BOOK VENDORS
70 BOOK VENDORS & REGIONAL AUTHORS
FEATURED AUTHOR PRESENTATIONS
SESSIONS FOR WRITERS
Looking for things to do in Sevierville? Look no further!
More than 70 authors, publishers, and book sellers will share their stories and connect with book lovers of all ages in the Smoky Mountains at Appalachian WordFest. Make plans to join us for one of the top events in the Smoky Mountains – especially for those who love to read. Explore the event’s books, authors, and vendors below.
Arthur M. Bohanan
Arthur Bohanan’s works include both fiction and non-fiction writings. Henry Bohanan’s Journey is a series of historical fictional novels describing his grandfather who fought in the American Revolution. Bohanan’s non-fiction works chronicle his graveyard forensics efforts where he determines if human remains are located under unmarked graves.
Josh Brandon’s books inspire personal growth, connection, and creativity. From nurturing relationships to sparking ideas, his works empower readers to think critically, connect deeply, and pursue their dreams. With a focus on compassion, influence, and storytelling, Josh’s writing reflects his passion for helping others reach their full potential.
On January 1, 1860, twenty-year-old Lizzie Anderson began her diary from Hackberry Bend, Roane County, Tennessee – a lost community in what is now part of Loudon County. The Civil War serves as a backdrop to the day-to-day life of an East Tennessee family in the “last in, first out” State of Tennessee.
Paulette J. Buchanan’s book is a true crime account told by a victim of stalking, death threats, and cybercrimes – crimes that were committed by Buchanan’s older brother who runs an online cult. Her book describes a destroyed mental health system, government corruption, and offers practical solutions.
Mary Jane Capps writes young adult and new adult novels about witches, mermaids, and ghosts-or some combination of the three. She likes to keep things spooky, magical, and reasonably upbeat.
Lynn Cahoon writes fun, cozy mysteries. Her series are set in locations such as a central California beach town, a Colorado mountain college town, New Orleans, and two Idaho-based areas. Her heroines run bookstores, write books, talk to ghosts, and own a catering company while learning Grans’ kitchen witch ways. New York Times and USA Today best-selling author.
M.A. Carr writes fantasy novels. His novel The Crystal Chronicles introduces readers to a brand new world and characters. Book 1, Convergence, has been on sale for two years. The second installment, The Stirring, will be available this year.
Bobbi Phelps Chapman work consists of stories and memoirs from throughout her life. From her time as an international flight attendant during the glamour years of aviation where she visited the Orient and Europe, to her frightening tales of living on a remote ranch in Idaho and other captivating stories, her memoirs depict adventures in a past time before the age of smartphones, GPS, and social media.
Erin Chesnut writes sweet, Hallmark-style contemporary romance with themes of family, endurance and finding your way home. Her books include character chemistry and banter, swoon-worthy kisses, and happy endings without explicit content or foul language.
William Clark
William Clark is an active local inspirational/Christian author and contributing writer to Chicken Soup for the Soul. In the past nine years, he has published seven books, including a trilogy. His newest release, A Walk on the Sunny Side, is an entertaining two volume short story collection.
Shawn Cline
Shawn’s adoration for children inspired her to write a children’s book about animals and nutrition that’s both fun and educational. Join this group of bunnies as they learn why jellybeans are good, but not for breakfast!
Gayle’s published books are non-fiction. My Thoughts Exactly! contains humorous rants about General Liability Insurance underwriting. Wiser Now is a memoir covering two years with an alcoholic, manic-depressive, abusive husband. She hopes her reflections will serve as a warning to those choosing potential partners based on emotion rather than reason.
Ruth Davis
A Portrait of Patriots and Pioneers of Sevier County recognizes over one hundred patriots who fought for independence during the Revolutionary War and later called Sevier County Home.
Dennis Deeb II
Deeb has authored two books on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the most recent being Israel-Palestine, and the Quest for Middle East Peace. His first book, The Collapse of Middle East Peace was published in 2003. Deeb authored a third book in 2020 called State and Local Politics: Essentials, Campaigning, and Lessons Learned.
Sonja DuBois
Sonja’s memoir, Finding Schifrah: The Journey of a Dutch Holocaust Child Survivor, recounts her journey. After losing touch with her heritage, she rediscovers her Jewish roots and her family’s tragic story during World War II. Her amazing story of resilience and love raises ageless and universal questions about overcoming childhood trauma and finding one’s true identity.
Emily Dunn
Emily Dunn split her writing personality into thirds. As M.A. Lee, she hosts The Write Focus podcast and write historical mysteries. As Edie Roones she pens historical fantasy. As Remi Black she crafts noblebright fantasy. That’s too many eggs in one basket, but she’s having fun. She’s published over 60 titles.
