Pt. 1: Meet These Amazing Writers at the 2026 Local Authors Expo on August 1
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Among the featured authors are:
Gwendolyn Gamble. Featured Book: Foot Soldiers for Democracy: The Men, Women, and Children of the Birmingham Civil Rights Movement
Gwendolyn Gamble is among the contributors to Foot Soldiers for Democracy, a powerful collection documenting the experiences of those who helped shape Birmingham’s Civil Rights Movement. Her participation highlights the Local Authors’ Expo’s role in preserving the voices and memories that continue to tell Alabama’s story.
Phillip Stephens. Featured Book: Halftime — High School Pain & Glory
After a 30-year career in business and engineering leadership, Phillip Stephens proves that it is never too late to pursue a dream. Stephens recently added “author” to his list of accomplishments with the release of his debut novel, Halftime — High School Pain & Glory.
Drawing from life experiences and a passion for storytelling, Stephens’ first book marks the beginning of a new creative chapter. His journey from engineering executive to first-time novelist is an inspiring reminder that new goals and new passions can emerge at any stage of life.
During the Local Authors’ Expo, Stephens will share his experience of bringing a story from idea to publication and connect with readers interested in the writing journey.
Dietriche L. Arnold Nolen. Featured Book: Rewritten Hearts
Dietriche L. Arnold Nolen’s Rewritten Hearts explores sisterhood, ambition and resilience through the stories of women who discover the strength to believe in themselves and each other.
Joey Calvin. Featured Book: The Advantage of Quietly Giving More: How Thoughtful Service Creates Momentum
Business leader Joey Calvin shares a message about leadership, generosity and relationship building, offering readers practical insight into how trust and thoughtful service create lasting success.
Amanda Denham. Featured Book: Sin Eater
Birmingham author and illustrator Amanda Denham combines fantasy, mystery and emotional storytelling in her debut novel Sin Eater, a story exploring memories, friendship and the courage required to confront the past.
Jonathan Daniel. Featured Books: Feast of the Unclean, Blood Night and The Killing Tide
Jonathan Daniel of Birmingham brings horror fans stories filled with suspense, supernatural elements and unforgettable characters, creating dark and thrilling worlds for readers who enjoy the unexpected.
Areatha Ford. Featured Books: Fiana’s Freedom, Fashioned to Be Free, Beautifully Different, Beautifully Brave, 22 Reasons: A Devotional for Mothers of Adult Children and Freedom Lane: Mind, Body, Spirit, and Soul Edition
Christian author Areatha Ford uses storytelling and devotional writing to explore faith, healing, resilience and personal transformation.
Austin Stone. Featured Book: The Ghosts of an Empire
Historian Austin Stone explores Alabama’s forgotten coal-mining communities through family history and research, preserving stories of perseverance, sacrifice and the people who helped build the state.
Pamela Jennings Taylor. Featured Book: From Mommy to Mentor: Parenting Adult Children
Pelham author Pamela Jennings Taylor offers practical, faith-based guidance for parents navigating the transition from raising children to mentoring adult sons and daughters.
Also Participating in the 2026 Local Authors’ Expo
The following authors have also been selected to participate. Additional authors will be announced as the lineup reaches 50 Alabama writers.
- Janetta Benefield
- Amber Clayborn
- Cynthia Crenshaw
- Traci Gyan
- Honie Hendrix
- Hayleah Higgins
- Maranda Homes
- Cordell Hunter
- Shawanda Johnson
- Joshua Jolley
- Marshall McCary
- Tiffiney McDaniel
- Bruce McLeod
- Gary Minder
- Sheila Montgomery
- Amanda Nabors
- Rachel Pendley
- Trey Rogers
- Pamela Sanker
- Jasmine Sessom
- Erica Simpson
- Phillip Stephens
- Peter Thomas
- Rylee Twilley
- Mariah Weber
- Michelle Wilson
- Emmett Woods
More authors will be introduced in upcoming “Meet the Authors” countdown features leading up to the 2026 Local Authors’ Expo.
Join Us for the 2026 Local Authors’ Expo
Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Birmingham Public Library
2100 Park Place
Birmingham, AL 35203
Meet Alabama authors. Discover new books. Celebrate local stories.
Written by Roy L. Williams, Public Relations Specialist -Birmingham Public Library
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