Local Authors

Brad “Joker” Barnes isn’t just telling stories—he’s building a legend. A Gulf-Coast veteran turned author, Barnes carved The Whiskey Files out of blood, grit, and redemption. His world burns with Southern noir energy—bars, backroads, loyalty, and revenge stitched together with the same scars that made the man himself.

From Panama City’s neon nights to the heart of America’s backwoods, Barnes writes like he lives—raw, loud, and unfiltered. Every book drips with whiskey, smoke, and truth. He doesn’t chase trends; he builds empires. Readers don’t just read The Whiskey Files—they live it.

Brad “Joker” Barnes is the voice of the modern South: veteran proud, storyteller relentless, and the kind of name you remember long after the last page burns out.

Born and raised in Shelby County, Ashley Florey has spent much of her life giving back to the community she calls home. By day, she works as a park ranger, but she is also a wife, mother of three, coach, outdoorswoman, hunter, hiker, and devoted Notre Dame football fan. From the outside, Ashley's life looked like she had it all together.
But behind the roles of wife, mother, coach, friend, coworker, and community member was a struggle few people could see. In 2026, Ashley published her debut memoir, the light I couldn't see: A Memoir of Darkness, Faith, and Finding the Light.

The deeply personal memoir shares Ashley's journey through depression, psychiatric hospitalization, and a suicide attempt, while ultimately becoming a story about faith, healing, hope, and learning that darkness is not permanent. Ashley didn't write the book because she has everything figured out. She wrote it because she knows what it feels like to believe you are alone—and she wants others to know they aren't.

One of the most important parts of Ashley's mission is getting the book into the hands of people who may need it most. She has made it a personal goal to donate copies to behavioral health units, hospitals and psychiatric facilities, counseling centers, colleges and universities, local churches, and community organizations. So far, 175 copies of the book have been donated. For Ashley, success isn't simply measured by books sold. It's measured by whether the words reach someone sitting in a dark place who needs a reason to believe that their story isn't over.

"Darkness is real. But it is not permanent."
To learn more about Ashley, her book, upcoming events, or her mission, visit AshleyFlorey.com. Ashley is also available for speaking engagements, including libraries, schools, churches, community organizations, book clubs, and mental health events.

Penny Ruth had been married to Jeff for almost 35 years. She worked at the First National Bank until She started SPS Home Care and after 22 years She sold the business. She took a year off to care for her dad until he passed and then She began writing. She didn’t aspire to be a writer until after her salvation in 1997. She began writing and a friend dared her to contact a publisher just to see if they would be interested in what She had to say. They were. Penny passed away on April 14, 2022

Georgia Florey- Evans proudly served as a special education teacher at Vandalia grade school for many years, touching the lives of countless students with her kindness and expertise. Outside of her professional life, Georgia was an accomplished writer and an avid reader. Her passion for storytelling led her to become the author of Christian Romantic Suspense novels. When not immersed in her writing, she could be found enjoying a good book, taking long walks, or indulging in her favorite television show, Dateline. Georgia passed on January 29th, 2026.

Shirley J. Smith was an author, lecturer, and spiritual counselor who combined a career of law enforcement, political and community advocacy, with the gift of inner sight. Along the way she worked, studied, and learned from such cultures as the Comanche, Hopi, Mayan and Aborigine. Ms. Smith is internationally recognized for her inspirational teachings, visionary messages, and private readings.
In the 1970s, she served as an advisory member to the American Security Council National Advisory Board and the U.S. Congressional Advisory Board and received awards from Presidents Ford, Reagan and Bush. She was awarded a Special Commendation for Superb Service to the American Security Council.
In 1995, she self-published the book “An Angel with Muddy Feet”, with subsequent publications “Bridges of Time” and “Psychic and The Sidekick”.
Shirley was a passionate teacher to all who searched for God, Love and Truth and her monthly messages and teaching will remain on her website, shirleyjsmith.com.
Shirley passed away on March 20, 2025.