Embedded Files
Skippack Book Fest- 4/13!!
Plymouth Meeting Mall
Saturday, October 19, 2024
11 am to 5 pm
Meet 25 local authors and purchase signed books at the Plymouth Meeting Mall on Saturday, October 19 from 11 am to 5 pm!
Check back often. As more authors are confirmed, they will be added to the list. This multi-genre event features books for all ages.
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
Nicholas Dollak
Nicholas Dollak is an author and illustrator of children’s, middle grade, and adult literature currently living in Jersey City, NJ.
Illustrator of children's books: The Boy Under the Bed; The Sailor and the Sea Witch.
Author of the middle grade books: Four Tales of Wonder; Jenna of Erdovon; Dr. Saturninus Sutton's Marvelous Machine; and "Nuckle" Nick & Nannerl (and the Get-Rich-Quick Scheme). And author of these adult fiction works: Where No Limerick Has Gone Before; The Tragedy of Rocky (the Very Picture of Horror); False Season; Slag; Four Years and Change: An American Decameron; and Strikes and Gutters.
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
Steve Halpern
Steve Halpern — Website
Steve Halpern has worked in auto manufacturing, as a housekeeper in area hospitals, and currently works as a school bus driver.
Author of: Looking Back From 2101, What Does the Word Freedom Mean?
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
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
Dr. Avis R. McGhee, Phd — Facebook
Dr. Avis R. McGhee is the author of The Bad Seed Produces Good Fruit. She has degrees in Human Service, Social Science, Organizational Management, a master's in Nonprofit Management, and a Doctorate degree in Divinity. In addition to serving as an International Certified Chaplain and a Chaplain of the Norristown Police Department, Dr. McGhee is also the CEO of Jazzy Lady Fashions LLC, ARM Enterprise LLC, WOW Enterprise LLC and the COO of A Bag of Warmth, LLC. Her career in the behavior health field working in residential drug and alcohol spanned over thirty years. She has mentored many women and their children during her career and even now in retirement.
Author of: The Bad Seed Produces Good Fruit.
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
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).
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
Martina Williams — Facebook ▪️ Instagram
Martina Williams is a true creative. She’s a talented singer/songwriter and event planner. In her free time she enjoys crafts, crocheting and tackling challenging DIY projects. As a wife and mother of three boys, She draws inspiration from her children and her many nieces and nephews. She has a knack for story telling, and delights in creating magical stories that capture the hearts and imaginations of young readers. Martina's book, “Are You Holding A Grudge?” has been praised for its creative characters, imaginative storyline, and timeless message of friendship and forgiveness. She hopes to continue inspiring young readers for many years to come. Her goal as a writer is to entertain young readers, while helping them to understand and navigate real life situations.
Author of: Are You Holding A Grudge?
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)
Giveaway Rules
Giveaway Rules
NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.
This contest is sponsored by participating authors.
ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. PARTICIPATION IN THE GIVEAWAY CONSTITUTES YOUR AGREEMENT TO AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE OFFICIAL RULES (“RULES”) BELOW.
1. Eligibility: This giveaway (the “Giveaway”) is open to those that fill out giveaway forms and are at least eighteen (18) years of age. Employees of Sponsor, their immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) and household members of each such employee are not eligible. The Giveaway is subject to all federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
2. Agreement to Rules: Participation in the Giveaway constitutes your agreement to and acceptance of these Rules and the decisions of the Sponsors, which are final and binding. Winning is contingent upon being and staying compliant with these Rules.
3. Giveaway Period: The Giveaway begins on October 19, 2024 at 11 am and ends on October 19, 2024 at 5 pm (the “Giveaway Period”). Entries that are submitted before or after the Giveaway Period will be disqualified.
4. How to Enter: The Giveaway must be entered by submitting an entry slip during the Giveaway Period. Entries that are incomplete or submitted without following the rules or specifications may be disqualified at the sole discretion of the Sponsor. Entries must include a name and at least one form of contact information (email or phone). You may enter only once and you must fill in the information requested. You may not enter more times than indicated by using multiple email addresses or phone numbers, identities or devices in an attempt to circumvent the rules. Fraudulent methods or other attempts to circumvent the rules will resut in removal of all entries from eligibility at the sole discretion of the Sponsors.
