First Regional’s Local Author Festival

Beth Alvarez

Spectrum Legacy, The Cinders and the Crown

Beth Alvarez is a multi-award-winning and Nebula-nominated author of epic fantasy, romantic fantasy, and fairy tale adventures. When not writing, she enjoys art, video games, working on her Mustangs, and a good cup of tea.

Jeffery Baker

The Black Rose

Registered nurse, martial arts instructor, part-time author.

Shannon Bolton

What Grace Redeemed

Shannon is a Tennessee native who calls Hernando home. A postpartum nurse turned homeschool mom, books became an outlet for the day-to-day grind until, eventually, her love for good stories led to jumping head-first into writing. When she’s not doing school with her kids, cozying up with a book, or chasing her French bulldog, Ollie, she enjoys traveling with her husband and 3 sons, eating Asian food, and watching Pride & Prejudice for the one millionth time.

Leonard Cochran

Relational Leadership: An Introduction, The Four Constants

Leonard Cochran has well over 15 years of experience managing and leading teams ranging in size from 2 to 65 people. He also spent several years in a corporate training environment. During that time, he had the opportunity to train thousands of leaders to sharpen their business skills and better lead their teams. Leonard has written two books on Relational Leadership; Relational Leadership an Introduction and The Four Constants. These books are written as engaging stories making them fun to read and the information easier to retain.

Meredith Coleman McGee

James Meredith, Billie Holiday: Jazz Singer, Mississippi Blues: 1900-2025

Meredith Coleman McGee is an author, poet, business owner, lecturer, professional writer who has penned 13th books. Her 14th work Mississippi Blues: 1900-2025 is forthcoming.

Juan Corrigan

Betrayed by Politics

Juan Antonio Corrigan was born in El Valle de Allende, Chihuahua, Mexico, and grew up in Jimenez, Nuevo Casas Grandes, and Chihuahua City. His stepfather’s job brought him to New Albany, Mississippi, when he was seven years old. He quickly adapted to the American way of life and excelled in both academics and sports from elementary through high school.

He attended Mississippi State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Master of Science in Exercise Science. While in college, he enlisted in the Army National Guard and attended the State Officer Basic Course, where he was commissioned as an officer. He has served for over 38 years, including five deployments to the Middle East. During his military career, he held several occupational specialties, including artillery, engineers, special forces, and military intelligence.

Juan has also appeared as an actor in several films. His life experiences, both in the military and beyond, inspired him to write this novel and let his imagination bring this story to life.

Sara A. Freites

Rise of Midnight, Rise of Daybreak

Sara is a mixed Latina, born in Virginia. As part of a military family, she’s lived all over the U.S. and also in Okinawa. She moved to Tennessee in 2001, where she later went on to study Psychology in Memphis. She’s been writing short stories and poems for as long as she can remember, but her YA fantasy novel Rise of Midnight is her first published work. When Sara is not writing, she’s painting, acting in short films on YouTube, playing the piano and violin, and appearing as princesses and superheroes for little girls’ birthday parties and children’s hospital visits with her local charities in Tennessee, where she lives with her husband.

Tameka R. Frost

Dana’s Manifesto, CONFRONTED!

Tameka R. Frost is new to the indie authors scene. She writes about obsession, betrayal and unapologetic psychological unraveling in books and short stories that you can’t put down. She made her debut with her twisted tale, Dana’s Manifesto, that she wrote with literally nothing but a laptop and a goal. She plans to take her stories to the big screen. This is just the beginning!

Patrica A. Haynes

Language for Your Purpose: Spoken Words of Identity, Healing, and Beauty

Patricia A. Haynes is an author, speaker, and founder of PH Substance Abuse Solutions, LLC, where she is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through education, faith, and personal transformation. She is the author of Language for Your Purpose and Don’t Rush – R.E.S.T., works that inspire readers to embrace intentional living, healing, and purpose-driven growth. With a heart for outreach and impact, Patricia uses her voice and life experiences to encourage others to rise above challenges, make empowered decisions, and walk confidently in their purpose. Her work bridges real-life experiences with practical strategies and faith-centered encouragement, making her a powerful and relatable voice for audiences of all ages.

