Ocala/Marion County authors to appear at event
BookExpo 2025 will take place Jan. 26 in The Villages.

Ocala author Marian Rizzo, left, pets a lamb held by Cherokee Vadala, farm manager at the Fairmeadow Florida Cracker Sheep Farm on Aug. 8, 2024. Rizzo was visiting the farm to do research for her 11th novel, “The Shepherd’s Walk, from the Manger to the Cross.” [Photo by Bruce Ackerman]
Local author Marian Rizzo, whose recent faith-based works in progress include the Bible-based “The Shepard’s Walk” and futuristic “Time Capsule,” will be one several authors from Marion County on hand at BookExpo 2025, scheduled for Jan. 26 in The Villages.
“In Search of Felicity: In the Footsteps of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings,” one of her dozen-plus published works, is likely to draw questions at Rizzo’s table. The novel, in brief, features a news writer working on an assignment at the famous Rawlings home in Cross Creek, a short distance north of Ocala in Alachua County.
“People like to read about their own area,” Rizzo said.
Rizzo said the inspiration for her novels comes from sources including her thoughts and scripture. Her publications are available locally at Barnes & Noble and Gabriel’s Christian Book & Supply in Ocala. She said she has participated in the BookExpo in past years and finds it “worthwhile” for writers and readers.
“I love to go to other author’s tables,” she said.
BookExpo 2025, presented by the Writers League of The Villages and The Villages Recreation Department, will offer attendees a chance to meet and chat with more than 90 award-winning authors. The event will include talks by Gerry “Rock” Seader, a 40-year veteran of the music industry and leader of the band “Rocky and the Rollers,” and Mike Bowling, author, inspirational speaker and inventor of the Pound Puppies toys, according to writersleagueofthevillages.com
Ross Becker, a Marion County resident, is a 50-year veteran of network broadcast journalism and a non-fiction writer. He will have a table at BookExpo2025.
“The news and the media are such hot topics right now, I am looking forward to interacting with the attendees,” Becker wrote in an email.
Charlaine Martin of Marion County is an author, freelance writer and “Christian wellness coach.” Her non-fiction genre includes titles such as “Snapshots of Hope & Heart” and “Renewed Christmas Blessings.”
“Readers often ask for personal stories, which are abundant in the compilations with some of my work. The responses I’ve received have helped me a lot as I work on two books due for release in late 2025 and 2026. Their input has shown me that I should use personal stories as I write about grief and moving on, but also using a storying format would help them relate to the Bible study I’m working on. This is my third year offering books and meeting great people at this incredible event. I’ve enjoyed learning what they love to read and getting to know them. I can’t wait to see them again this year,” Martin said via email.
Dave McKeon, a resident of The Villages, is a Vietnam War-era veteran who held a top-secret security clearance and has served as a professional advisor to organizations including the National Security Agency, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Navy and professional sports teams.
McKeon, an award-winning writer, will have a table to discuss his short stories and the “Lou Gualt Thriller” adventure series about a former commando turned outdoorsman.
“The author takes you places you have never been before. You will enjoy exploring these places while following Lou Gault’s journey,” McKeon stated in part in a review of “Sabotage” on his website, avillagewriter.com
BookExpo2025 will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 26, at the Eisenhower Recreation Center, 3560 Buena Vista Blvd., The Villages. To learn more, go to writersleagueofthevillages.com