Local Author Book Fair

We love our local authors! Once in the spring and once in the fall, we host a Local Author Book Fair on a Saturday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. outside in the breezeway of our forever-home on 117 S. Pineapple Avenue. On this day, 16 local authors have been selected to have their book in the spotlight, for sale in our store. These authors sit at one of our bistro tables, chat with visitors, and sign books.

Below is a list of the local authors selected for Spring 2024:

ALICE ABYSS: A Sarasota native, Alice finds inspiration in the ocean. Her passion for the horses she has met in Myakka City also fuels her writing. Two years before publishing her first novel, she gained recognition for her poignant short story, "Escape Artists," exploring Kentucky's economic transition from coal mines to racehorses. In "Pharmakides," we enter a world where witches weave stars and herbs are the roots of legends. Each chapter of this book is narrated by a different bird, making this a truly unique version of a story from ancient times. Order the book here: https://tinyurl.com/2fjfwezj

JOHN M. ALEXANDER: After graduating from The Ohio State University and Case Western Reserve University law school, John worked as a law clerk to a United States District Court Judge in Cleveland and, later, built his own law practice. After 27 years of practicing law, he moved to Sarasota. In his collection of poems, if just one of them touches your heart, spirit, or soul, please pass it around. Order the book here: https://tinyurl.com/46n7tkzh

EVAN P. BENNETT: Born and raised in Tampa, Evan is an associate professor of history at Florida Atlantic University, where he teaches courses in Florida history and maritime and environmental history. He is also the author of "When Tobacco Was King: Families, Farm Labor, and Federal Policy in the Piedmont." In "Tampa Bay: The Story of an Estuary and Its People," Bennett uncovers deep-rooted relationships between water, land, and people and offers hope for bringing threatened coastal spaces back from the brink. Order the book here: https://tinyurl.com/8h3x9hv9

LYNNE BERNFIELD: Lynne Bernfield MA., LMFT is a psychotherapist, author of "When You Can You Will," host of the Anatomy of an Artist podcast, playwright, and performer of two one-woman musicals. In "Mahjongg and M**der," Lily and her sister-in-law are looking forward to another tranquil summer vacation with their families, but their hopes are shattered when Lily accidentally stumbles on secret information, and a dead body is discovered in an abandoned bathtub. Order the book here: https://tinyurl.com/5a84c358

DR. EMILY CARR: Emily is a joyous revolutionary arts educator and author of four collections of poetry. She was the founding director of the MFA in Creative Writing at Oregon State University - Cascades and creator of the B.A. in Creative Writing at the New College of Florida. In "WHOSOEVER HAS LET A MINOTAUR ENTER THEM, OR A SONNET -" is the question, "What happens when you grow up to be the 'kind of person who'..." These fairytales are for the heartbreakers as much as the heartbroken, for those smitten with wanderlust, for those who believe in loving this world through art. Order the book here: https://tinyurl.com/jrhctmc9

MARK HUMPHREY: Mark is a lifetime musician and educator. With over 150 original songs to his credit, he has written in verse all his life. "Behind the Pantry Door" is his first endeavor in children's picture books. He and his wife retired from Sarasota County Schools in 2017. In this lyrical story with bright illustrations, children will find out what happens when a little boy awakens in the night to find all his stuffed animal friends missing from the bed. Order the book here: https://tinyurl.com/2vsv5ma8

KERRY KRISEMAN: Kerry is a St. Petersburg native and a graduate of University of South Florida with a B.A. in Mass Communications/Broadcasting. She worked in print media for the St. Petersburg Times (now Tampa Bay Times) in various positions in the Newsroom and Marketing Department. Her memoir, "Accidental First Lady," recounts her 22 years as a political spouse to her lawyer-turned-politician husband, Rick Kriseman, St. Petersburg Mayor from 2014-2022. She shares lessons learned as told from one who never envisioned this kind of life. Order the book here: https://tinyurl.com/224nt44m

SANFORD MILES: Though he considers himself a car guy, Sandy admits that he knows very little about how an engine actually works. A Bronx native, he's a retired NYC English teacher and freelance writer with an affinity for pop culture and old cars - especially gold-and-white ones from 1957. In "The Buried Plymouth," Sandy takes us back to Tulsa, OK when Golden Jubilee officials buried a new Plymouth Belvedere as a time capsule in 1957. Unbeknownst to anyone else, one man buried something that might stun the world - if it survives a half-century underground when the car's unearthed on the state's 100th birthday...