Dunn’s The Methods of Talent & Potential focuses on the aftermath of Potential’s tragic shooting. With Potentials’s fate hanging in the balance, the Clifton Family is united in prayer for his survival. Yet, amidst the turmoil, Liz is consumed by a thirst for vengeance fixated on her younger cousin, seeking new ways to get her revenge, while wishing it had been Talent who lay in the hospital bed.
Jesse A. Hester writes mystery novels set in East Tennessee. Most of the stories take place in or around Monroe County, where he grew up. He finds that rural areas with mountains and small towns are perfect environments for creating interesting characters and thrilling stories that entertain the reader.
Stephanie Edwards writes Southern romantic suspense with female leads who protect those they love at all costs. Stephanie’s books offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a story of sisterhood and family, romance, suspense, or the unexplainable, you’ll find it between the covers of her twist-filled novels.
Tom Garber’s book, The Wise Old Chicken, is about a sharp-witted, ornery rooster with a heart of gold. He navigates absurd situations, offering wisdom to quirky characters like chatty squirrels, lovestruck bats, and meddling mice. With humor and insight, he cuts through nonsense and reveals life’s truths in this collection of witty, lighthearted tales.
Brooke Gilbert writes travel romances with disability and mental health representation. These #OwnVoice novels depict characters with chronic illnesses and autoimmune disorders. Her stories include clean romance, feel-good rom-com, witty banter, relatable characters, swoony moments, and heartwarming scenes.
Patricia Gilliam has authored science fiction and superhero/time travel novels. She’s also contributed to various sci-fi anthologies and is the creator of the Seriescraft 101 workbooks.
Sharon writes inspirational romantic suspense novels under her own name as well as the name Kate McKeever. Both names sell books that feature one or both main characters that are ex-military.
Alex Gordon is a traditionally published author of YA/NA paranormal fantasy. The Darkest Wishes series is about a teenager who discovers she has the power of mind control. If she ignores her powers—she goes crazy. If she uses them for good—she dies. Her solution is vigilante justice. Mean Girls with a supernatural twist.
Susan Marie Graham is an author of fiction with Christian themes. Her interest in vintage movies and World War II inspired her book, There Will Your Heart Be. She is currently penning a series about a “found family” of friends set in a small town, and she co-authored a book of short stories celebrating the joy of Christmas.
Kelley Griffin pens Romantic Suspense and YA Suspense stories with rich characters and nonstop action. Her characters are determined, fierce, loving, kind (sometimes to a fault) and loyal. Strong heroines with secrets and kind heroes with pasts of their own are prevalent in her writing, as well as sarcasm, wit, and fun. Her books are hilarious, intense, and will keep you guessing! Pick one up and get lost for a while. Look for her current books: Binding Circumstance, Entangling– Book One of the Kirin Lane Series, A Mind Unequal– Book One of the Casey King Series, Unraveling- Book Two of the Kirin Lane Series, and Taken for Granted, a new YA series made up of four serialized novellas.
Karen writes military romantic suspense in which handsome veterans join forces with determined women to help find and save trafficked and kidnapped children and teens. She also writes historical and contemporary Christmas romance with guaranteed happy endings-No mistletoe needed!
Jim’s work falls into two genres: Southern Fiction and Children’s Books. The Boone Series is a coming-of-age collection set in the East Tennessee area. The children’s books are written for beginning readers or for adults and children to read together, and are about things like friendship, generosity, imagination, and thankfulness.
The Knoxville History Project researches and produces books on the history and culture of Knoxville, Tennessee. Paul James is their director of publishing and development. Their range of titles include guidebooks, community histories, story compilations, general history books, and themed titles, including Woman’s Suffrage, Christmas, and musical history.
Stanford Johnson
Native East Tennessean Stanford Johnson has written two true crime novels based on historical figures and events in East Tennessee in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Through chronicles of extralegal vigilante groups, corrupt Justices of the Peace, and decades-old murders, readers unravel the cultural and societal issues that plagued the Great Smoky Mountains region of Tennessee.
Amanda Rotach Lamkin is the owner of Line By Lion Publications and an award-winning author. Amanda’s heart lies with genre of fiction, particularly of the speculative variety. Under myriad pseudonyms, she has written picture books, spicy romances, and everything in between.
Danny’s latest book, STRONG ENOUGH FOR A MAN BUT MADE FOR A WOMAN, is a controversial analysis of great importance that many people ignore – high conflict coparenting, child custody, and child support. Know upfront that the author is a parents’ rights advocate, not a father’s rights advocate. Through real-life experiences, research, and Family Court corruption, the author examines the correlation between narcissistic parents and the so-called “dead-beat” parent.
