

“Yearbooks & Yo-Yos is an amazing read—total leg sweep. I loved it!” – William Zabka, Actor, Karate Kid & Cobra Kai