2025 BPL Local Authors Expo Spotlight: Teresa Howard
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For Teresa Howard, a love of books began in childhood and never let go. She spent countless summers immersed in Birmingham Public Library summer reading programs, dreaming that one day a book with her name on it would grace those same shelves.
That dream came true in 2018 with the release of the first of her 7 books (she had previously had 14 short stories published). Howard's latest, Magic and Stone, Nellari Book One, published in March 2025, is the final installment of of her Nellari Series. A lifelong fan of science fiction and fantasy, Teresa has now written 7 books spanning speculative fiction and children’s stories, plus short works published across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
Come meet Teresa Howard at the Birmingham Public Library 2025 Local Authors Expo, presented by the Tri-County (Alabama) Chapter of The Links, Inc. on Saturday, November 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Central Library in downtown Birmingham, 2100 Park Place. She will join 30 authors from across Alabama sharing their books, stories, and creative journeys. This year's theme is "Local to Global."
Follow the Local Authors Expo on the BPL website as well as our BPL Facebook page for more information.
Teresa was raised in Birmingham but now lives in Hoover. Besides being an author, Teresa is active in genealogy research. Before turning her passion for writing into a career, Teresa worked as a technology coordinator and computer lab instructor at a Birmingham-area elementary school. Even then, she found herself drawn to the imaginative worlds of science fiction and fantasy.
In 1991, she began attending DragonCon in Atlanta, participating in both beginning and advanced writers’ workshops led by the late author Ann Crispin. Teresa later joined DC2K Writers, a group formed at DragonCon in 2000, and continues to enjoy conventions and networking with fellow writers in the genre.
In 2005, another dream came true when she attended the World Science Fiction Convention in Glasgow, Scotland. Teresa’s published work spans magazines, anthologies, webzines, and even iPhone apps. When not writing, she can often be found at a corner table in a local bookstore, working on her next imaginative tale.
Learn more about Teresa Howard in this Q&A with the Birmingham Public Library.
What inspired you to start writing?
Teresa: As a young child I loved the library and spent many summers participating in the reading program. It was my favorite time of the year. By age eight, I dreamed of writing a book with my name on it that would be available in a library. I still love libraries and the smell of books—especially old ones. My second passion is genealogy.
Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
Teresa: Magic and Stone is the final novel in my Nellari Series. In a world where magic is fading, a young girl discovers an ancient source of power—the people of Stone. Together, they must save the last remnants of magic before it disappears forever.
How has your experience as an Alabama (or Birmingham) author shaped your voice or storytelling?
Teresa: Growing up in Birmingham gave me a deep passion for reading and storytelling. My voice became positive and hopeful; I have a hard time writing anything dark or depressing. Alabama taught me to see wonder in everyday life, and I bring that spirit into every story I write.
If you could share one message from your book with the world, what would it be?
Teresa: There is magic in the world—and in all of us. Our life’s journey is to find that magic and share it with others.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring writers?
Teresa: Never give up! Don’t write for others—write for you. Never let anyone tell you that you can’t write a book. Finish it, even if it isn’t perfect. That’s what editing is for. And find someone who believes in you—it can make all the difference.
Where can readers find your books?
Teresa: Readers can explore my books on Amazon or visit my website at teresahoward.webnode.com
Written by Roy L. Williams, Public Relations Specialist - Birmingham Public Library
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