Keynote & Panels – Fall 2022
The BookFest Adventure
Featuring Keynotes, Panel Discussions, Conversations and Segments for the Reading and Writing Communities
Day 1 – For Readers
Saturday, October 22, 2022
Day one of The BookFest Fall 2022 is devoted to readers. If you’re a bibliophile, then get ready for a bookish good time.
In addition to a full day of panels and conversations, there are special segments, the Big Bundle of Books Grand Prize Giveaway, and the Live Author Chats hosted by A.G. Billig and Herbie Pilato presented by The Horror Writers Association.
Sit back, curl up with your furry pal or text your friends so you can hang out and enjoy the presentation. Don’t forget to join the chats on YouTube to network with your new book-buddies. There are often lively conversations happening there.
All times listed in Pacific Time. Programming is subject to change. Sign up to be a BookFester and get email alerts, BookFest news, and to receive a complimentary Virtual Gift Bag at the end of The BookFest delivered to your inbox.
11:30am PT
Welcome Message from The BookFest Founder Desireé Duffy
We’ll start The BookFest Fall 2022 with a welcome message from its founder Desireé Duffy. She’ll tell you about what you can look forward to during The BookFest, congratulate The BookFest Award Winners, and kick off The BookFest Adventure.
11:35am PT
Opening Keynote – Beatrice Adenodi
The Whispers in Our Stories
Stories have a way in capturing our hearts, leaning into the lives of the characters, and bringing us on an emotional journey. As we turn every page, what are the words in the stories really telling us? Join Author Beatrice Adenodi for a talk as she unravels the whispers in our stories.
11:45am PT
Salute to The BookFest Award Winners
A video montage spotlighting many winners of The BookFest Awards Fall 2022. Portions of the video air throughout The BookFest in between programming. You can also see the winners listed under the Awards tab. The full video Salute to The BookFest Winners airs at the end of The BookFest on Day 2, and is posted on The Books That Make You YouTube Channel.
12:00pm PT
A Conversation with Phillip Fracassi – An Author Alone with Strangers
This one-on-one conversation with award-winning author Philip Fracassi delves into the chilling stories he crafts. Discover the thought-process behind his Beneath a Pale Sky collection, which received a starred review from Library Journal, was named “Best Collection of the Year” by Rue Morgue Magazine, and was a finalist for the Bram Stoker award. And get ready to discover his latest novel, A Child Alone with Strangers, and get a sneak-peak into his dark and mysterious world.
Philip Fracassi, author of novels and short stories, and screenwriter of films that have been distributed by Disney Entertainment and Lifetime Television. The New York Times calls his work, “terrifically scary.”
Jennifer Gordon, gothic horror/literary fiction novelist including Beautiful, Frightening and Silent which won the Kindle Award for Best Horror/Suspense for 2020, Won Best Horror 2020 from Authors on the Air.
1:00pm PT
Climate Change: So This Is how the World Ends
The changing climate, the environment, and themes of critical importance during our precarious times are discussed with authors converging on the topic with a range of books including children’s fiction, climate change fiction, and non-fiction. With so much at stake and the future of our planet suspended in the balance, what’s it going to take for us to do something about it? Find out during this lively discussion.
Steven Joseph, award-winning adult and children’s book author including Snoodles, Kidoodles, Poodles and Lots and Lots of Noodles with a message about uniting to have clean air and blue skies
E.A. Smiroldo, novelist, musician, and a nuclear engineer who uses real, possible climate science in her debut novel The Silent Count
Lucia Matuonto, children’s physiotherapist, podcaster, and author of children’s books including Out of the Box which allows children to connect with the environment
Stuart Waldner, activist and author who invites readers to take the red pill as they Escape the Meatrix and see the connection between our dietary choices and the worldwide climate crises
Moderator: Desireé Duffy, founder of Black Château, the Webby Award-winning Books That Make You brand, and The BookFest
1:45pm PT
Do You Hear What I Hear? With Becky Parker Geist
Your books are talking, are you listening? The audiobook market is filled with all your favorites nowadays. Discover the hottest trends in audio books, learn why you should try listening to your books if you aren’t already, and get tips on some must-listen books available this fall.
