Local Author Expo

Saturday, November 4: 11 AM–3 PM

Attention book lovers! Come meet the faces behind the books at our latest local author open house. Books from a variety of genres and subjects will be available for purchase and signing. We will have light refreshments and door prizes. No signup required.

Participating Authors

Maureen Lyons Andrews
Bio: Maureen grew up in St Christina’s Parish and later attended St Michael’s Parish school in Orland Park. She volunteered in the bereavement ministry at St Christopher Parish, Catholic Charities, and the Archdiocese of Chicago, suggesting ways to establish support groups within their parishes, and participated in discussion panels. Maureen is a homemaker and together with her husband Robert raised 3 children. She believes listening to others with their grief is the greatest gift one can offer.
Author Website

• Handbook for Those Who Grieve: What You Should Know and What You Can Do during Times of Loss   Loyola Press • Amazon

Fenyx Blue
Bio: BLUE: Bold, Loving, Unapologetic, and Evolving are words to describe Fenyx Blue. YouTuber (FENYX BLUE INK), speaker, ministry leader, mentor, instructional coach and her school district’s former “Those Who Excel” Teacher of the Year, Blue is the author of eight titles in four genres. Ms. Blue is the mother of three children, a native of Markham, Illinois, and loves to travel, learn, garden, and read. Follow Fenyx @FenyxBlueInk on all Social Media platforms.
Author Website

• Cash’s Money Ties   Amazon
• The Secret Prayer of a Righteous Black Woman   Author’s Store
• Battle of the Bullies   Amazon

Pat Camalliere
Bio: Pat Camalliere, author of the five-star-rated Cora Tozzi Historical Mystery Series, serves on the board of the Lemont Public Library and volunteers at the Lemont Historical Society, directing the society’s archives. She is a member of the Chicago Writers Association, Sisters in Crime, and the Society of Midland Authors. She speaks locally on a variety of historical topics and writes a blog that features unique history stories. Visit Patcamallierebooks.com, or email Pat@patcamallierebooks.com.
Author Website

• The Mystery at Sag Bridge   Amazon
• The Mystery at Mount Forest Island   Amazon
• The Miracle at Assisi Hill   Amazon

Justin Castaneda
Bio: Justin Castaneda is a comic artist and children’s book creator from Chicago’s south side. He wrote and illustrated HEART. He is also the co-creator of the hit all-ages indie comic, Wonder Care Presents: The Kinder Guardians. He has worked on the recent Deadman Tells The Spooky Tales for DC Comics. Justin frequently works with the Chicago Public Library in providing coloring sheets in celebration of Asian-American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific-Islander Heritage Month every May.
Author Website

• HEART   Author’s Store
• 2 HEARTS – a lovely counting book   Author’s Store

Henry Czajewski
Bio: In the Shadow of My Guardian Angel is Czajewski’s biography. He remembers WWII was very difficult and life was dangerous during this time. After WWII the Communist regime began torturing him. Various threats posed by the Communists led him to escape to the United States.
Author Website

• In the Shadow of My Guardian Angel   Amazon

Dan Dougherty
Bio: Dan Dougherty is an award-winning author and illustrator of comics and children’s books. He is best known for his comic strip series Beardo, as well as the children’s books Do You Speak Fish and A Thousand No’s. He still has his Tinley Park Library card.
Author Website

• A Thousand No’s   Amazon • Author’s Store
• Do You Speak Fish?   Amazon • Author’s Store
• Beardo Volume 6: It’s the Little Things   Author’s Store

Chris Drnaso
Bio: Chris Drnaso, a lifelong Chicagoan, was born in the early 1950s and raised in a highly industrial area on the southwest side of the city. Chris married his best friend, Marilyn, in 1982. They make their home in Palos Hills, a southwest suburb of Chicago, not far from the Clearing neighborhood where he grew up. Chris has self-published seven books over the past ten years: Clearing, THORN, Managing Henry, A Prairie Fortnight, Cancer Babble, Shade Tree, and Hallowed.
Author Website

• Clearing   Amazon
• THORN   Amazon
• Managing Henry   Amazon

Joy Gallivan
Bio: Gallivan’s book Mystery Feelings helps children to discover how others are feeling by identifying physical characteristics, or “clues” in their environment. When we understand how other people are feeling, it guides our interactions with them. Developing these skills early on in life helps to support positive peer interactions, self awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation.
Author Website

• Mystery Feelings: A Guide to Feelings Identification   Archway Publishing

Gene Gryniewicz
Bio: Gene Gryniewicz is a storyteller, poet, illustrator. When he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2005, he promptly quit writing and drawing, and blamed it on tremors and an ungrounded fear of losing his balance. With a bucket full of words knocking around his head, after ten years, he decided to address his disease. He retaught himself how, to properly hold a pen, how to hunt and peck a keyboard with his left hand, and he taught himself colors. He taught himself to look for seams in his work, and how to re-align them. It’s a start…
Author Website

