The BookFest Adventure
Featuring Keynotes, Panel Discussions, Conversations and Segments for the Reading and Writing Communities
Day 1 – For Readers
Saturday, April 11th 2026
Day one of The BookFest is devoted to readers. If you’re a booklover, 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 Author Chats hosted by Scott Ryan and Becca Moore
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 chatroom on YouTube to network with your new book-buddies. There are often lively conversations happening there. Either watch on The BookFest Home Page or go to the Books That Make You YouTube Channel.
All times listed in Pacific Time. Programming is subject to change.
Welcome Message from The BookFest Founder Desireé Duffy
We’ll start The BookFest with a welcome message from its founder Desireé Duffy.
10:35am PT
Opening Keynote – Dr. Abraham George: Where Success Meets Purpose
Success can create opportunities, but what if it’s just the start? In this inspiring keynote, Dr. Abraham George draws from the journey behind his book, “Mountains to Cross,” to explore how achievement can evolve into a life of service. Through stories of perseverance, conviction, and courage, he shares what it takes to align success with deeper purpose. Discover how your own accomplishments might become a force for lasting and meaningful impact.
Dr. Abraham George
10:45am PT
A Salute to Lee Wind – Winner of the Honorary Achievement BookFest Award
A steadfast advocate for inclusivity, representation, and the power that transforms storytelling. Lee Wind receives the Honorary Achievement BookFest Award for his lasting contributions to the literary world. Writing the books he wishes he’d had as a gay Jewish child and teen, he creates social justice–inspired picture books, nonfiction exploring Queer history, and action-adventure romance novels centering LGBTQ+ youth. In response to the rise in book bans, he co-created the national campaign “We Are Stronger Than Censorship,” which donates two books for every one challenged—turning resistance into renewed access. As Chief Content Officer of the Independent Book Publishers Association, he helps shape educational programming, expand marketing opportunities, and strengthen support for independent publishers and authors.
Presenter: Lesléa Newman, award-winning author of 90 books including “October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard” and former poet laureate of Northampton, MA
11:00am PT
The Stories We Inherit: A Conversation with Christina Baker Kline
From orphan trains to convict ships to conjoined twins, #1 New York Times bestselling author Christina Baker Kline has built a career uncovering extraordinary true stories and transforming them into award-winning fiction. In this conversation, she discusses her new novel “The Foursome,” the story of Chang and Eng Bunker and the sisters who married them, including Kline’s own distant relatives. How does she balance historical fact with imaginative truth? What draws her to characters on the margins of history? And what does it mean to write about bodies, bonds, and belonging across more than a century of American life?
Christina Baker Kline
Moderator: Desiree Duffy
11:45am PT
Segment – Three Things People Get Wrong About Superman with William Bernhardt
Why does Superman remain one of the most enduring characters in popular culture nearly ninety years after his debut? In this segment, #1 bestselling author William Bernhardt, author of more than 60 books including “The Superman Wars,” explores common misconceptions about the Man of Steel, the history of his creators, and the long legal battle over ownership. By reframing from the story as a conflict between art and commerce rather than simply good versus evil, Bernhardt reveals why Superman’s legacy continues to matter to readers and creators alike.
William Bernhardt
12:00pm PT
Panel Discussion – Shelf Shuffle: A Mix of Must-Reads
Looking for your next great read? This panel spotlights a curated collection of unforgettable books from timeless tales and hidden gems to new releases making waves. Expect passionate recommendations, genre-spanning favorites, and plenty of literary surprises. Whether you’re a book club devotee or a casual browser, you’re bound to discover titles you didn’t know you needed.
Michael Chatfield
DC Gomez
Jeffery H Haskel
Douglas E Richards
M: Aimee Ravichandran
12:45pm PT
Segment – Listen with Impact: A New Way to Experience Audiobooks with Becky Parker Geist, presented by AMPlify Audiobooks
Audiobooks can be more than entertainment. They can create connections, community, and meaningful support for the authors whose stories inspire us. In this segment, Becky Parker Geist introduces a human-centered model of audiobook listening that places shared experience and author empowerment at its core. Discover how community-driven audio platforms are reshaping the listening experience and how your choices as a listener can help build a more equitable future for storytellers.