Retired cop Ernest Lancaster writes of real-life exploits and tragedies, bending the truth in a noir melody of hard-boiled tales, designed to lead readers down a winding road of dark adventure.
J.L. Lawrence primarily writes in the world of fantasy fiction. She enjoys building unique worlds and powerful characters, and they almost always include mythical creatures. However, she also has a lighthearted sweet romance Christmas series with a new book coming soon. She believes that imagination is the key to true adventure.
Ester writes sci-fi and paranormal adventure romances as well as children’s books. The Genesis Saga begins on Earth in the Smoky Mountains. The Angel Chronicles is the paranormal line, dealing with angels. Her children’s books, written in a fictional way, are non-fiction stories for second grade readers.
Christine Marshall’s fantasy romance and fantasy adventure books are filled with magic, mythical creatures, and twists on your favorite fairytales for readers of all ages.
If you love books that help you escape into a magical world then these are the perfect books for you!
Chauncey’s first book, a practical and entertaining cookbook, showcased over 200 recipes from their 16-year bakery journey. Her second book, Jasper Roo, Where are You?, is an enchanting children’s storybook that follows the adventures of Jasper Roo, a real-life rescue donkey, and his farm friends on Lily Pond Farm—an inspiring tale brought to life during Chauncey’s recovery from a fractured femur.
Brian McKnight
Brian M. McKnight’s writing explores the rich history and hidden stories of East Tennessee, from vintage tourism and forgotten attractions to notable people and locations that shaped
the region. His work, including Lost Motels of Gatlinburg, captures the unique heritage and enduring charm of this Smoky Mountain area.
Naomi Miller mixes up a batch of intrigue, sprinkled with Amish, Mennonite, English & Irish characters (so far), then adds a pinch of mystery and a dash of romance in her wonderfully feel-good stories of life, love and faith in a small town!
The Moon Pie General Store has been selling great books at low prices for over 25 years! Their inventory is growing every day and includes many new releases and bestsellers sold at their regular price.
From a futuristic dystopian fairytale retelling to modern urban fantasy about a single mom who is unwillingly turned into the queen of the seas… JC Morrows writes fantastical tales about real people thrust into extraordinary situations! Romance, adventure, conflict, fiery passion and the all too human struggle against fate fill the pages of JC’s books!
Macy Morrows is the youngest of three generations of authors. Like her grandmother and her mother, Macy followed her passion for the written word. She decided this at a very young age – and has been writing ever since. Like her mother, JC, Macy prefers to inhabit the fantasy worlds she dreams up and puts her own spin on beloved fairy tales, writing mainly for a middle grade audience. When Macy is not writing her fantastical tales or participating in author events and comic-cons, she can be found on social media @macymorrows.
Nana and Nina, twin sisters from Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, share a passion for creating bilingual children’s books. Their works include award-winning titles like Making Waves, My family is from Puerto Rico, and Maximiliano, You’ll Always Be the Greatest. Their stories empower children, explore emotional growth, and celebrate Puerto Rican culture.
Fayla is an award-winning author who writes in the genres of historical fiction, historical suspense, and modern historical fiction. Living amidst the scenic views of the East Tennessee mountains, Fayla creates tales of American history, mostly set in the south, that capture the heart and challenge the spirit.
Katherine Kirby Smith’s works include historical fiction, children’s books, and informational non-fiction. Her historical novel, Eva of the Nation, arose from her dissertation. Katherine also published a book on writing, Grammar and Style: Navigating the Bewildering World of Writing. Recently, she published a children’s book about her West Highland Terrier, Charlie Bear. She writes as Katherine Kirby Smith (K.K. Smith).
Elle Andrews Patt writes speculative fiction—stories portraying the real world with an intrusion of fantasy. Her short fiction might have fairies or zombies showing up. Her novels, the Andrea Kelley Mystery series (Ghost, Spirit, Wraith, and upcoming Phantom) and standalone Blind Mice Bite are murder mysteries with ghosts.
JoAnn Parsley
The Hafling tells the story of a half human, half hillcat who escaped slavery, and fights ogres, barbarians and other threats to the Kingdom. In book 2, The Stone Dragon, Harrel, now a King’s Ranger, rescues two women from the Red Lord, which triggers events that entangle him with a Fair Lady, a Sorceress, a Prince, and a dragon – all to save a young man from the bullies of his world.
