Plymouth Meeting Mall
Local Author Expo

Amber L. Werner — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Amber L. Werner loves to write about magic, monsters and mythical creatures. She lives in Norristown, PA with her husband and two children. The Palisade Trilogy is her debut series. 

Author of: Shadows That Bind Us, Muses That Align Us, Lines That Drew Us, Bloodfeather Lullaby, Bloodfeather Heartsong 

Jennifer M. Lane — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Jennifer M. Lane is the author of historical, contemporary, and women's fiction. She has a master’s in museum studies from the University of Delaware where she wrote her thesis on the material culture of roadside memorials. She is a member of the Authors Guild and the Historical Novel Society, and her first book, Of Metal and Earth, won the 2019 Next Generation Indie Book Award for First Novel and was a finalist in the 2018 Independent Author Network Book of the Year Awards in the category of Literary / General Fiction. 

Author of: Of Metal and Earth, Downriver, Stick Figures from Rockport, and The Collected Stories of Ramsbolt Series

Amy Marie Ayres — Instagram

Amy is an author who writes a variety of genres including comic dark romance, women’s fiction, speculative dystopian science fiction, and magical realism based on Irish folklore. She has a background in poetry and was previously an academic. Amy has experience with voice acting, theater, podcasts, and comedy writing. She lives outside Philadelphia with her husband, stepson, daughter, and cat. Amy’s debut series: Star Sick, a humorous science fiction novel with talking robot dogs, and Star Lost (described as Divergent meets Diary of Anne Frank) are both available on Amazon. 

Author of: Star Lost, Star Sick (Books 1 & 2 of the Luccee Winterscott Series)

Elle Backenstoe — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Elle Backenstoe lives in Eastern Pennsylvania with her husband, son, and dog. She grew up with her nose buried in a book and sometimes emerges long enough to write some of her own. She writes fantasy and romance, often together. Elle runs on pop punk music and Coke, and will always choose sweet over salty. When she's not reading or writing, you can find her at her at her home away from home, the dance studio. 

Author of: Of Curses and Beauty, the Sacrifice and the Spare, a Vow of Shadows 

Michael Blatherwick — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Michael Blatherwick is a collector of toys and books. He is a writer living in Bordentown, NJ with his wife, dog, and an army of formerly stray cats. Michael has twenty years of experience in financial markets and technical writing, and has been collecting, appraising, and curating toys since his teen years. Mike’s collecting and hunting includes obtaining toys for Kevin Eastman (co-creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), and the awesome responsibility of defending a one-of-a-kind Barbie prototype toothbrush. Contain your enthusiasm.

Author of: The Photograph Chronicles Books One - Three, and The Lobster Princess 

Charlotte Parker Caminos — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

After securing a Bachelor of Science in Education degree with honors from Fordham University, and a Masters In Organizational Management from University of Phoenix Online, Charlotte began her career as a high school teacher of English in New Jersey’s public school system. She later moved into the corporate world and worked in Human Resources until she retired. During this time, she worked as an adjunct professor in the Graduate Human Resources Department of Villa Nova University. She is a writer at heart. She has had managerial articles published, and has been featured in an HR.com article. She writes a blog (www.afteriretireiwill.com), has self-published a children’s book (We Have A New Baby At Our House) and has completed her first novel, an immigration story (New Beginnings: Annabelle’s Story). She resides with her husband in Pennsylvania.

Author of: New Beginnings: Annabelle's Story and We Have A New Baby At Our House 

Cheryl Cantafio — Instagram

Cheryl Cantafio is a poetry and children's book writer from Norristown, Pennsylvania. When she's not writing, she works in information technology, co-hosts a podcast (You Only Go Once), reads gothic horror or thriller novels, or binge-watches movies and television series. Her book My Stay with the Sisters: Poems was her debut as an author and poet in May 2023. Her book, A Place No Flowers Grow, is a book in verse modern-day gothic tale. Barry and the Big Jump will be her debut children's book, set to release in November 2024. Connect with her on Instagram: @cherylc.writer 

Author of: My Stay with the Sisters, A Place No Flowers Grow 

Lydia Cohn — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Joan C. Yingling (1930 - 2008), recipient of three literary awards, was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. She was married to Edwin Yingling, another native of Philadelphia, and together they had 7 children. Writing poetry was a hobby of Joan's. "The Story of the Can't That Could" and "The Story of The Curious Elf", published in 2019 and 2021 respectfully, were just two of several poems Joan wrote for her children in the 1960's. Her granddaughter, Jessica Taylor, is credited with the idea of posthumously publishing her grandmother’s poems into children's books. A third book is in the works. Visit www.joanyingling.com to learn more.