Becky Parker Geist, author, of The Left Turn: Two Lives, Worlds Apart, book narrator, and founder and CEO of Pro Audio Voices Inc.
2:00pm PT
Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Time Travel, Horror, Oh My!
Are you ready to hear something really scary? Join these genre fiction authors covering sci-fi, fantasy, time travel, dark fiction and more. Discover what they are brewing up next for their readers and how they craft the tales that keep us turning pages.
Mike Robinson, award-winning author including the dark urban fantasy trilogy The Enigma of Twilight Falls, Dreamshores: Monster Island, and Too Much Dark Matter, Too Little Gray: A Collection of Weird Fiction
Mark J. Rose, scientist, adventurer, and author of three novels in the Matt Miller in the Colonies series with fourth book in the series, Architect, releasing in 2023
Robert J. Sawyer, bestselling novelist, award-winning scriptwriter, one of only eight writers ever to win all three of the top Science Fiction awards: the Hugo, the Nebula, and John W. Campbell Memorial Award
Moderator: Leslie Ann Moore, author of four published novels, including the IBPA award-winning epic fantasy Griffin’s Daughter Trilogy, and her latest, Skein of Fates, Book One of the Nuetierra Chronicles
3:00pm PT
It’s a Thriller of a Chat with William Bernhardt
Nothing gets those pages flipping like a good thriller. This time of year books that add excitement and suspense to our lives are often found at the top of our reading lists. Join New York Times bestselling author William Bernhardt as he discusses how he masterfully delivers thrilling reads to his audience with Sharon J. Jenkins, host of the Luminance Podcast.
William Bernhardt, author of over 50 books including bestselling Ben Kincaid Series, founder of WriterCon, publisher to other authors, founder of Red Sneaker Writers Center and multi-award winner
Moderator: Sharon C. Jenkins, author, publicist, and host of the Luminance Podcast.
3:30pm PT
Yes They Are Banning Books – What You Need to Know and How You Can Help
Books are being banned and challenged at a rate not seen for decades. Across the United States books are being pulled from shelves and removed from curriculum. Educators, librarians, bookstores, publishers, journalists, and the book-loving community have the power to unite and resist. Join us in this timely and important discussion with those at the forefront of what’s happening. The first step is awareness, the second is action – become informed and learn how you can help in your community and across the nation.
Peter Bromberg, Associate Director for EveryLibrary where he advocates for libraries on local, state, and national levels, providing support to librarians, boards, associations, and parents groups, helping them to fight censorship
Rich Davis, writer and creator of the underground horror sensation Cult of Dracula from Source Point Press, radio personality, actor, screenwriter, and former campaign staffer for two Presidential campaigns
Angela Johnson, award-winning author, founder of Sunday Dinner Publishing, and diversity and inclusion activist and DEI consultant working to increase representation for marginalized creatives in publishing
Lee Wind, Director of Education and Programs at IBPA, author of books centered on marginalized kids and teens including No Way, They Were Gay? Hidden Lives and Secret Loves
Moderator: Desireé Duffy, founder of Black Château, the Webby Award-winning Books That Make You brand, and The BookFest
4:30pm PT
The Adventure of a Lifetime Chat with Chester L. Richards
What happens when your life takes you from an encounter with the “The Great Potato” to becoming an aerospace engineer? What happens when you go from co-writing an episode of the original Star Trek to whitewater rafting? Memoirist Chester L. Richards discusses his many adventures with the Memoir Coach and President of Pawpress, Ina Hillebrandt.
Chester L. Richards, Author of the From the Potato to Star Trek Scientist: Memoirs of a Rocket Scientist, retired space engineer, and inventor
Moderator: Ina Hillebrandt, President of Pawpress, nationally known speaker, author and writing coach specializing in memoirs and fiction
4:45pm PT
Falling in Love with Reading with Virginia Fox
Don’t you love this time of year? Pouring a cup of something warm and curling up with a good book is what sweater weather is all about. Join bestselling author Virginia Fox as she discusses her Rocky Mountain themed book series as well as the wonderful ways we can be fall in love with books this time of year.
