Meet the Authors of Local Author Market 2026!

Join us for Local Author Market 2026 at R.T. Jones Memorial Library on September 14! Meet the authors, learn about their works, and shop the local author marketplace. Grab a sticker card at the event and visit three author tables to be entered to win a SRLS Swag Bag!

Don't miss your opportunity to discover your new favorite local read- Local Author Market only happens once a year!

Meet This Year's Authors

Children's Authors

	Lydia Kennedy Three Peas in a Pod From the Author: Three Peas in a Pod is a family-created children’s book series written by siblings Liana, Alessandra, and Krue, with the help of their mom, Lydia, bringing their ideas and adventures to life. Together, they create fun, meaningful stories that inspire kindness, teamwork, imagination, and positive choices.
	Nan Flickinger Ellie J's Apples; Otis the Orchard Cat From the Author: As a former teacher of the year, Nan has always been passionate about creating lessons that can be mastered by every student. When Nan is not writing, she loves spending time with her husband, three children, and six grandchildren, walking in nature, dreaming up stories, and finding magic in everyday moments.
	Lilia Monteiro Sami the Special Squirrel From the Author: Lilia Monteiro is a dedicated nanny with 25 years of experience, specializing in special needs care. Her extensive background working with children, including experience in play and speech therapy, enhances her ability to connect with young audiences—a passion that drives her storytelling. She is the author of "Sami the Special Squirrel," a book that aims to share uplifting, positive messages about nature and empower young minds. Her inspiration comes from the children in her care as well as her two daughters, Evangeline and Cearra. In her free time, Lilia enjoys cooking and attending Pilates classes. She resides in Woodstock, GA, with her husband, Rob.
	Diana Baker God Loves to See You Smile; God Loves to Hear You Laugh; God Loves What You Create From the Author: Diana J. Baker is the Co-pastor, Worship Leader, Pianist, and Children’s Ministry Leader at Prayer and Praise Christian Fellowship in Woodstock, Georgia. She writes children’s books that share God’s great love for children.

YA Authors

	Jessie Latimer Again Behold the Stars From the Author: Jessie Latimer spent her childhood searching for portals to magical worlds like Hogwarts, Narnia, and Camp Half Blood (she never found one, but writing fantasy worlds of her own turned out to be the next best thing). Her debut YA fantasy Again Behold the Stars came out in August with Quill & Flame Publishing House and Tantor Audio.
	Shelby Hailstone Law Scaleshifter Series; Death Flirts Back; The Supervillians' Therapist; The Mermaids of Europa; Halfsie Series From the Author: Shelby Hailstone Law grew up in Acworth and briefly left the South to attend college before dragging her husband back to live in Georgia. She loves to be part of this community and often attends local festivals and community events with her husband and their two children.
	Gary Williamson Backyard Dreams From the Author: Dr. Gary Williamson was born in Kenmore, New York, in 1966, is a high school teacher in Gwinnett County, Georgia, and has worked with teenagers for the past 20 years in a variety of capacities. I received my MBA from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida, and my DBA from Walden University. In my experience, I have noticed that teens are longing to be creative and make an impact on their communities, and that is what inspired me to write this book. I currently live in Loganville, GA, with my wife Adina.
	Rory Smith Conquering Social Anxiety in Teens From the Author: Rory Smith is an author who writes practical, encouraging books to help teens navigate anxiety, confidence, and emotional challenges. Her work offers relatable guidance and real-world tools to help teens feel understood and more confident in who they are.

Adult Authors

	C.S. McKinney Right Girl Wrong Time; Four-Thirty Girl; No Wrong Just Write; Pumpkin Spice Love Affair; Summer Coffee; I Am Within; If and Only If; A Ring Within a Field From the Author: Writing romance novels with suspenseful plots is something I greatly enjoy. When I'm not writing, I can be found hiking, playing music, or running.
	Chuck Storla Murder Two Doors Down From the Author: Edgar Award–nominated author Chuck Storla isn’t what you expect—though he’s curious what you did expect. He’s a mediocre drummer, recovering software geek, and the funniest person he knows.
	Amanda Cirilli The Starlight Princess; In Your Court From the Author: Amanda Cirilli is a romance author who writes characters with high emotional stakes and the obstacles they must overcome to receive their happy ending.
	Stephanie Judy Joy: Experiencing Heaven's Delight in Every Season From the Author: Stephanie Judy is a gatherer of people, stories, and recipes. The Georgia Tech alumna transitioned from a career in corporate training and cognitive aging research to motherhood and writes soulful, faith-based encouragement for moms navigating blended families.
	Marni Pallot A Re-Write for Tess From the Author: Marni Pallot is the author of her debut novel A Re-Write for Tess, a closed door romance. Marni is a writer along with being a wife and mother with six rescue dogs.
	Allison Bettes Red Flag Warning; Betrayal and New Beginnings; New Roots; Heat Advisory; and others From the Author: Allison is an American romantic suspense author. Her books are a thrilling blend of romance, adventure, and suspense—think Cupid Meets Crime Scene.
	Leigh Andrews The Ranch Hand; The Ranch Boss From the Author: Leigh Andrews was born and raised in North Georgia where she learned to love hiking and music and dabbled in creative writing. Now, Andrews writes with the goal of publishing fun literature that glorifies God above all else.