Author of: "The Story of The Can't That Could" and "The Story of The Curious Elf" 

Cynthia Culbreath — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Hailing from Norristown, Pennsylvania, Cynthia's roots ground her, but her spirit soars beyond the ordinary. Growing up, she was captivated by the tales of a cousin who left an indelible mark as a track and field athlete in the 1956 Olympic Games. She felt compelled to share the untold story that Norristown had, inexplicably, left in the shadows. This ignited Cynthia's passion for sports, leading her down a path she had never envisioned. Cynthia is not just an author; she's a foodie, a fashionista, and an aficionado of motorcycles and vintage cars. She can most often be found immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of car shows. Her involvement in community service and dedication to her church's ministries showcase her commitment to making a difference in the world around her. A proud member of Business and Professional Women of Central Montgomery County, PA, she thrives on connecting with people and making a positive impact. 

Author of: The Olympian Leap: The Life and Legacy of Josh Culbreath 

Patrice Gilbert, MS, CCC-SLP — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Patrice Gilbert was raised in Delaware and is a mom. Author, early childhood educator, and Speech and Language Pathologist. She is passionate about creating a memorable, fun, and educational reading experience. Patrice is excited to publish the Rhyming Fun-Learning Made Easy Series for all children, written with children with learning differences in mind, that aligns with themes taught in school. You can connect with Patrice at rhymingfunbooks@gmail.com 

Author of: Rhyming Fun with Feelings, Rhyming Fun with Farm Animals, Rhyming Fun with Nature’s Colors, Rhyming Fun with Nature’s Numbers, Rhyming Fun with Transportation, Rhyming Fun with Senses

Brittany Gossin — Instagram

Brittany is a New Jersey mom of three, high school English teacher, and adjunct professor. When she isn’t writing she spends her time on the beach with her husband, children, and dog. 

Author of: Dream Walker, Unbound

T.C. Johnson — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

T.C. Johnson is the author of eighteen women's fiction and urban fiction works including Perceptions, Jingle Bell Tales, I Do Need You, Fascinated By Her Curves, An Unexpected Christmas Gift, and Tales From The Darkside.

Author of: Perceptions, Jingle Bell Tales, I Do Need You, Fascinated By Her Curves, An Unexpected Christmas Gift, Tales From The Darkside, and more.

Eskay Kabba — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Wife, mother, partner, daughter, sister, friend, social worker, life skills coach, and part-time erotic romance novelist, Eskay Kabba finds the complexity of human nature and creates romantic and erotic love stories. The characters reflect the notion that no one is all good or all bad, but we are all just trying to find love in hard places. Eskay pens erotic romance novels that celebrate the LGBTQ community, people of color, and interracial relationships. When not writing about the throes of passion, Eskay finds joy in spending time with her family and loved ones, reading dystopia and fantasy series, and binging a popular show from a streaming app.

Author of: Hidden Love Series (5 books); Ryan D Ryder series (2 books); A Love for Micah; Jerry's Heart 

Andrew Kibe — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Andrew Kibe is a horror/thriller/suspense writer from Philadelphia, PA. His earliest memory of writing is from he was in 6th grade. He tried to write a horror novel with the help of his grandfather. The premise was a serial killer hunting high school students while wearing an Abraham Lincoln mask. Telling stories has been a passion for his entire life. From middle school all the way into his mid-twenties he and his friends would write scripts and act them out on camera. Which has led to this... 

He got serious about writing during Covid, looking to self-publish a collection of short stories. He went out, hired a writing coach and got to work. One year later he released FIVE. It debuted at #1 for "Hot New Release" for the horror anthology category on Amazon. 

Author of: Five, Decay

Sherry V. Ostroff — Facebook

Sherry V. Ostroff lives in Lititz, PA and is the author of five books: THE LUCKY ONE, A Memoir of Life, Loss, and Survival in Eastern Europe; CALEDONIA, A Novel; MANNAHATTA, The Sequel; EXPULSION, A Novel of the Spanish Inquisition, and her latest novel, THE WALL AT THE SUGAR FACTORY, A Novel. Originally from Philadelphia, Ostroff earned a bachelor’s in education from Temple University and a master's in history from Millersville University. She happily devotes her time to writing, her family, reading, and traveling around the world. 

Author of: The Lucky One, A Memoir of Life, Loss, and Survival in Eastern Europe; Caledonia, A Novel; Mannahatta, The Sequel; Expulsion, A Novel of the Spanish Inquisition; The Wall at the Sugar Factory, A Novel. 

Kaytalin Platt — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Kaytalin Platt is the author of the genre-bending fantasy series, The Equitas, which follows a powerful time mage trapped in a recurring war with a creature bent on destroying the universe. She is also the author of the dark fantasy romance novel, Of Silver & Sin. Born in Deer Park, AL, Platt now resides in Levittown, PA with her husband, child, and rescue dog. 

Author of: The Living God, The Ever War, The Blood Key, and Of Silver & Sin. 

