Tracy A. Akers is both a teacher and an author. She grew up in Arlington, Texas, but currently lives in the rolling hills of Pasco County, Florida. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Education, and has taught in both public and private schools. She currently divides her time between teaching, writing, lecturing, and spending quality time with her family.

Ms. Akers has won numerous independent book awards for her Souls of Aredyrah series, and was acknowledged for her contribution to Young Adult Literature by the Governor of Florida during the 2008 Florida Heritage Month Awards Ceremony. Books One and Two of the Aredyrah Series are included in the Florida Department of Education’s Just Read Families 2007 and 2008 Summer Reading lists.

Ms. Akers has been an invited guest author at numerous Writers Conferences and Science Fiction / Fantasy Conventions and has participated in literary panels alongside notable authors such as Tamara Pierce, Todd McCaffrey, and Scott Westerfeld. She was on the steering committee for Celebration of the Story, a literary event held at Saint Leo University, and has spoken to thousands of students, teachers, and librarians across Florida. In addition to the numerous award recognitions her books have received, Ms.Akers’ credentials include:

2005: Florida Writers Association, Tampa, FL; Group Leader

2006-2007: Young Writers of East Pasco, Wesley Chapel,
FL; Group Leader

2006: Florida Association for Media in Education Conference, Orlando, FL; invited author

2006, 2007, 2008: Necronomicon SF/Fantasy Conv., Tampa/St. Petersburg; Guest Author & panelist

2006: Barnes & Noble Educators Event, Brandon, FL; Guest Author

2007: Barnes & Noble Educators Event, Tampa, FL; Guest Author

2007: Celebration of the Story, Saint Leo University, Saint Leo, FL; steering committee  & panelist

2007: Florida Writers Association Annual Conference, Orlando, FL; Guest Speaker

2007: Friends of the FSU Library Reception, Tallahassee, FL; Guest Author

2007: Florida Library Association’s President’s Reception, 83rd Annual Conf., Orlando; Guest Author

2007: Winter Park Library Teen Group, Winter Park, FL; Guest Speaker

2007,2008: DragonCon Science Fiction/Fantasy Convention, Atlanta, GA; Guest Author & panelist

2007: New River Library Teen Club, New River, FL; Guest Speaker

2007: Tampa Bay Annual Book Fair, Lutz, FL; invited author

2008: Fantasy Fest, Barnes & Noble, Tampa, FL; Guest Author

2008: Ancient City Con Science Fiction/Fantasy Conv., Jacksonville, FL; Guest Author & panelist

2008: Florida Historical Heritage Awards Ceremony, Tallahassee, FL; Award Recipient; Guest Author

2008: Florida Library Association Annual Conference and Banquet; Guest Author

2008: Got Milk Campaign, Haslam’s Book Store, St. Petersburg, FL; Guest Speaker

2008: Miami Book Fair International, Miami FL; Guest Author

2009: Origins ‘09, Tallahassee, FL; Guest Author

2009: Girl Scouts Career Fair Event, Dunedin, FL; Guest Author

Ms. Akers is available for book signings and speaking engagements and is a frequent guest author at middle schools, high schools, and youth organizations.
Persons wishing to contact the author may reach her at: taakers@msn.com