Zelda Fitzgerald Hill

Duck & Bubba – The Secret Fist Bump, The Missing Munchies Mission

Zelda Hill is a North Mississippi area children’s author and creator of the Duck & Bubba series, a growing literacy brand focused on teaching kids teamwork, kindness, and confidence through fun, relatable stories. Inspired by his grandsons, Duck & Bubba, Zelda has built a movement that connects books with real-world impact—partnering with schools, libraries, and community programs across the Mid-South to promote early childhood literacy and social-emotional learning. His books are available through major retailers and local libraries, and his work continues to expand through live readings, school visits, and community events designed to inspire young readers and families

Hugh L. Jackson

Brutus and Little Man, Dog Mania Memories

Author Hugh L Jackson has published three children’s books in the Dog Mania series. Latest work, “Dog Mania Memories”, has graphically enhanced color photos and words easy for children to read. The beautiful pictures encourage children to continue along an exciting experience through reading.

Kiara “KK” Jackson

Just Can’t Catch A Break, Just Can’t Catch A Break Part 2

Kiara “KK” Jackson is a Mississippi-born author known for her gripping storytelling and emotionally driven narratives. Raised in Clarksdale, MS, she developed a passion for writing at an early age, using her voice to bring real-life experiences and suspenseful twists to life. She is the author of Just Can’t Catch A Break, a compelling blend of drama, suspense and thriller that captivates readers from start to finish. Through her work, Kiara aims to inspire, entertain, and connect with audiences by telling stories that resonate on a deeper level.

Breanna Johnson

The Shot: A Tale of Two Lives

Breanna Johnson is a Hernando native who proudly calls the community home. A school teacher by profession and historian at heart, she is passionate about bringing the past and present together through storytelling. Her published political fiction and fantasy novels reflect a love of history, a curiosity about power and society, and a deep connection to the people and places that shaped them.

J.B. Jones

Without Penalty

J.B. Jones, a native of Tate County, Mississippi, is the author of three books that explore local history and true crime. She enjoys bringing history and untold stories to life, connecting readers with the past in meaningful ways.

Jane Jordan

A FUTURE FOR A WOMAN WITH A PAST

Jane Jordan is an entrepreneur and author, known for founding Simply Love Transportation and sharing her inspiring life journey in her memoir, offering hope and motivation to others.

Martha W. Kimble

The Book of Martha- a 52 week devotional

Martha W. Kimble is a retired government worker and devoted woman of faith committed to sharing biblical truth and spiritual guidance. Guided by the Holy Spirit, she encourages others to grow in their relationship with God through Scripture and reflection. She is the author of The Book of Martha, a 52-week devotional designed to help readers apply the Bible to their daily lives and walk confidently in God’s purpose.

Alissa Kunce

Sirens Regret

Alissa is married to her best friend and is a stay-at-home mom of three. When she isn’t writing romance, you will find her playing video games with her friends, reading, or listening to music. Her goal in life is to create stories and bring people an escape or a smile. Hopefully, you find both in the pages she’s written. Traverse through her twisted tales, and discover a newfound family or your next book husband.

Julie Kunce

Cozy Critters Coloring Book

Julie Kunce is an artist and self-published coloring book creator living in Byhalia MS with her loving husband, son and their mischievous cats. She is a stay-at-home Mom, and when she’s not chasing around a wild toddler she enjoys reading, writing, drawing and attempting to re-create every craft she stumbles across.

Rae Lanae

Light of the Mourning Realm

Rae Lanae is a young adult clean fantasy romance author based in North Mississippi, known for emotionally rich story telling, immersive worlds and slow burn romance. She is also a mom of six, which inspires her passion for stories that resonate with young readers and families.

Andi Lehman

Saving Schmiddy, I Can’t Stop Laughing,(Chicken Soup for the Soul)

Andi Lehman (aka The Snake Lady) works with words and animals to engage people in the wonder of our natural world and to encourage stewardship and literacy. She writes stories for both children and adults through several publishers including Revell, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Society of St. Andrew, and Grace Publishing. Andi is also the author of the award-winning, independently-published picture book, Saving Schmiddy. Through her education company, Andi’s Life with Animals, she partners with over 25 live animals to promote the value of all creatures and our responsibility to them.

Melissa McGehee

Sword and Mirror

Melissa McGehee is a Mississippi native who loves bringing families together through engaging stories and screen-free activities. She writes books for ages 2-12, including middle grade fantasy and picture books inspired by nature. She is a mother of two and a lover of arts and crafts.

Professor Rodney Mooney

Mississippi Macabre (Comic Book Series)

I travel all over MS’s 82 counties, collecting and preserving our stories, from folklore to the historical in the form of books, articles, and even historical markers. The comic MS Macabre, which celebrates MS folklore and history is making waves across the state, with volume 2 released this year and soon to be displayed and featured at the MAX museum in Meridian in exhibits and liveries this year.

