Local Author Showcase

Join us at Village Well Books & Coffee for a local author showcase!

Some of our favorite authors will be in conversation to chat about what it means to be an independently published author, the process of publication, and writing across a diverse array of genres. Whether you're an aspiring writer, a fan of new literature, or want to support some of the great artists we have in our community, this is an event not to be missed.

About the participants:

Lorelei Darling is a 20-year-old artist and author based in Southern California. When she isn’t writing, you can find her painting, reading, or traveling. Growing up, Lorelei always loved literature. While scribbling down stories in a notebook and drawing out the characters she created, Lorelei always dreamed of one day becoming a published author. In 2020, when schools shut down and Lorelei found herself spending every day in her bedroom, she got to work on a young adult fiction novel idea. Now, many drafts, edits, and late-night writing sessions later, Somewhere Will Find You is her debut novel.

Alessandra Gesiotto is an author, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker dedicated to helping others cultivate clarity, resilience, and self-growth. Her journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to wellness, mindset, and overcoming life’s most difficult moments. Through her writing and work, she empowers others to realize their potential and reminds them that transformation is always possible—no matter where they begin. She is best known for her Barnes & Noble bestselling book My Heart’s Battle Cry, a moving reflection on the universal human experience that offers comfort, inspiration, and strength. Alessandra is also the creator of The Breakthrough Journal and a series of daily wellness journals that support emotional healing, intentional living, and long-term growth.

Jessica Hobbs is a film and TV writer with a passion for the strange and unusual. Her first book, The Witch and Other Tales of the American Gothic, debuted in 2023. She lives in Laurel Canyon with her husband, Robinton, and their cat, Freyja.

Lizzy Ives (she/her) is the author of Fat Witch Summer and Thick Witch Travels (coming September 16, 2025). A lover of magic and whimsy, she grew up in the fog of the San Francisco Bay Area and now burns in the sun of Los Angeles with her husband, her cat, and their massive board game collection. Lizzy is currently working on Big Witch Energy, the third book in The Thirteen States series, and an upcoming cozy bookshelf board game called Bookwyrm. For the latest updates, follow her on social media @lizzytacular, subscribe to her author newsletter lizzyives.substack.com or visit www.lizzyiveswrites.com.

Gregg Stewart is an author, HWA-member, award-winning songwriter, musician, screenwriter, journalist, film composer, and public speaker, whose dark fiction tales have appeared in multiple print anthologies including Hotel Macabre Vol 1, Shallow Waters, Dead Letters: Tales of Epistolary Horror (Crystal Lake), To Hell and Back (HellboundUK), Black Cat Tales, and Best of Sleyhouse 2025. He has recorded and published over 100 songs, toured the US and Europe countless times, placed songs in a dozen movies and tv series, and provided the score for multiple indie films. His nonfiction book, LET IT OUT: Unlocking Creativity to Access Authentic Expression reached #7 on Amazon's best sellers for new releases in creativity. His latest YA novella, Kim Reaper (Graveside Press) is out May 23rd.

Grace Wethor is an award-winning actress, director, bestselling author, & brain cancer legislation advocate. After being diagnosed with an untreatable brain tumor at age 13, she moved to Los Angeles and began pursuing her dreams in film with full force. She gave her first TED Talk at age 15, released her first bestselling book at 16, spoke at the United Nations at 17, and released her first docu-series at 18. In 2024 she was honored with a United Nations Global Impact Award. Her most recent book, Seven Thompson & the Art of Remembering, went viral with over 10 million views and hit multiple bestseller lists around the world. She is now a brain cancer/pediatric health legislation advocate and has made her way to the White House & Capitol Hill while spearheading bills that would bring over $250m in funding to youth healthcare. Ten years later and still fighting, she hopes to use film to tell unseen stories & show other young people that they can pursue their dreams despite their circumstances or illness.

Risa Williams is a psychotherapist, writer, speaker, and wellness coach who specializes in time management and goal-setting tools. Combining her background in the arts and writing, along with her experience in clinical psychology, Risa opened her own consulting business with a wellbeing approach to time management and productivity. She has gone on to help hundreds of clients from around the world, as well as to be featured in many worldwide publications: Forbes Magazine, Wired, Women's World, Real Simple, and Business Insider. Risa’s also the host of the Motivation Mindset Podcast, and the author of five award-winning self-help books, including The Ultimate Time Management Toolkit and The Procrastination Playbook. She currently lives in Los Angeles, and spends her time working with clients, writing books, teaching at universities, and being a mom.

Hazel Kight Witham is a mother, educator, writer, and slam poetry coach who has been teaching in LAUSD since 2001. She holds a B.A. from Brown University and an M.F.A. from Antioch University Los Angeles. Her memoir-in-verse, The Truth About Secrets from StrikeThrough Press, came out in June 2024.

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