5. Prizes and Rewards: On or about the end of the giveaway period Sponsor will verify the validity of entries in accordance with the rules outlined in “4. How to Enter.” A winner will be chosen at random.
6. Winner Notification: This section is only applicable to eligible entrants that qualify for a Reward and have not been disqualified for attempting to circumvent the rules as determined by the Sponsor. Sponsor will attempt to notify the potential winner(s) via email on or about the end of the Giveway Period. If you are eligible for a prize or reward, you will be notified by email. You will be required to respond to us within two (2) days of the date of notice or attempted notice is sent, in order to claim your Reward. If you cannot be contacted, or you fail to respond appropriately within the required time period, or the Reward is returned as undeliverable, you forfeit your Reward.
ANY VIOLATION OF THESE OFFICIAL GIVEAWAY RULES BY ANY WINNER (AT SPONSOR’S SOLE DISCRETION) WILL RESULT IN THE WINNER’S DISQUALIFICATION AS WINNER OF THE SWEEPSTAKES AND WILL NO LONGER BE CONSIDERED AN ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANT.
8. Odds of winning: The odds of winning depend on the total number of entries received.
9. General Conditions: In the event that the operation, security, or administration of the Giveaway is impaired in any way for any reason, including, but not limited to fraud, technical problems, security malfunctions or in the event the Giveaway is unable to run as planned for any other reason, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion, Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, either: (1) suspend the Giveaway to address the impairment and then resume in a manner that best conforms to the spirit of these Rules; or (2) terminate the Giveaway and, in the event of termination, no participant shall be eligible for a Reward of any type. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the operation of the Giveaway or to be acting in violation of these Rules or in a disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to damage existing or future entries or undermine the legitimate operation of the Giveaway including, but not limited to; multiple entries from the same user; multiple entries in excess of that allowed by sweepstakes rules; or the use of false entries or other technical means for entering may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages (including attorneys fees) and any other remedies from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law.
10. Release and Limitations of Liability: By participating in the Giveaway, you agree to release and hold harmless Sponsor, and each of its respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies, other companies associated with the Giveaway, and each of their respective officers, directors, employees, shareholders, representatives, and agents (together, “Released Parties”) from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Giveaway or receipt of a Reward, including, but not limited to: (a) any technical errors associated with the Giveaway, including lost, interrupted or unavailable Internet Service Provider (ISP), network, server, or wireless service provider; (b) unauthorized human intervention in the Giveaway; (c) mechanical human, printing or typographical errors; or (d) injury, death, losses or damages of any kind, to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from your participation in the Giveaway or acceptance, receipt or misuse of any Reward you may receive. You further agree that in any cause of action, the Released Parties’ liability will be limited to the cost of entering and participating in the Giveaway, and in no event shall the entrant be entitled to receive attorney’s fees. Released Parties are also not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by site users, tampering, hacking, or by any equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Giveaway.
10. Privacy & Information Submitted: Any information you provide to Sponsor may be used to communicate with you in relation to this Giveaway or on a Giveaway Winner’s list. By entering the Giveaway you agree to receive email newsletters periodically from the Sponsor. You can opt-out of receiving these emails at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the newsletter. Information submitted in connection with the Giveaway will be treated in accordance with the Sponsor’s Privacy Policy.
11. Arbitration: These Rules shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Pennsylvania, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules, which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the Sponsor location. Except where prohibited, you agree that any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of, or connected with, the Giveaway or any Reward awarded shall be resolved by binding arbitration, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the appropriate court located in the giveaway home location. The parties agree to follow the arbitration procedures set forth by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) to resolve the dispute. Arbitration proceedings shall take place in the Giveaway home location. Each party is responsible for paying its own filing, administrative and arbitrator fees. Judgment on the arbitration award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
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