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Character Development and World Building
Presented by Patricia Gilliam. Practical tips and techniques for bringing your characters and settings to life across long-term projects. Sunday, May 3, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Classroom 301C FREE with admission -
Color Your Own Wood-Engraved Bookmark
Presented by Mallory Bertrand. Join Mallory Bertrand for a creative, low-pressure workshop where you can color and personalize your own wood-engraved bookmark. Sunday, May 3, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Rotunda FREE with admission -
Creating a Query Packet
Presented by Janet Waldon-West. For writers getting ready to query agents or editors, this session focuses on building a strong query packet. Saturday, May 2, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Classroom 301C FREE with admission -
Creating on Purpose in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Presented by John Holley. A session on staying intentional and thoughtful in your creative work while navigating the realities of artificial intelligence. Saturday, May 2, 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Classroom 301B FREE with admission -
Hooking the Reader
Presented by Leanne Tyler (Leanne Hinkle). A session on grabbing your audience's attention right from the start. Sunday, May 3, 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Classroom 301A FREE with admission -
How to Become a Fiction Author: From Spark to Shelf!
Presented by Jeri Weems. From the first idea to a finished book, this session looks at the path to becoming a fiction author. Saturday, May 2, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Classroom 301B FREE with admission -
You've Written Your Book... Now What? The Road to Self-Publishing a Bestseller
With over a quarter-million new books being published on Amazon every month, how do you make yours not only stand out, but rise to the top? Internationally bestselling thriller author A.G. Mock walks you through the essential tools and skills you'll need to make your novel a top selling title and score the covered orange "Bestseller" flag on Amazon! Sunday, May 3, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Classroom 301A FREE with admission -
Overcoming Stumbling Blocks in Writing
Presented by Pebbles Wireman. A session focused on the stumbling blocks writers run into and how to keep moving forward. Sunday, May 3, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Classroom 301B FREE with admission -
Overcoming the Perils of Being a Small Press Publisher
Presented by Lyndon Perry. A look at what it takes to start your own small independent publishing brand. Saturday, May 2, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Classroom 301B FREE with admission -
Plotting a Novel
Presented by Marie Lestrange. Marie Lestrange will discuss her personal method for blending different subgenres while plotting a novel. Sunday, May 3, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Classroom 301B FREE with admission -
Selling & Marketing Self-Published Books
Presented by Allen Sircy. A practical session focused on getting self-published books in front of readers. Saturday, May 2, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Classroom 301A FREE with admission -
The Challenges of Self-Publishing
Presented by Alexandria Anderson. A session on the challenges that can come with self-publishing and what writers should be ready for. Sunday, May 3, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Classroom 301A FREE with admission -
The Crownmaker's Atelier | Forging a Faerie Tiara
Presented by Deanna DeMonch. Create your own faerie-inspired tiara in a hands-on workshop led by Deanna DeMonch. Saturday, May 2, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Sunday, May 3, 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM Rotunda $20 | Limited to 15 participants -
The Imagination Council
Presented by Judy Baloff. Judy Baloff presents a session about going from words to wisdom and how her first book opened the door to a whole new life. Saturday, May 2, 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Classroom 301A FREE with admission -
Sale!
Your ticket to the Knoxville Book Festival grants access to a full weekend celebrating books, authors, and creativity, all designed specifically for adult readers. With panels, workshops, signings, shopping, and interactive experiences happening throughout the day, there’s always something to explore at your own pace. Most programming is included with admission, and many authors are available for walk-up conversations and signings at no additional cost. Whether you’re coming for a few hours or making a full weekend of it, your pass unlocks an immersive, come-and-go experience filled with discovery, connection, and plenty of books. Choose a single-day pass or a weekend pass depending on how much you want to take in, or upgrade to VIP for additional perks and exclusive access. VIP Perks include, but are not limited to:- Early Admission for both days (Saturday and Sunday — 30 Minutes Early)
- Exclusive VIP grab bag with books, trinkets, discounts, and other items
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Twisted Moments: A Precious Moments Reimagining
Presented by Mallory Bertrand. Take the sweetness of Precious Moments and give it a darker, more twisted spin in this art class with Mallory Bertrand. Saturday, May 2, 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM Rotunda $15 | Limited to 20 participants -
World Building 101
Presented by Richard White. A practical session for authors who want stronger, more immersive worlds on the page. Saturday, May 2, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Classroom 301A FREE with admission -
Writer Beware
Presented by Richard White. A practical look at how writers can recognize and avoid less-than-helpful agents, publishers, and editors. Sunday, May 3, 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Classroom 301B FREE with admission -
Writing Hope into the Future: The Art of Eco-Fiction
Presented by Diane Kann. Explore the art of eco-fiction and the role hope can play in stories about the future. Saturday, May 2, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Classroom 301C FREE with admission