Paula Petree
Author Paula Petree has teamed up with talented artist and her dear friend Karen Trybone to create beautiful picture books for children and families to share together. As retired teachers, both know the importance of children experiencing quality literature. Their books focus on relationships of family and friends. Their latest book, Adventure on the Appalachian Trail, is a humorous story based on a true account of a couple of hikers and their encounter with a family of bears.
Jay Reace
Legacy takes place years after Xolani and Raine flee their homeland to find peace. However, that peace is shattered when they receive a royal command to return home and answer for what they did so long ago. They must decide to either take their two children and run or fight for the peace they deserve. Their choice sets off a series of events for the rest of the book series.
E.L. Reed crafts gripping crime thrillers inspired by real-life killers, delivering chilling and intense narratives. Writing as Emma Leigh Reed, she transitions to romantic suspense and women’s fiction, skillfully weaving real-life experiences into heartfelt, relatable tales of love, resilience, and personal discovery, showcasing her versatility as a storyteller.
John writes dark psychological suspense fiction with a unique southern style and an easy, unencumbered prose. He also writes Southern Gothic fiction based on true southern personalities, not stereotypes. His writing has been described as “In the same vein as M. Night Shyamalan and Alfred Hitchcock.”
Michael Samerdyke
Michael Samerdyke’s fiction includes three trilogies that collect stories of horror and the macabre: the Kino Trilogy, the Tales of Kurgania Trilogy; and the Dark Universities trilogy. His non-fiction includes books on classic Hollywood cartoons (Cartoon Carnival, Wascally Wabbit, and Guess Who?) and books on classic radio drama (Radio’s Outstanding Theater of Thrills, and Those Frightful Shows of Yesteryear.)
Lin Stepp is a New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Amazon best-selling international author. She has over twenty-four published novels set around the Smoky Mountains and the South Carolina coast. Her works include novel series, standalone novels, guidebooks, and religious devotionals. She and her husband, J.L. Stepp, have jointly written four best-selling regional guidebooks, including a Smokies hiking guide and three state park guidebooks for TN, NC, and SC parks.
Donna L Martin, KidLit author at Story Catcher Publishing, will be bringing her award-winning historical fiction chapter book series, HISTORY’S MYSTERIES, as well as her picture books, martial arts chapter book, young adult fantasy novel, and her memoir about growing up with the gumbo-loving Cajuns of southern Louisiana.
A lively memoir with humor and adventure, offering insights on balancing life in the style of a modern-day Erma Bombeck. More than just a travelogue, the journey includes managing eldercare. As a bonus, cost-saving travel tips and a guide to creating your own bucket-list are provided.
Mary Ruden has authored and illustrated two folding field guides on Native Orchids of North America for Waterford Press’ A Pocket Naturalist series. Native Orchids of North America covers 75 species illustrated with descriptions, and Native Orchids of Florida covers 83 species. She has also created educational posters on native orchids.
Smokies Life is a nonprofit cooperating association supporting Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The primary purpose of Smokies Life is to support the scientific, historical, and interpretive activities of the park by providing educational products and services, including many books, field guides, and other publications.
The Smoking Guns is the east Tennessee Chapter of the international writers’ organization, Sisters in Crime. We are a collective of mystery writers (Sisters and Misters) with several members writing in multiple genres including murder mysteries, non-fiction, romance, cozy mysteries, Christian suspense, supernatural and psychological thrillers.
Leanne Tyler
Leanne Tyler writes contemporary romance, romantic comedy, military romantic suspense – the Brotherhood Protectors World series, and historical romance – American 1852-1920. She also writes young adult paranormal books as Lexi Witcher. Readers can find her books on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.
Author Art Stewart of Lenoir City, TN, is a well-published scientist and poet. He has released eight books of science-inspired poems, each focusing on its own theme. He badgers scientists by getting his science-inspired poems published in respectable science magazines and has been identified as “a good-hearted provocateur within the culture of science and an authentic new voice in the culture of poetry.”
Joseph Williams
Joseph has novels written in poetry and prose following the adventures and life of an Appalachian rag man who shares rags from remnants of the garment of the creator. These rags appear spontaneously in the form of poetry and songs. These rags depict the many aspects of each of our natures.
Victoria Winifred is a passionate teacher and author who burst onto the literary scene in 2022 with her award-winning debut, The Princess, the Knight, and the Lost God. Her family-friendly children’s books include mysteries, illustrated adaptations of renowned stories from the Bible, and animal adventures.
R. L. Pete Wyatt
R.L. has written a three-volume set of over seventy humorous short stories that span his decades-long career as a game warden assigned to the Appalachian Mountains of upper East Tennessee.