Gil Rolon — Facebook

New Jersey resident Gil Rolon is on a mission to bring awareness by means of his new book, Lose the Weight on your Mind, Body & Spirit. How can we release physical and emotional burdens that keep us in a state of stress, anxiety and sickness? His lifelong struggle with emotional eating encouraged him to search how to remove the negative emotions that kept him from a healthy lifestyle. 

Author of: Lose the Weight on your Mind, Body & Spirit 

Chrysa Smith — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Chrysa Smith is a double-decade writer who has turned a love for writing into loving what she writes about. For the past 15 years, that has been funny, virtue-packed poodle stories that teach lessons about the golden rule, and tales of an inspiring young girl who can turn any situation around with the best of results. Her books include The Adventures of the Poodle Posse five-book series, Once upon a Poodle, The Upside-Down Gardener, A Grand Slam Birthday and just-released first-ever faith-based book, Look Up, Little Mouse. She can often be found in elementary schools sharing her love of writing. Students leaving her assemblies are often heard saying, “I want to go write a story.” What more can you ask for? 

Author of: The Upside-Down Gardener; Look Up, Little Mouse; A Grand Slam Birthday; Once upon a Poodle; The Adventures of the Poodle Posse (5 book series) 

Linda Speckhals — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

From the time she was a little girl, Linda Speckhals knew that she wanted to write. This passion remained at the center of her life and helped to guide her choices, as she worked in libraries, bookstores before becoming an English teacher. 

Author of: Fortune Takes a Coffee Break; Strand Theory; Poetry of the Soul; Sterling Hearts; Zombies Anonymous 

L. Ryan Storms — Facebook ▪️ Instagram

L. Ryan Storms is a member of the Alliance of Independent Authors and the Eastern PA chapter of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators) with a background in both science and business. Book 1 of her Young Adult fantasy trilogy, A Thousand Years to Wait, placed first in Young Adult Fiction in the 2021 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards and was an award-winning finalist in American Book Fest’s 2019 Best Book Awards. Most recently, Temper the Dark was a finalist in the 2023 OZMA Awards for Fantasy Fiction in the Chanticleer International Book Awards. She writes everything from adult to young adult to picture books, and when she’s not in front of a computer, she can be found snuggling her backyard chickens in the suburbs. 

Author of: A Thousand Years to Wait, The Heart of Death, Chaos Bound, Temper the Dark, Marit Unsanctioned 

Lady Syren

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Vee is poetically known as Lady Syren. A pen name and spiritual embodiment of both her feminine essence, and the fire she exudes wile executing her passions. Not only does she use her roles as a fitness instructor, writer, and performer as a personal means of education, therapy, and healing. But also, as a vehicle to propel forward a positive image, narrative, and deep love for blackness, with a specific focus on black women. She is a proud member of the African National Women’s Organization, and has been featured on many platforms promoting advocacy for women in general.

Author of: Crowned in Melanin 

Dr. Kathleen E. Walls - Facebook ▪️ Instagram

Dr. Kathleen E. Walls is the author of adult and children's books that focus on life lessons, values, emotional intelligence, leadership, relationships. and social-emotional development. Her self-published works include The G.R.E.A.T.E.S.T. Soul Journey (2009), Live By The Spirit: Inspired Thoughts Volume 1 (2015), and The Adventures of Froggy-T & Bunnie: A Hip Hop Tale series ~ The Reunion (2020), Bunnie Gets Bullied (2022), Feeling Feelings (2023), Froggy-Fu & Mungoo (2023), and Clueless Careless Colt (2024). Dr. Walls is also the host of a variety of YouTube shows (@askdrwalls525) including Planter's Knowledge Pop-up Vodcast, where she interviews authors about their books and author's journey.  

Author of: The G.R.E.A.T.E.S.T. Soul Journey (2009), Live By The Spirit: Inspired Thoughts Volume 1 (2015), and The Adventures of Froggy-T & Bunnie: A Hip Hop Tale series ~ The Reunion (2020), Bunnie Gets Bullied (2022), Feeling Feelings (2023), Froggy-Fu & Mungoo (2023), and Clueless Careless Colt (2024). 

Nicole M. Wolverton — Instagram

Nicole M. Wolverton is a fear enthusiast who grew up in the rural hinterlands of northeast Pennsylvania, wondering what lurked in the cornfields outside her bedroom window. Today, Nicole is a Pushcart-nominated writer of (mostly) speculative and horror fiction for adults and young adults. She is the author of A MISFORTUNE OF LAKE MONSTERS, a young adult speculative novel (July 2024), and THE TRAJECTORY OF DREAMS, a 2013 adult psychological thriller. She was Editor of the 2021 anthology of short fiction BODIES FULL OF BURNING, exploring horror through the lens of menopause—the first of its kind. Her short fiction, creative nonfiction, and essays have appeared in over forty anthologies, magazines, and podcasts. She lives in the Philadelphia area and still wonders what creeps in the dark. 

Author of: A Misfortune of Lake Monsters (2024), The Trajectory of Dreams (2013), Bodies Full of Burning (2021)