Becky Parker Geist
1:00pm PT
BookFest Award Winner Spotlight – Kay A. Oliver: When the Reader Becomes the Detective
Great mysteries don’t just tell a story, they invite readers to participate. Multi-BookFest Award-Winning author and Hollywood storyteller Kay A. Oliver explores why the most satisfying mysteries make us lean in, question everything, and race to connect the dots. What keeps readers turning pages late into the night, trusting the author while suspecting every character? This spotlight celebrates the joy of being an active reader and the thrill of realizing you’ve solved the puzzle just before the final reveal.
Kay A. Oliver
1:30pm PT
Author Chats
Join us for our lively afterparty and networking event where we invite authors to take the stage and do whatever they want for 10 minutes. Hosted by Scott Ryan and Becca Moore
Readings, Q&As, and more with your favorite authors.
Host: Scott Ryan
Co-Host: Becca Moore
Dale Arenson, bestselling and award-winning author of “Hangmen,” will share his unlikely journey from riding with the “1%” outlaw biker club to becoming a pilot, and eventually an author
Diana Colleen, author of “They Could Be Saviors,” explores why dystopian futures dominate climate fiction, and how writing hopeful stories can reconnect readers to possibility, agency and change
Pat Daily, test pilot, engineer, CEO, and author of the “Spark Chronicles,” discusses the impact of being creative leader known for innovative solutions on storytelling across diverse projects and industries
Lori B. Duff, Lawyer, judge, and award-winning author of the “Fischer at Law” series, will explain how millions of dollars have been won and lost over the Oxford comma
Lucia Matuonto, entrepreneur and award-winning author of the new book “Peaceful Valley,” will share how our flaws can become superpowers, with examples from characters in her new book
Donald Prothero, paleontologist, geologist, and author of “The Story of Earth’s Climate in 25 Discoveries,” discusses the importance of reading science books and expanding your worldview through nonfiction
Shamayne Olivia, speaker, facilitator, and author of “Shoes That Fit Her Soul, will share how dreams have inspired her work and ignited bold life changes
Patrick Sangimino, journalist and author of the debut novel “Dogs Chase Cars,” takes readers on a journey through the once-proud newspaper industry that now finds itself battling for survival
María Paula Silva, award-winning Latina author of “In the Shadow of the American Dream,” shares how transforming silence into story reclaims identity, heals generational wounds, and empowers marginalized voices
S. E. Tschritter, bestselling author of the “Grieve with Hope” series, will discuss how to lead readers towards hope with content that resonates and creates beauty from brokenness, with intentionality
Day 2 – For Writers
Sunday, April 12th, 2026
Day two of The BookFest 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 two with panel discussions, conversations and segments covering the realms of inspiration, collaboration, and narrative craft as a writer, uncovering the art of historical storytelling, navigating potential scams, and expanding your authorial horizons 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. There are often exciting conversations happening there. Either watch on The BookFest Home Page or go to the Books That Make You YouTube Channel.
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.
Welcome Message from The BookFest Founder Desireé Duffy
We’ll start the second day of The BookFest with a welcome message from its founder Desireé Duffy.
10:35am PT
Keynote – Carla A. Harris: Lead to Win Through Intentional Leadership What does it take to
What does it take to lead with influence and impact in today’s rapidly changing world? Drawing from her latest book, “Lead to Win,” Carla A. Harris shares the wisdom behind her renowned “Carla’s Pearls” and the principles of intentional leadership. Discover practical insights for building trust, amplifying your voice, and leading with purpose in complex environments. This keynote offers powerful strategies for anyone seeking to lead with confidence and create meaningful impact.
Carla A. Harris
10:45am PT
Segment – Research and Imagination in Historical Fiction with Beth Freely
How much research is enough, and where does imagination take over? In this segment, Beth Freely explores how writers can balance historical accuracy with creative storytelling while keeping emotional truth at the center of their work. Drawing on well-known works of historical fiction, she shares practical strategies for making the past feel intimate, immediate, and ethically rendered. Learn how to blend fact with fiction in ways that create authenticity, resonance, and lasting impact.
Beth Freely
11:00am PT
Segment – Plot Your Story in 15 Minutes with Cameron Sutter, presented by Plottr
Are you stuck trying to make your story’s idea work? What if you could map out your plot in just 15 minutes? Cameron Sutter, creator of Plottr, demonstrates a simple seven-step framework to quickly structure your story using Plottr. With examples from popular stories like “The Hunger Games” and “Star Wars,” you’ll see how easy plotting can be.
