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FOSL 2024 Local Author Fair

Eighteen local authors from Rutherford County will congregate at the Smyrna Public Library on
October 26th for the Friends of Smyrna Library’s third annual Local Author Fair! Each author will
have copies of their books available for purchase and will be present to discuss their writing and
personally sign your copy of their books.

Here is a list of this year’s authors:

Christine Isley-Farmer is the author of the Boomer’s Tales chapter book series, which has a Cavalier King Spaniel as the narrator. Christine loves this dog breed and has had three Cavaliers.

Before becoming an author, Christine was a classically trained singer and performed in the United States and Europe. She is Professor Emeritus in the School of Music at Middle Tennessee State University.

The Boomer’s Tales series consists of six books. All six books have been nationally and, or internationally recognized as Finalists in various book award competitions. Across this series,
readers will discover themes of friendship, bravery, patience, persistence, compassion,
forgiveness, respect, sports, music, and problem-solving skills.
Award-winning author, Nakia Kenyon graduated in 2021 with a Master’s Degree in Theological and Cultural Anthropology. While pursuing her degree, she discovered she had a knack for writing in the narrative. Nakia’s stories are based on real experiences as Anthropologists are
trained. Great things are in the future for this emerging black author.

Journey to Peace is a book about a young black woman, Kiara, trying to figure out what form of protest is right for her. Kiara must determine whether her convictions are taking her somewhere she wants to go.
Introducing, Tell Me Why I’m Different, a heartwarming children’s book promoting autism awareness and the importance of making friends.
Karen Ferguson is a freelance writer and the author of the Questions for Kids picture book series. A lover of words, family, animals, and Jesus, Karen is a passionate advocate for truth that transforms lives. Her faith in God and background in K-8 education inspires her mission to
write stories that grab and hold young readers’ attention, teaching them all about God’s unchangeable truths and His unchanging love for them.

Signed copies of books one and two in the seven-part Questions for Kids picture book series will be available. In these beautifully illustrated books, readers will follow alongside the main characters, Lucy and her Papa Joe, as they jump into the Bible to discover unique periods in Bible history.
Loyd Elmore Jr was born in Fort Worth and at the ripe old age of one, Loyd’s family moved to Middle Tennessee. Loyd grew up on everything nerdy (comic books, Star Wars, G.I. Joe, Indiana Jones, and Stephen King.) And these are loves that Loyd never let go of.

Loyd decided that writing books as well as reading them was what he was destined to do. Loyd Elmore Jr writes stories that range from horror that will keep you up at night, adventure that will take you a thousand miles without leaving your home, and science fiction that will make
you consider that anything is possible.
Michael Hendrickson is a graduate of Smyrna High School. Michael has worked in Smyrna for thirty years and lived with his wife in Smyrna for twenty-two years. Michael is a former Rutherford County Constable, a former director on the Smyrna Senior Board, and a current director on the Friends of Smyrna Library board.

Michael’s books are bright, fun, and family-centered stories for children. Featured titles at the Local Author Fair include Backseat Heroes ‘The Adventures of Mighty Matt and Hedidit’, The Fruitees Have Some Family Fun, The Fruitees Experience Tummy Trouble, The Fruitees Encounter the Pickers, and Dingle the Flatulent Reindeer.
Belinda Sutton Mitchell earned a Bachelor of Social Welfare degree from the University of Alabama many years ago. She has lived in several states and cities but made her home in Smyrna over a decade ago. She considers herself a student of life and credits much of what she has learned to her children and grandchildren.

Belinda’s book, The Girl Who Swallowed Office Supplies, is a collection of real-life stories occurring during the life and work of an ordinary social worker. Some are tragic, some are humorous, some are hopeful-but all give insight into the lives of the mentally ill and those who care for them.

Names, ages, locations, and some chronology of events have been changed to
protect their identity.
Mayranne VanDyke was raised in southern Illinois and was a freelance writer for the Evansville, Indiana Courier and later for the City of Phoenix employee newsletter. Maryann began writing fiction upon moving to Arkansas and joined the Village Writing School. Once Maryanne moved
to Smyrna she embraced finishing her first novel.

Maryanne promotes three titles at the Local Author Fair, Dog Daze of Summer, Dog Daze of Fall, and Dog Daze a Final Tail. Sammy the Shiatzu detective talks to the reader about a murder in his Southern, dysfunctional family. Turns and twists provide a humorous read as Sammy and his chocolate lab friend, Buddy, solve the crime. A tabby named Susie Q is introduced which adds to Sammy’s problems.
Diane Brown has been an author since 2019 when she wrote her first book after the death of her firstborn son. Diane asked God to fill the void in her heart and it was then that she was blessed with the gift of writing children’s books. Diane is amazed to be blessed with writing three books and is now working toward the fourth book, a book about dogs.

Diane Brown’s book Mommy Can I Look Like You? is about a little girl who wants to mimic her mommy, by wearing high heels, doing their hair, and wearing clothes. Daddy Can I Walk in Your Shoes? is about a boy who lives with his dad and enjoys spending time and doing things around
the city. His Dad is like his grandpa. The boy wonders if he will be a great man like the two of them.
Kelly L. Knowles was born in the Midwest and grew up in East Tennessee. She was an
opinionated, verbose child (okay, still is the first two) who wanted to learn, figure it out for herself, and be successful. If you asked her at ten years old what she wanted to be, she would have said, “A corporate lawyer and the first woman president.” While not a lawyer, she did work in large law firms for many years. She has abandoned any interest in being president.

