Everyone’s favorite bookish adventure, The BookFest®, is coming soon with its 6th annual virtual event on October 22 and 23, 2022. There will be various authors, literary experts, and speakers in panels, conversations, special segments, and live author chats. Since the color of the leaves are changing and spooky season is around the corner, The BookFest® will be presented by the HWA (Horror Writers Association) and Bookinfluencer. The theme will be haunting and autumnal. Attendance is free and the event will be streamed online.
What is The BookFest® and How Do You Attend?
- The BookFest® is a virtual, online, completely free, event that was created by book lovers, for book lovers.
- It is a two day event, the first day is focused on book readers, the second day is focused on writers. However, both days are filled with thoughtful and intriguing bookish topics for everyone.
- Attendee’s can join by watching the live stream The BookFest site, on Youtube or through Facebook.
- Attendees are welcome, and encouraged, to join in the party by chatting on those platforms in the chat features. This is where the magic of networking, meeting new people, and having fun takes place!
- The event is completely online, but transforms some of the traditional convention perks into the online platform. Instead of walking around looking at vendor booths, attendees can browse the virtual booths online.
- If you love the swag you get at a typical event, The BookFest offers chances to win books and prizes with multiple winners for their big giveaways. Not only that, but those who sign up through The BookFest site get a free virtual gift bag, like swag, but online goodies instead, like coupon codes, and free perks.
- There is also a Books page showcasing books from participants, and don’t forget to check out all the generous sponsors who help make the event possible.
- Take part in the conversations and panels, or just watch in the comfort of your home, sipping hot cocoa and relaxing. All viewers are welcome to watch the authors and literary professionals discuss hot button book topics.
The Saturday, October 22nd, 2022, livestream programming is dedicated to readers. Listed in Pacific Time, the programming includes:
11:30am PT – Welcome Message from The BookFest Founder Desireé Duffy
11:35am PT – Opening Keynote by Beatrice Adenodi: The Whispers in Our Stories
11:45am PT – Salute to The BookFest Award Winners
12:00pm PT – A Conversation with Phillip Fracassi – An Author Alone with Strangers
1:00pm PT – Climate Change: So This Is how the World Ends
1:45pm PT – Do You Hear What I Hear? With Becky Parker Geist
2:00pm PT – Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Time Travel, Horror, Oh My!
3:00pm PT – It’s a Thriller of a Chat with William Bernhardt
3:30pm PT – Yes They Are Banning Books – What You Need to Know and How You Can Help
4:30pm PT – The Adventure of a Lifetime Chat with Chester L. Richards
4:45pm PT – Falling in Love with Reading with Virginia Fox
5:00pm PT – A Conversation with Neil Bockoven, PhD. – Paleo Human Mysteries
6:00pm to 8:00pm PT – Live Author Chats and Readings – Presented by the Horror Writers Association
The Sunday, October 23rd, 2022, programming is geared toward writers. Listed in Pacific Time, the programming includes:
11:35am PT – Keynote by Karla Olson: The Magic of Storytelling
11:45am PT – Salute to The BookFest Award Winners
12:00pm PT – A Conversation with Angela Bole – Agility in an Ever-Evolving Industry
12:45pm PT – Historical Fiction Writing with Clyve Rose
1:00pm PT – Anthologies, Publications and Showcase Submissions – A Talk with the Judges
1:45pm PT – Public Relations and Interview Tips with Mickey Mikkelson
2:00pm PT – The Critiki-Bar: Page One Manuscript Critiques (An agent and an author walk into a bar…)
2:45pm PT – Making Connections with Jen Nash
3:00pm PT – Building Your Author Platform
3:45pm PT – Breaking Books – How To Land a TV Deal
4:00pm PT – Legal Eagles to Help Your Bookish Adventure Soar
5:00pm PT – Salute to The BookFest Award Winners – Full Video
If you’re a book lover, writer, or just want to join in on the fun please register for email updates on the website to stay informed, and to join The BookFest Adventure Facebook Group.
Handy Links for The BookFest®
Email updates to stay informed are available here, and The BookFest® Adventure Facebook Group can be joined as well. The full schedule is out now on The BookFest® website, which is also where the livestream link will be located. It’ll also stream through the Books That Make You Channel on YouTube and The BookFest® Facebook Page.