Carrie Moyers

Nature of Love: A collection of Nature Inspired Love Poetry

Carrie E Moyers harbored a deep affection for wildlife and animals from an early age, a passion that resonates through her current endeavors. Presently she fulfilled multiple roles as a homeschooling mother of four, a certified Mississippi, master, naturalist and hematologist and nature, education specialist. Her goal is getting children outside into nature and enjoying God’s creations. In her leisure time, she dedicates herself to rehabilitating native turtles in association with Central, Mississippi Turtle Rescue. She also volunteers her time and support to Mississippi Wildlife Rehab rehabilitation of Coldwater Mississippi. Carrie reflects on the experience expressing that the process of releasing turtles back into their natural habitat after receiving care and evokes mixed emotions. She emphasizes her belief that nature is shared treasure and views her efforts as a humble contribution to its preservation.

Angie O’Reilly

The Lady of Teansong, Imperfect Harmony: The Phantom Reimagined

Angie O’Reilly writes emotionally intense romantic fantasy woven with dangerous magic, forbidden love, and redemption that cuts deep. Her stories live in the space where darkness presses in—and love rises anyway.

Jessica R. Patch

The Girl Upstairs

Jessica R. Patch is a New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than thirty novels. Known for her pulse-pounding plots, emotionally charged characters, and signature twists, Jessica’s stories explore themes of justice, resilience, and the unshakable power of hope. Whether weaving inspirational stories of danger edged with romance or crafting chilling thrillers that probe the shadows of the human heart, Jessica delivers fiction that thrills while shining light in the darkest places. She makes her home in Northwest Mississippi, where she enjoys life with her family, a good cup of tea, and dreaming up her next edge-of-your-seat story usually over tacos and queso. You’re invited to join the Patched In community at her website: www.jessicarpatch.com and receive a FREE short thriller, Nobody Has to Know. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.

Chris Solaas

The Wishbone Gifts

Chris Solaas has published hundreds of songs and dozens of books ranging from Science Fiction and Fantasy for MG and YA to Devotionals for the entire family. All his books are written from a Christian worldview. Chris has lived in the midsouth area his entire life, and tours the SE United States putting on entertaining musical puppet shows with his wife as Rexx and Jester, characters from one of his popular book series. He spends his days developing software for a major manufacturing company, and his nights writing books for families everywhere.

PJ Walker

The Eagle in You

PJ Walker is the author of The Eagle in You, an inspirational book that challenges readers to pursue their purpose, soar beyond fear, and discover the gifts already placed inside of them. He is a celebrity vocal coach who has worked with award-winning artists, a motivational speaker, and a professional educator currently serving as an instructional coach. In addition to his work in education, PJ is also a Christian music artist dedicated to using faith, music, and leadership to inspire others to grow, lead, and live with purpose.

KD Wood

Boys of Fall and the Unwilling series, Unwilling, Unloved, and Unboundless

KD Wood lives in Hernando, MS with her family. She is a paranormal and contemporary romance author and master gardener.

Woodrow Wilkins

Innocent Souls

Woodrow is a longtime journalist, U.S. Navy veteran and author. Innocent Souls is his second novel.

Dr. Sammie Lee Young

Betrayed Valor: A Veteran’s Story of Service, Sacrifice and Systemic Neglect

Dr. Sammie L. Young is a retired U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer and combat veteran who served as the commanding officer of Landing Craft Utility (LCU) 1666 during the Iraq War. He later served as a Company Commander at Recruit Training Command and as a Naval Leadership Facilitator, where he trained and mentored future leaders across the fleet. Following his military service, he continued supporting veterans through a career with the Department of Veterans Affairs, bringing both technical expertise and leadership experience to those who served. Dr. Young is the author of Betrayed Valor: A Veteran’s Story of Service, Sacrifice, and Systemic Neglect, a powerful and personal account that sheds light on the challenges veterans can face after service. Through his writing, he seeks to inspire, inform, and advocate for those whose voices are often unheard.

Christina Zhang

Robot Identified

Christina Zhang is a first-generation Asian American author who published her debut novel during her freshman year of high school. Born and raised in the United States, Christina finds her inspiration in her everyday experiences and cultural background. When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling, exploring music, and capturing stories from the world around her. This is her first novel, and she hopes to continue writing–whether for passion, purpose, or simply for fun. What inspired Christina to write this book was the idea that our world could become far more complex if artificial intelligence continues to grow in power–raising the possibility that AI could surpass human intelligence within the next decade.