Kelly was educated at Middle Tennessee State University and earned a BBS and an MBA. She and her husband are long-time Smyrna residents and began living here in 2003. Chin Hairs and Other Things Mama Didn’t Tell You: From Surviving to Thriving in Your 20s and 30s is Kelly’s first published book. Kelly is proud of her book’s impact from being read by men and women ages 18 to 79.
Darrien Lee is an Essence Magazine Best Selling Author having seventeen published novels. She is originally from Columbia, Tennessee, but has resided in La Vergne, Tennessee for almost 30 years. Darrien received a bachelor’s degree from Tennessee State University and a
master’s degree from Trevecca Nazarene University. She is married and has two adult
daughters and a 5-year-old grandson.

The Denim Diaries teen series follows the main character, Denim Mitchell, as she navigates life as a teenager in her ever-changing world.

Darrien’s adult novels consist of steamy and suspenseful storylines, leaving readers thirsting for more.
Robert (Bob) Kennedy of Murfreesboro, TN writes and illustrates the Sam the Dog children’s book series under the pen name Mr. ChickenBiscuits. Robert is an Electrical Engineer by training, a marketing manager by profession (MBA Middle Tennessee State University 1988), and a lifelong author of children’s books.

Bob delights in making classroom visits to read a story and hand out free copies of books. He has donated complete sets of Sam the Dog book series to all those school libraries to ensure availability to all students. Bob and his wife, Dana, live in Murfreesboro with their two dogs Mozzie and Buzz.

The Sam the Dog (I Love Reading Level 1) series consists of family-friendly stories for ages 4 to 8 featuring the adventures of the lovable pet dog Sam and his furry friends.
Valerie Zahn is a homeschooling mother of six wonderful children. For fun, she enjoys crafting an engaging story of romance and faith.

Valerie writes Christian Romance and Devotionals. Valerie’s titles featured at the Local Author Fair include I’ll See You on Friday, No Ordinary Wildflower, The Same Last Name, Before We Ever Met, and Reflections: A 31-Day Devotional
Dietrich Stogner is a US Navy veteran, a father, a husband, and a weapons-grade nerd. He lives in Smyrna, Tennessee with his two dogs, and writes stories in which he cheerfully beats the pulp out of the characters he has created. The characters have yet to provide their comments on this arrangement.

A fantasy horror story set in a brutal frozen wasteland, Frostbitten follows Tomas Greenleaf, a loyal soldier of the Empire who finds himself assigned to a remote corner of his nation, surrounded by a hostile climate and hostile stares. When the warmth that has kept this village alive for centuries begins to fade, Tomas must set forth on a doomed mission to save those who
most want him gone.
Felicia Tall Jackson is a four-time Teacher of the Year with a Bachelor’s Degree in
education and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. During her 23+ year career, she has served as an educator with Murfreesboro City Schools and a mentor to high school and college students who aspire to be educators. She is passionate about being a light and advocate for “what’s right” in education and for future generations.

Overcoming the Challenges of Being a Teacher is a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of our nation’s children. This book will shed light on the REAL challenges that teachers face, provide essential tools to help you overcome, rather than merely survive, and spread hope for a better today and a brighter tomorrow.
Brittany Stevens is the proud author of Smyrna Spotlights and the Smyrna Coloring Book. With a background in law and a passion for education, she also serves as an adjunct professor at Lipscomb University. Deeply committed to her community, Brittany actively participates in various local initiatives and events, bringing her love for Smyrna to life through her writing and engagement.

Smyrna Spotlights: At the heart of Smyrna are the local businesses. This book
celebrates their contributions to daily life and makes a case for the impact “shopping
locally” can have on an entire community. With a wonderful collection of photos and
stories about each small business, detailing how they came to be, their connection with
the town, and how they’ve all had to deal with the changes stemming from growth, it will capture your imagination. You’ll love this Southern Travel Destination book.
Adam Sain loves everything about art! As a member of the Professional Photographers of America and a recipient of the National Fine Arts Exhibit Award at age 16, he has
utilized his wealth of knowledge to reach new heights by founding Image TN. He is
currently working on his third art book, which will showcase original paintings from the “Coffee & Friends” collection.

Adam features his paperback books for all ages Smyrna Tennessee Coloring Book and
New Castle Road Sunsets: Arrington, Tennessee
Two aspects of Tomo’s life consistently go hand in hand: Science and Fiction. Tomo Umer has a Master’s Degree in Particle Physics from Trieste, Italy. Meeting his wife, Claire, on Reddit took Tomo over the Atlantic Ocean. Tomo works as a Data Scientist in Middle Tennessee and continues to enjoy all sorts of stories from books to games.

Tomo’s featured books are Space, Time and the Entities in Between Vol. I which is a
collection of short stories including horror, humor, and thought-provoking stories. The
other featured book at the Local Author Fair is Deathway, a mystery/fantasy novel
centered around Joey Arlington and a new start in life.
Ronnie D. Simmons is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and Victory Bible
Training Center. Simmons is also the Pastor of the House of Faith Christian Center.
Simmons is a resident of Rutherford County and is married with two adult children, five
grandchildren, and eleven bonus children.

Simmons wrote the book 3 B’s that Do Not Sting, this book provides readers with a
three-step process guiding them to a life of Christian Discipleship.

The prices of Local Author Books vary in costs ranging from $7.00 up to $20.00 per copy.
Authors are responsible for their own sales transactions and most will take various forms of
payment including cash, check, credit card, PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle.

Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Smyrna Public Library, 400 Enon Springs Road West, Smyrna, TN 37167


Note: The Smyrna Public Library is pleased to host this exciting annual event but the library
cannot take payments for the books or provide buyers with change for cash payments.