LISA MOODY: Lisa is an Emmy Award-winning writer and television producer and songwriter who has developed children's "edutainment" content that makes learning fun. She recently launched this first in a line of interactive sing-along books. In "I Am An Orangutan," she uses a blend of augmented reality, music, and video that makes this story a new type of interactive hardcover hybrid for children ages 2-6. Beautifully illustrated by a Ringing College alum, this book was truly created locally. Order the book here: https://tinyurl.com/4vdanjrd

RICK MOSKOVITZ: Rick is a Harvard-educated psychiatrist who taught psychotherapy and spent nearly four decades listening to his patients tell their stories. After leaving practice, he in turn became a storyteller, writing science fiction. By challenging the boundaries between AI and human emotion, "The Pinocchio Chip" explores identity, the quest for consciousness, and the profound impact of technology on the human experience. Order the book here: https://tinyurl.com/5awtt8em

MICHAEL PANZNER: A long-time freelance writer, Michael has always been a child at heart. He crafts tales designed to spark imagination while also instilling values. Having lived and worked as far away as London, England, he now resides in Tampa with his wife. "The Taekwonderoos: Rescue at Rattling Ridge" is a thrilling tale of bravery that celebrates how courage, quick-thinking, and teamwork can overcome any challenge. Order the book here: https://tinyurl.com/ywse45u6

KC POITRAS: KC writes stories filled with heart, exploring second chances, do-overs, and blended families. She hasn't forgotten her Mid-Atlantic roots now that she resides in southwestern Florida, a move that allowed her reflection and growth. If you enjoy romantic suspense, then "Beneath the Surface" (a story of hope and healing) is a must-read! Order the book here: https://tinyurl.com/m3ft4sxv

SHANNON SPRING: Shannon has an M. Ed. from The Citadel and a B.A. from Boston College. The founder of Mayor Puppypants Unleashed, she offers psychic readings for animals and people, and leads "Just Humor Me" keynotes and "HAHA Retreats." She finds being a human inconvenient. In the fearless, funny, and feral "Open Mic for Animals," she hands an ethereal microphone to animals worldwide and invites them to share their wisdom, wit, and what they need people to know. Order the book here: https://tinyurl.com/4efepnps

KAILEIA SUVANNAMACCHA: Kaileia is a literary artist, poet, and philosopher. Awarded Trustee Scholar for Creative Writing, she earned her BFA from Ringling College of Art and Design. Her short stories, articles, and personal essays have won numerous writing contests. "In Time I See" is a series of raw, unfiltered reflections on love, emotions, and intimacy that takes readers on an introspective journey through the chambers of the heart. Order the book here: https://tinyurl.com/2fk2yc6v

PAM TRAPANI: Pam recently released her second coloring book that focuses on the Sarasota area. She and her husband, former snowbirds for 14 years, are now full-time residents. It is her love of the area and local merchants that inspire her work. In the "Sarasota Souvenir Coloring Book," we follow Sami the Starfish as we swim with the dolphins, walk with flamingos, build a sandcastle, collect shells, fly a kite, and much more. Ideal for children of all ages, this coloring book doubles as a guidebook. Order the book here: https://tinyurl.com/5h58dewa

M. REBECCA WILDSMITH: Rebecca's books have been #1 bestsellers in five countries, and she was a finalist for the Best Thriller Book Awards last year. Drop by to pick up a free bookmark, purchase signed copies, and chat about all things spooky and supernatural! In "Hattie Vavaseur," suffering from memory problems in her old age, Hattie Vavaseur is swept off to a curious, old mansion where she meets the enigmatic and volatile master of the house. Order the book here: https://tinyurl.com/ykcbt5yv

Host or Publisher Bookstore1Sarasota