Ever wondered what drives an author to dedicate months—or even years—to writing a book? Join this engaging panel featuring Judy Balloff, Kristen Combs, Michael Garner, Audra McElyea, and Allan Sircy as they share their personal journeys, creative sparks, and challenges in bringing a book to life. Moderated by Sarah Elliott, this discussion will explore the inspirations behind their work, the writing process, and what keeps them motivated. The panel will conclude with an audience Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to ask their own burning questions about the writing journey!

Join bestselling author Charlaine Harris for an exclusive discussion about her latest book, The Last Wizards’ Ball! Moderated by Audra McElyea, this engaging session will delve into the magic, mystery, and inspiration behind Harris’s newest release. After the discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a live Q&A with Charlaine. Don’t miss this chance to hear from one of the most beloved voices in fantasy fiction!

Kelley Griffin, mom of five boys, wife to a marine, school librarian, former cheer coach and Amazon #1 Bestselling author of six romantic suspense books based out of East Tennessee, will present on the crazy journey to publication. Juggling a full time job, five boys, daily chaos and a dream of writing, this presentation follows the inspiring journey of how one determined mom turned her passion for storytelling into a published career. Through challenges, rejections, and hard-won victories, she shares the lessons, struggles and triumphs of balancing family life with the thrill of crafting page-turning romance and suspense.

Join James Dashner, bestselling author of The Maze Runner series, as he delves into his latest book, The Infinite Glade. In this exclusive session, Dashner will discuss the inspiration, themes, and creative process behind his newest work. Moderated by Sarah Elliott, the discussion will be followed by a live audience Q&A, giving fans the chance to ask their own questions. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the most exciting voices in YA fiction!

Christy Alexander Hallberg, author of Searching for Jimmy Page and host of Rock is Lit, the first and only podcast devoted to rock novels, will lead the conversation. Alongside her, Michael Amos Cody and Claire Hopple will share insights into their own works and the broader landscape of rock-inspired fiction. In a literary landscape recently ignited by Taylor Jenkins Reid’s bestselling rock novel Daisy Jones & The Six, our panelists will delve into the current wave of popularity surrounding rock literature. While Taylor’s novel won’t be part of our platform, its impact cannot be ignored. From the pulsating energy of punk to the iconic sounds of classic rock, we’ll discuss how music shapes character development, drives plot lines, and evokes a visceral sense of time and place. Whether you’re a die-hard music enthusiast, a literature lover, or simply intrigued by the intersection of art forms, this panel promises to be an illuminating exploration of the power of storytelling through the lens of rock music.

Step into the shadows with a panel of talented horror authors as they discuss the art of fear, suspense, and the supernatural in storytelling. Moderated by Sarah Elliott, this discussion will explore what makes a great horror story—from eerie atmosphere and psychological tension to terrifying monsters and the unknown. Whether you’re a horror fanatic or an aspiring writer, this panel offers a deep dive into the minds behind spine-chilling tales. The session will conclude with an audience Q&A, giving attendees the chance to engage with the authors and uncover the secrets of writing unforgettable horror!

Join us for an exclusive Q&A session featuring James Dashner, acclaimed author of The Maze Runner series, and Charlaine Harris, renowned for her Sookie Stackhouse series. In this unique event, both authors will answer questions from the audience, sharing insights into their writing journeys, creative processes, and the development of their popular series. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage directly with two of today’s most influential voices in speculative fiction!

Join a lineup of talented romance authors as they dive into the heart of storytelling, exploring love, conflict, and the magic of a happily ever after. Moderated by Sarah Elliott this panel will discuss the elements that make romance novels unforgettable, from crafting dynamic relationships to navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the genre. Whether you’re a longtime romance reader or an aspiring writer, this session promises engaging discussions and valuable insights. The panel will conclude with an audience Q&A, giving attendees the chance to connect with the authors and ask their own burning questions!

Discover the next big names in fiction at the Rising Stars panel! Featuring Audra McElyea and Josephine Chappell, this discussion highlights up-and-coming authors who are making their mark in the literary world. Moderated by Sarah Elliott, the panel will explore their journeys to publication, the challenges of breaking into the industry, and what’s next for their writing careers. Whether you’re a reader looking for your next favorite author or a writer seeking inspiration, this session offers a glimpse into the future of fiction. The panel will conclude with an audience Q&A, giving attendees the chance to engage with these rising literary stars!

Join a lineup of various sci-fi authors as they explore the vast worlds of speculative fiction. Moderated by Sarah Elliott, this discussion will dive into the creative process behind crafting futuristic landscapes, advanced technology, and mind-bending stories. Whether you’re a longtime sci-fi fan or an aspiring writer, this panel will offer fresh insights into the genre’s limitless possibilities. The session will conclude with an audience Q&A, giving attendees the chance to engage with the authors and ask their own questions about science fiction storytelling!

Learn the secrets to turning festival appearances into successful book-selling and fan connection opportunities! This presentation covers proven strategies for attracting readers, engaging with festival attendees, setting up an eye-catching booth, and making meaningful connections that drive sales. Whether you’re a new or seasoned author, discover how to confidently pitch your book, maximize your presence, and boost your success at festivals.

Are you an aspiring author who wants to retain the rights to your works and keep as much profit as possible? Are you interested in self-publishing but have no idea where to start? Do you actually need a publisher? Join Dr. Jessica Robinson as she hands over the tips and tricks she learned as a self-publisher, and provides the blueprint on how to take your book from a Word document to a finished product, all on your own!

Whether you want a dreamy floral design, a spooky gothic aesthetic, or a celestial masterpiece, this workshop is perfect for adding a touch of magic to your reading experience.