Cameron Sutter
11:15am PT
Panel Discussion – Media and Authors: Connecting Stories to Audiences
In today’s crowded marketplace, media exposure can make the difference between a book that launches quietly and one that builds lasting momentum. Join this panel of media professionals who interview authors and spotlight books in innovative ways. Learn what hosts look for in a compelling guest, how to pitch effectively, and how authors can build authentic relationships that extend beyond a single appearance. Whether you’re preparing for your first interview or refining your publicity strategy, this discussion offers actionable insights to elevate your media presence.
Tricia Copeland
Alan Warren
Caramel Lucas
M: Aimee Ravichandran
12:00pm PT
Segment – Website Resources: Choosing the Right Platform for Your Needs with Denise Mullinex, presented by Geek Girl Publishing
Building a website should not feel overwhelming. In this session, attendees will learn the key differences between WordPress.org, WordPress.com, Wix, and the Tertulia Author Website Builder. Discover how pricing, customization, and technical requirements shape each platform, and which option best fits your goals. Whether you need a simple author site or full creative control, you will leave with a clear roadmap to confidently launch your website.
Denise Mullinex
12:30pm PT
Segment – Publishing Options Today: The Pros and Cons with Lisa Diane Kastner
Publishing today looks very different than it did even a decade ago. In this segment, Lisa Diane Kastner guides authors through the major publishing paths, breaking down the advantages and challenges of each. Whether you are considering traditional, hybrid, or independent publishing, you will gain clarity on which option best aligns with your long-term goals and career vision.
Lisa Diane Kastner
12:45pm PT
Segment – Direct Sales Simplified: Author Websites That Sell with Amy Wolf
Ready to sell books directly to your readers? Amy Wolf walks through the essential steps to setting up an author website and online store designed to support seamless direct sales. Learn what tools you need, how to create a professional storefront, and ways to turn visitors into loyal customers. Walk away with practical strategies you can implement right away.
Amy Wolf
1:00pm PT
Panel Discussion – When Scares are Real: Writing Spooky Non-fiction
Have you thought about writing a book, article, or memoir about something that’s real-life scary, but you didn’t know how to bring your new monster to life? Join this group of experienced and award-winning writers, columnists, and scholars as they provide the nuts and (neck)bolts of publishing horrifying non-fiction. If you’ve considered exploring the world of dark non-fiction, you’ll find inspiration and practical advice here on crafting your work, selling it, and promoting it.
Vince Liaguno
John Palisano
Loren Rhoads
Moderator: Lisa Morton
2:00pm PT
Segment – Amplify Your Audiobook Impact with Becky Parker Geist, presented by AMPlify Audiobooks
Audiobooks are evolving rapidly, creating new opportunities for authors to expand their reach and strengthen connections with listeners. In this segment, Becky Parker Geist explores emerging distribution and marketing strategies that help authors retain greater control, increase royalties, and build lasting relationships with their audiences. Discover how community-driven audio platforms and new industry models are opening fresh pathways for audiobook success and long-term author growth.
Becky Parker Geist
2:15pm PT
Segment – Pitch Perfect: Getting Bookstores to Say Yes with Dr. Tenia L. Davis
Thinking about pitching your book to a bookstore? Before you send your pitch, discover what truly sets out an independent author apart. Dr. Tenia L. Davis, founder of “Beyond the Book,” shares what bookstore buyers look for, common mistakes to avoid, and how to build authentic, lasting partnerships. Discover how to approach bookstores with confidence—and strategy.
Dr. Tenia L. Davis
2:30pm PT
Panel Discussion – Book Marketing in 2026: What’s Working Now to Drive Sales, Presented by Writers and Publishers Network
In today’s multi-platform publishing landscape, authors have more opportunities than ever to reach readers. But where should your book appear, and which strategies truly drive sales? This panel of marketing experts breaks down the tools and tactics working right now for authors and publishers. From the rapidly growing audiobook market to the evolving role of artificial intelligence and proven marketing fundamentals, discover how to build a practical strategy that expands your reach and boosts book sales.
Derek Doepker
Gail M. Kearns
Adanna Moriarty
Julie Trelstad
Moderator: Kathleen Kaiser
3:30pm PT
A Salute to The BookFest Award Winners Spring 2026
Produced by Black Château
Presenting Sponsor
