Featured Authors 2026
Featured Authors are specially selected writers we’re excited to spotlight at Book Fair at Bel Air. Chosen for their storytelling, reader engagement, and contribution to the literary community, these authors receive added visibility and play a key role in shaping the fair’s bookish energy. It’s a chance for readers to discover new favorites and connect with authors they love.

Suspense
Marc Avery
Marc is an up-and-coming crime fiction novelist whose stories are gritty, fast-paced, and impossible to put down. His most popular novel, Discipline, follows two homicide detectives racing to stop a ruthless killer terrorizing Philadelphia through a chilling trail of historic landmarks. High stakes. Sharp tension. No one is safe. When he’s not crafting dark thrillers, Marc is a self-proclaimed bookworm, Robocop fanatic, writer advocate, legendary introvert, and—perhaps most importantly—a devoted taco enthusiast.

Young Adult
Kristy Boyce
Kristy Boyce is the New York Times bestselling author of Dating and Dragons, Rolls and Rivalry, Dungeons and Drama, Hot British Boyfriend, and Hot Dutch Daydream. She played her first role-playing game in high school and has been friends with that group ever since. In fact, she even married the DM. Nowadays, she teaches psychology as a senior lecturer at The Ohio State University. When she’s not spending time with her husband and son, she’s usually writing, reading, or watching happy reality TV. Kristy lives in Pickerington, Ohio.

Children’s
Carylee Carrington
Carylee Carrington is an award-winning children’s author, literacy advocate, and marketing consultant, and the founder of Read With Carylee, a nationally recognized literacy platform dedicated to amplifying diverse voices in children’s literature and building joyful, inclusive reading communities. Known affectionately as the Tutu Queen, Carylee encourages children—and the adults who support them—to lead with confidence, creativity, and joy. Through Read With Carylee, Carylee curates trusted children’s book lists and literacy initiatives that reach schools, libraries, families, and major media outlets across the country. Her work connects authors, educators, nonprofits, and corporate partners through storytelling that reflects the lived experiences of all children. Her signature programs include curated book lists, author spotlights, literacy events, and community book donations. Carylee is the author of 5 books including, Everyone, Just Like Me and You Name It, Gram Made It: A Thanksgiving Story of Family and Love, both centered on empathy, family, and representation. Her literacy advocacy extends through her work with Reading Is Fundamental of Northern Virginia, Jack and Jill of America, Inc. (Prince William County Chapter), and Top Ladies of Distinction. She has also collaborated with the Washington Wizards and Washington Commanders to support community literacy initiatives. A TEDx speaker and seasoned marketing professional with global brand experience, Carylee blends storytelling, strategy, and service to ensure every child sees themselves in the stories they read.

Suspense
Richard Chizmar
Richard Chizmar is the New York Times bestselling author of the Gwendy Trilogy (with Stephen King), as well as Widow’s Point: The Complete Haunting, Memorials, Becoming the Boogeyman, Chasing the Boogeyman, and many other books. His next novel, Killing the Boogeyman, will be published by Simon & Schuster/Gallery Books in 2026. Chizmar’s work has been translated into more than fifteen languages throughout the world, and he has appeared at numerous conferences as a writing instructor, guest speaker, panelist, and guest of honor.

Suspense
W. H. Chizmar
W. H. Chizmar is the New York Times bestselling coauthor (with Richard Chizmar) of Widow’s Point: The Complete Haunting, as well as numerous short stories and essays. He lives in Bel Air, Maryland with his Bernese Mountain Dog, J.J. (short for James Joyce).

Young Adult
Lindsey Duga
Lindsey Duga is a young adult and middle grade author with a passion for fantastical worlds and reluctant heroes. Inspired by all of her favorite series and fandoms, she wrote her first novel in college and went on to debut in YA fantasy with Entangled Teen. Her most recent YA is a contemporary duology, ROYAL HEIRS ACADEMY and ROYAL LIARS (Jan 2025 and Jan 2026) with Christy Ottaviano Books / Little Brown Books for Young Readers. She also writes middle grade horror where her ghost stories are featured at Scholastic Clubs & Fairs. When she’s not writing, she loves playing cozy games, reads romcoms obsessively, and kicks back with a new anime.

Romance
Mazey Eddings
Mazey Eddings is a USA Today bestselling author who writes joyful, heartfelt romances filled with big feelings, sharp humor, and characters who feel deeply human. From swoony rom-coms to sapphic love stories, her books celebrate love in all its forms and are written for every brain, with thoughtful representation of neurodiversity woven throughout her stories. Mazey is the author of A Brush With Love, The Plus One, Lizzie Blake’s Best Mistake, Tilly in Technicolor, and more.
