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Chattanooga's 3rd Annual Local Authors Book Fair, October 2025.

The Chattanooga Public Library hosted a celebration of local literary talent at the 2025 Local Authors Fair. The Downtown Library was filled with a diverse group of talented authors from the community from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Author's had the opportunity to read their material outside on the Library’s plaza, a DIY bookmarks craft on the First Floor and a special reception and reading for the Chattanooga Writers’ Guild’s latest anthology, RidgeCut.


This was my very first event showcasing my debut book, Tasteful Thoughts for the Mind and Belly, and what an incredible experience it was! The atmosphere was full of creativity, inspiration, and genuine support. It was an amazing opportunity to network and connect with fellow authors who shared their wisdom and encouragement so freely.

Thankfully, I wasn’t the only one shaking off those first-time nerves! Many of us were debuting our work for the first time, and the seasoned, award-winning authors went out of their way to make newcomers feel welcomed and valued. Their kindness reminded me that every author—no matter how experienced—started somewhere.


Through our conversations, I learned that mistakes happen, revisions are part of the process, and it’s perfectly okay to refine your work and republish if needed. Growth is part of the creative journey, and that’s what makes it so rewarding.

📸 Check out a few photos from the event and watch a short video clip where I read a sample from Tasteful Thoughts for the Mind and Belly!

You can purchase the book on Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Apple Books, and more. Simply follow the link or scan the QR code below to get your hardcover, paperback, or e-book copy.🎧 The audio version will be available soon—stay tuned! - https://linktr.ee/edcs4l93 ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWzfc1OGVSQ&t=251s.

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Mrs. Kelly Watts-Williams - GoldNook Publishing: Kelly Watts Williams was born at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois, the youngest of six children. She spent her formative years in Southern California, graduating from UCLA with a BA in Linguistics and Computer Science. While pursuing a career in IT as a software developer, project manager, instructor, presenter, and facilitator, Kelly’s love of language influenced her personal pursuits.  From starting a singing telegram business with her best friend in high school, to performing in Community Theater musicals, to sharing her poems at Open Mics, Kelly has always enjoyed playing with words,  In retirement, she has enthusiastically embraced poetry and found her voice in Spoken Word.  Her insightful poetry draws on her empathetic journey of discovery and interpretation of the human experience. Kelly lives with her husband in Chattanooga, TN, and finds joy in spending time with her two children and extended family, playing racket sports, practicing yoga, cooking, traveling the world, illustrating a book of poetry, and volunteering as a docent at the Hunter Museum of American Art.
Mrs. Kelly Watts-Williams - GoldNook Publishing: Kelly Watts Williams was born at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois, the youngest of six children. She spent her formative years in Southern California, graduating from UCLA with a BA in Linguistics and Computer Science. While pursuing a career in IT as a software developer, project manager, instructor, presenter, and facilitator, Kelly’s love of language influenced her personal pursuits.  From starting a singing telegram business with her best friend in high school, to performing in Community Theater musicals, to sharing her poems at Open Mics, Kelly has always enjoyed playing with words,  In retirement, she has enthusiastically embraced poetry and found her voice in Spoken Word.  Her insightful poetry draws on her empathetic journey of discovery and interpretation of the human experience. Kelly lives with her husband in Chattanooga, TN, and finds joy in spending time with her two children and extended family, playing racket sports, practicing yoga, cooking, traveling the world, illustrating a book of poetry, and volunteering as a docent at the Hunter Museum of American Art.


N'nako Kande - N’nako Kandé is a bilingual poet, award-winning author of over a dozen books, and multidisciplinary artist whose work bridges ceremony, ecology, and cultural literacy. Born in Côte d’Ivoire and now based in the United States, she is the founder of Nakivoire Ventures and Kande Kulture—platforms celebrating ancestral wisdom, radical softness, and inclusive storytelling. Her latest book, What About Peace?, invites readers to explore harmony through coloring, storytelling, and cross-cultural dialogue, while her Nakbook journal collection and accompanying EP, The Self-Love Blessing, offer tools for healing and reflection. A featured storyteller in the international documentary Cultural Cross Ties, N’nako also leads cultural presentations, guided Silent Hikes, and immersive language experiences that honor ancestral depth and contemporary dialogue. Recognized by multiple Black Excellence of Chattanooga Award nominations, she creates spaces where silence speaks, story heals, and culture remembers.https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl1ShbyOIet/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
N'nako Kande - N’nako Kandé is a bilingual poet, award-winning author of over a dozen books, and multidisciplinary artist whose work bridges ceremony, ecology, and cultural literacy. Born in Côte d’Ivoire and now based in the United States, she is the founder of Nakivoire Ventures and Kande Kulture—platforms celebrating ancestral wisdom, radical softness, and inclusive storytelling. Her latest book, What About Peace?, invites readers to explore harmony through coloring, storytelling, and cross-cultural dialogue, while her Nakbook journal collection and accompanying EP, The Self-Love Blessing, offer tools for healing and reflection. A featured storyteller in the international documentary Cultural Cross Ties, N’nako also leads cultural presentations, guided Silent Hikes, and immersive language experiences that honor ancestral depth and contemporary dialogue. Recognized by multiple Black Excellence of Chattanooga Award nominations, she creates spaces where silence speaks, story heals, and culture remembers.https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl1ShbyOIet/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Ms. Julie Morrow Jansen is a newly published author with two books: LOVE Stamp and What I miss. She also formed Stella Erwin's, LLC, a creative retail business specializing in repurposing vintage glass into home and garden art. She is celebrating 5 years as a successful on-line entrepreneur, up-cycling lost glass into beautiful yet subtle statement pieces. Visit her at: www.StellaErwins.com
Ms. Julie Morrow Jansen is a newly published author with two books: LOVE Stamp and What I miss. She also formed Stella Erwin's, LLC, a creative retail business specializing in repurposing vintage glass into home and garden art. She is celebrating 5 years as a successful on-line entrepreneur, up-cycling lost glass into beautiful yet subtle statement pieces. Visit her at: www.StellaErwins.com
C.T. Martin - Author of "Burby Bear's Surprise Award" - hosts Retro Opry Collective, Sundays at 2 PM ET on WUTC.
C.T. Martin - Author of "Burby Bear's Surprise Award" - hosts Retro Opry Collective, Sundays at 2 PM ET on WUTC.

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Odell Tiller is the author of two books: Junior's New Boots and Junior and Friends. A retired educator from the Hamilton County Schools, Odell found a new hobby and passion to pursue his dreams while demonstrating it is never too late to start something!
Odell Tiller is the author of two books: Junior's New Boots and Junior and Friends. A retired educator from the Hamilton County Schools, Odell found a new hobby and passion to pursue his dreams while demonstrating it is never too late to start something!
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Allen Green is a devoted husband and father with a passion for inspiring and educating young boys and girls around his hometown of Chattanooga. Exemplifying what it means to be a "Family man", Allen found his passion with sharing his love and teachings through books.
Allen Green is a devoted husband and father with a passion for inspiring and educating young boys and girls around his hometown of Chattanooga. Exemplifying what it means to be a "Family man", Allen found his passion with sharing his love and teachings through books.

 
 
 

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