• One True Thing About Parkinson’s Disease and the Ten Thousand Things That Follow   Amazon
• Ceding Dreams: To a Parkinsonian Rhythm   Amazon

E.E. Hornburg
Bio: Emily is an author of fantasy novels who has had a life long love affair with stories and the written word. She is the author of the fairy tale retellings series, The Cursed Queens, published with City Owl Press. When not devouring or creating books, you can find Emily watching Gilmore Girls (for the 20th time), belting out showtunes, attending the latest con, brainstorming how she can go to Disney World (again), or figuring out how to make the perfect combination of chocolate and nachos.
Author Website

• The Night’s Chosen   Amazon • Barnes & Noble
• The Shadow’s Heir   Amazon • Barnes & Noble
• The Forest’s Keeper   Amazon • Barnes & Noble

Cheryl Host
Bio: Host began writing in high school. She enjoyed it so much that it became her major in college. Although she had other careers, being an author was always on her radar. Finally, as a retired empty nester, she took up writing again. She wanted to help families struggling to have a sensitive and difficult conversation about losing a family member. Although the death of a loved one in a child’s life is overwhelmingly emotional, if handled with care, it need not be traumatic. Her book addresses all the emotions.
Author Website

• Remember, I Love You   Amazon • Barnes & Noble

Mary Baader Kaley
Bio: Mary Baader Kaley writes stories for children and adults with quirky characters whose dreams drive them into impossible situations. She loves the sound of spring crickets, the colors of fall, and shady porches in between. She spends summers healing her soul over a small lake upon a rickety pier, while smiling into the sun. On any given day, you’ll find her laughing with family and friends, binge-watching shows, reading while sneaking bites of chocolate, or warming her bones by a campfire.
Author Website

• Burrowed   Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Audible • Penguin Random House

TM Kornelsen
Bio: TM Kornelsen is a former local newspaper and television reporter turned nurse who just wrote and published her first novel The Puppet King. The book continues to earn five-star reviews within the first month of publication. TM is currently working on the second installment of the planned trilogy. The author lives in Palos Park.
Author Website

• The Puppet King   Amazon

Lennart Lundh
Bio: Lennart Lundh is a poet, photographer, historian, and short-fictionist. His work, including 29 volumes of poetry, has appeared internationally since 1965.
Author Website

• Pictures, Postcards, Letters   Amazon
• Cutting a Sunbeam   Amazon

Geri Magnuson
Bio: As Ever, Joe: Story of a Quiet Hero was co-authored by Joe’s daughter Mary Jo Brill and niece Geri Magnuson. After rediscovering a suitcase full of Joe’s letters and photos from his service in the Pacific Theatre during World War II, the cousins have created a book worthy of this Bronze Star recipient. Joe’s letters chronicle the four-year journey of the 158 Regimental Combat Team. The reader is offered a first-hand view of their journey and a culture capsule of the war years.
Author Website

•  As Ever, Joe: Story of a Quiet Hero   Amazon

LaPanda Mason
Bio: LaPanda Mason relocated back to Chicago in 2018 after living in Kansas City for over 20 years. She currently works in the billing department of a medical office. She has two young adult daughters, whom she loves with her whole heart. Her interests are going to the movies, writing, and spending time with family. At a young age, Mason realized her love to create characters in her head, so she began to write short stories and plays. As an adult, the passion to share her stories still burns within her.
Author Website

• The Other Side   Amazon
• Snow Awakens   Amazon

Mike Matthews
Bio: Mike Matthews is a Chicago native known for weaving the intricacies of tragic love and desperate hope into a kaleidoscope of adult literature. While earning his creative writing degree from U of I, he was a 1995 semi-finalist in the James Fellowship for a Novel in Progress. Since then, he embraced his passion for combining creative fiction and non-fiction based on people he has encountered. Mike founded the Windy City Writers Club in 1984 to bring together other writers committed to the craft.
Author Website

•  LANDSLIDE: How Fake News Cost Clinton the Election   Amazon
• The Good Wolf   Amazon
• The Criminal

Ryan Milligan
Bio: Ryan Milligan resides in the Chicago suburbs with his wife and three daughters. The author of My Very Punny Dad, Ryan doesn’t hide his affinity for “dad jokes.” His love of word play began at a young age when he read Amelia Bedelia and was fascinated with how language can be used in creative and silly ways. When he’s not having fun with his family, Ryan is an information technology professional, connoisseur of hot sauce, and golfer who wears two pairs of pants in case he ever gets a hole-in-one.
Author Website

• My Very Punny Dad   Amazon

Ericka Glorious Moore
Bio: Ericka Glorious Moore is a dynamic and inspirational figure, known for her vibrant energy and a remarkable journey of resilience and triumph. As a high-energy keynote speaker, best-selling author, and entrepreneur, Ericka has dedicated her life to empowering people to overcome their past and reach for their full potential. For more information about Ericka and to connect with her, visit her website at www.erickagloriousmoore.com.
Author Website