Virginia Fox, bestselling European author who is releasing the Rocky Mountain Romances book series in the United States
5:00pm PT
A Conversation with Neil Bockoven, PhD. – Paleo Human Mysteries
What genetics do we share with Neanderthals? What happened to our extinct cousins? And what can Aboriginal Australians tell us about ancient hominid migrations? The author of The People Eaters, Moctu and the Mammoth People as well as a children’s science book, Neil Bockoven discusses fascinating science in this special Conversation with Jeff Eckert.
Neil Bockoven, PhD, award-winning PhD geologist, bestselling author of three books about human ancestors, journalist, and sought-after speaker whose Facebook posts on archaeology and geology reach 4 million followers each week
Moderator: Jeff Eckert, with a master’s in science Geology and Geophysics from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, he has found and studied many different fossils while working in the field
6:00pm PT
Live Author Chats and Readings – Presented by the Horror Writers Association
Part afterparty, part Halloween party, and part writers doing whatever the heck they want, this fun interactive event presented by the Horror Writers Association features writers and literary folks in fast-paced chats with hosts AG Billig and Herbie J Pilato.
You’ll hear authors read poetry, tell stories, read excerpts, answer audience questions and be creatively spooky to celebrate the season. Plus, the winner of the Big Bundle of Books will be announced, along with other prize winners.
Host: Herbie J Pilato, writer, producer, and TV personality with an extensive list of TV credits including Bravo’s hit five-part series The 100 Greatest TV Characters
Host: A.G. Billig, author of Open Your Heart, Rise in Love: Five Secret Doors to a Happy and Healthy Relationship, transformational coach, motivational speaker and member of the Black Château team
6:10pm PT
Neil Bockoven, PhD author of The People Eaters and Moctu and the Mammoth People answers questions about our genetic origins
6:20pm PT
Meghan Arcuri, author, playwright, and VP of the HWA, reads poetry and a Halloween tale of terror from her childhood
6:30pm PT
Jenna Greene, Canadian young adult and children’s author, also the host of the Jotnotes Podcast, talks about the importance of using our imaginations
6:40pm PT
Naomi Simone Borwein, poet and academic, reads poetry and discusses aesthetics of literary horror
6:50pm PT
Diann Floyd Boehm, children and young adult author, reads excerpts from latest story: Charlie and the Tire Swing How it Began
7:00pm PT
Geneve Flynn, award-winning horror author, poet, and editor, reads her poem from the Horror Writers Association Poetry Showcase, “spoon against bone,” and shares three easy but essential self-editing tips
7:10pm PT
DC Gomez speaker, podcaster, and award-winning USA Today best-selling author, writing both fiction and non-fiction books, discussing growing up in Salem, Massachusetts with witches in her backyard
7:20pm PT
Mary Aviyah Farkas, author of Overcoming Deepest Grief, A Woman’s Journey discusses how we can overcome our worst fears, and our worst pain
7:30pm PT
Austin Gragg, writer, poet, and editor in chief at Space & Time Magazine, reads his poem “Photography Post-apocalypse” and tells a personal ghost story about one of Missouri’s oldest cities
7:40pm PT
Carylee Carrington, author, entrepreneur, literacy advocate and Founder of Read With Carylee, Inc. talks about children having access to diverse literature and reads from her book
Day 2 – For Writers
Sunday, October 23rd, 2022
Day two of The BookFest Fall 2022 is devoted to writers. If you’re part of the writing community, a professional in the literary world, a student or just starting out on your writing journey, this day is dedicated to you. An array of professionals and fellow authors contribute to Day 2 with panel discussions, conversations and segments covering the craft of writing, critiquing a manuscript’s first page, public relations, building your author platform, landing a TV deal, making connections, showcase and anthology submissions, the legal aspects of being a professional writer, and more.