• Memoirs of Singlehood and the Steps Toward Marriage: A Personal Journey of Regaining Hope, Purity and How to Love Again   Amazon
• I Understand: How to Have Mental Health Wellness and Peace in Christ – Available at the Local Author Expo

Tom Orcutt
Bio: Having worked 31 years in healthcare media at major hospitals, Orcutt decided to compile and write a book about these true events and experiences that happen behind the scenes. Orcutt has always lived in the southwestern suburbs, and lived in the Tinley/Orland area since 1987.
Author Website

• City General   Amazon • Barnes & Noble

Gerry Parran, MBA
Bio: Gerry Parran is an accomplished business leader with 45+ years experience in sales, IT, and consulting. In his career, Gerry has honed his negotiating skills in a wide variety of settings from one-on-one to multi-party corporate negotiations involving situations ranging from the sale of capital equipment, software, IT support, and professional services agreements. Gerry holds an MBA from Lewis University and a BS in Communication from the Ohio University Scripps College of Communication.
Author Website

• 33 Ways Not to Screw Up Negotiating   Amazon

Dr. Q
Bio: The challenges faced by her children were the inspiration for Susan to pursue her career in social work and ultimately author the Step-By-Step Guide to Learning Independence for Daily Living Skills. In addition to a Master’s Degree in Social Work, she carries a Master’s Degree in Education, Administration with a Director of Special Education endorsement, and Doctoral Degree in Education, Ethical Leadership. She has dedicated her life to helping others of all ages, ability levels, and walks of life.

• Step-By-Step Guide to Learning Independence for Daily Living Skills   Contact Author

Raye Ann Saunoris
Bio: Raye Ann Saunoris’ book The Grandma with the Old Sole is a true heartwarming story about a little boy named Bladen Lee who experiences a life-changing soulful moment with his grandma in the garden. Find out how Bladen learns a valuable lesson about finding comfort and embracing imperfections in his socks and in life! Its gentle narrative carries a strong relatable message that encourages us to better cope with sensory issues and anxieties. The award-winning illustrations and engaging rhymes will help your child grow, read, and think independently.
Author Website

• The Grandma with the Old Sole   Amazon • Author’s Store

Dr. Nevien Shaabneh
Bio: Dr. Nevien Shaabneh is a Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity specialist, keynote speaker, and published novelist. She has a Master’s in Arts and a Ph.D. in Literacy, Language, and Culture with a focus on Diversity and Inclusion from the University of Illinois. Dr. Shaabneh’s published works include her novel, Secrets Under the Olive Tree (Nortia Press, 2015) and the children’s book Mohamed Salah: Get to Know the Soccer Superstar (Capstone, 2019).
Author Website

• Secrets Under the Olive Tree   Amazon

Veronica Tharpe
Bio: When Veronica Tharpe is not writing or doing research for her next book, she’s hanging out with friends and family, enjoying their great company and incredible food, which she complements with wine or cocktails. She enjoys reading and a good meal as she takes the journey of a lifetime.
Author Website

• Better Days   Amazon • Barnes & Noble

Emily VanderBent
Bio: Emily VanderBent is a natural-born storyteller. As a writer and historian, she desires to celebrate women in history. Through The Timewalker Archives, VanderBent uses elements of history to creatively engage readers with the past. She hopes her writing will encourage young women to fearlessly pursue their passions and own the narrative of their individual story. While living in the real world, Emily dreams of days long past and stories yet to be told.
Author Website

• The Timewalker Archives   Author’s Store • Amazon

Victoria A. Witkewitz
Bio: Nicknamed the “Renaissance Writer,” Victoria has a wide application of writing experience in multiple mediums. She is the founder of Red Bicycle Books where she assists first-time authors and publishes her works.
Author Website

• Tales of Greed, Money & Horrific Circumstance   Author’s Store
• Magicae: The Pen Is Mightier Than the Sword   Author’s Store
• Tales of Greed, Money & Horrific Circumstance – Volume II   Author’s Store

Joe Ziemba
Bio: Joe Ziemba is the author of three books on Chicago football history. His latest book, Bears Vs. Cardinals: The NFL’s Oldest Rivalry, was awarded the 2023 “Certificate of Excellence” by the IL State Historical Society. He hosts the podcast “When Football Was Football” and in 2022, he was the recipient of the Ralph Hay Award presented by the Professional Football Researchers Association for lifetime achievement in pro football research.
Author Website

• Bears vs. Cardinals: The NFL’s Oldest Rivalry   Amazon • Barnes & Noble
• Cadets, Cannons and Legends: The Football History of Morgan Park Military Academy   Amazon
• When Football Was Football: The Chicago Cardinals and the Birth of the NFL   Amazon