Pull up a cozy chair, brew a cup of tea and enjoy the presentation. Please join the chats on YouTube to network with your new book-buddies, too.
All times listed in Pacific Time. Programming is subject to change. Sign up to be a BookFester and get email alerts, BookFest news, and to receive a complimentary Virtual Gift Bag at the end of The BookFest delivered to your inbox.
11:30am PT
Welcome Message from The BookFest Founder Desireé Duffy
Day 2 of The BookFest Fall 2022 starts with a quick welcome message from founder Desireé Duffy. She’ll tell you about what you can look forward to during The BookFest’s second day, which focuses on writers. Panels, Conversations and Segments feature advice, information, a tips to help creatives while on their writing journey.
11:35am PT
Keynote – Karla Olson
The Magic of Storytelling
Why do we publish books? Karla Olson, book publisher at Patagonia, reflects on the purpose of publishing during a time when many feel that books are a thing of the past and others are trying to limit availability to certain books.
11:45am PT
Salute to The BookFest Award Winners
A video montage spotlighting many winners of The BookFest Awards Fall 2022. Portions of the video air throughout The BookFest in between programming. You can also see the winners listed under the Awards tab. The full video Salute to The BookFest Winners airs at the end of The BookFest on Day 2, and is posted on The Books That Make You YouTube Channel.
12:00pm PT
A Conversation with Angela Bole – Agility in an Ever-Evolving Industry
This one-on-one conversation features Angela Bole, a trailblazer in the publishing world who advocates for industry growth, innovation, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion. Discover how Bole’s leadership helped guide the Independent Book Publishers Association and how her new role with Firebrand Group exemplifies her agility.
Angela Bole, CEO of the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and incoming CEO of Firebrand Group
Moderator: Mandy Jackson-Beverly, host of The Bookshop Podcast, writing coach, and author of The Creatives Series
12:45pm PT
Historical Fiction Writing with Clyve Rose
Historical fiction writing is a blend of research and creativity that, when done well, can captivate readers who love their fiction grounded in plausibility. When romance is added to the mix, it can be a winning combination. Award-winning author Clyve Rose talks about writing with historical accuracy and what it takes to please this discerning audience.
Clyve Rose, author of the award-winning novel Always a Princess, its sequel The King’s Mistress as well as other short stories and forms of historical fiction, regency romance, and suspense
1:00pm PT
Anthologies, Publications and Showcase Submissions – A Talk with the Judges
Do you have a short story or poem you want to submit for publication in an anthology? How do writers get their work featured in showcase collections like the annual Horror Writers Association (HWA) Poetry Showcase? What are the judges looking for in literary journals? This special BookFest Segment features judges from the HWA Poetry Showcase Vol. IX, edited by Angela Yuriko Smith, giving advice and tips to get your work published.
Maxwell I. Gold, multiple award-nominated Jewish American author of prose poetry and short stories of weird and cosmic fiction, author of Oblivion in Flux: A Collection of Cyber Prose from Crystal Lake Publishing
Frances Lu Pai Ippolito, Chinese American writer who crafts stories in horror, sci-fi, fantasy and co-chair of the Young Willamette Writers program
Lee Murray, writer, editor, screenwriter, and poet from Aotearoa-New Zealand – four-time Bram Stoker Awards winner, Shirley Jackson Award winner, and a USA Today Bestselling author
Moderator: Angela Yuriko Smith, editor HWA Poetry Showcase Vol. IX, award-winning poet, author and publisher with over 20 years experience in newspaper journalism
1:45pm PT
Public Relations and Interview Tips with Mickey Mikkelson
How should authors prepare for media interviews? What is to be expected when on a book tour? Mickey Mikkelson works with authors and knows the publicity business inside and out. Get insights and expert advice for promoting your book.
Mickey Mikkelson, publicist with Creative Edge Publicity and an expert at promoting authors and books
2:00pm PT
The Critiki Bar: Page One Manuscript Critiques (An Agent and An Author Walk Into A Bar…)
Gather ’round to watch and listen to a rare two-sided assessment from both the business and the craft side of writing — served with wit, insight, experience, and punch. Witness how a highly-regarded literary agent and a New York Times bestselling author discuss — and debate — aspects of creating a skillfully told story and navigating the professional side of publishing by dissecting that oh-so-important first page.
David L. Robbins, New York Times bestselling author, creative writing professor, founder of James River Writers, The Mighty Pen Project, and co-founder of the Podium Foundation
Katharine Sands, literary agent representing fiction, non-fiction and memoir. Agent provocateur of Making the Perfect Pitch: How to Catch a Literary Agent’s Eye, a collection of pitching wisdom from leading literary agents
2:45pm PT
Making Connections with Jen Nash
Why is it important for writers to make connections while on their writing journey? How can tiny connections spark incredible outcomes? Jen Nash, author of The Big Power of Tiny Connections—How Small Interactions Spark Awesome Outcomes chats with award-winning journalist Deborah Kobylt.
Jen Nash, master story-telling facilitator, connection-focused keynote speaker, sought-after executive coach and as a Connector in Chief, she helps people and companies add more meaning to their lives through connection
Deborah Zara Kobylt, award-winning journalist, best known for her work as a CNN correspondent, reporter on Fox11 LA, KCAL9 News, plus her Deborah Kobylt LIVE and Little Italy of LA podcasts
3:00pm PT
Building Your Author Platform
Every author needs a solid foundation. Whether you are traditionally, self, hybrid published, or you don’t know yet, building that foundation sets you up for future success. Often referred to as an author’s platform, building this foundation can seem overwhelming. What should authors consider when building their platform? How does the work you put in now support your career as you grow? Join the creators of The BookFest and Black Château team members as they discuss branding, website development, SEO and content, social media, advertising and email marketing.
Brian Bosch, senior website developer Black Château, The BookFest, and founder of Invouq, a boutique web design and digital marketing agency based in Seattle, WA
David Duffy, head of operations for Black Château, the Webby Award-winning Books That Make You brand, and The BookFest
Moderator: Desireé Duffy, founder of Black Château, the Webby Award-winning Books That Make You brand, and The BookFest
3:45pm PT
Breaking Books – How To Land a TV Deal
Jeff Rivera says you don’t need a script, a deck, a treatment, a TV pilot, or a sizzle reel to break your book into an entertainment deal. It is entirely possible to start with a great idea and the right elements and then find the right production company who helps pay for everything else. Join him in a special BookFest Segment.
Jeff Rivera, landed over 19 TV development deals through his talent management/production company in past year—as a TV producer specializes in reality, documentaries, games, kids’ science, true crime, UFOs, dating shows
4:00pm PT
Legal Eagles to Help Your Bookish Adventure Soar
The questions and uncertainty surrounding the legal aspects of becoming a published author abound. How does copyrighting work? How do you protect your IP? What should you look for in a contract with an agent? With a publisher? This BookFest panel of experts discuss what today’s author should be aware of and ready for as they embark on their author journey.
Jonathan Arnold, Oxford-educated attorney versed in the commercial, education, entertainment, export, insurance, international, outside counsel, publishing/podcasting, technology, transactional and UCC Law fields
Dr. Raye Mitchell, Harvard creative rights and content expert, producer of The Mouthology® Show.TV, author of Breaking the Insidious Silence: A Story About Storytelling and Winning in the Court of Public Opinion
Paul S. Levine, lawyer and a literary agent and has practiced entertainment law over 40 years, specializing in the representation of writers, producers, actors, directors, composers, musicians, artists, authors, photographers, publishers, and more
Moderator: Desireé Duffy, founder of Black Château, the Webby Award-winning Books That Make You brand, and The BookFest
5:00pm PT
Salute to The BookFest Award Winners – Full Video
The full video montage spotlighting the winners of The BookFest Awards Fall 2022 aired in its entirety to close out The BookFest Fall 2022. You can also see the winners listed under the Awards tab and on The Books That Make You YouTube Channel. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you for enriching the world with your stories.
Produced by Black Château
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