2026 North Georgia Regional Book Fair

September 12, 9am-5pm, UNG Convocation Center

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9:30-10:30​​

Bingo! (Room 118)

Join Kathryn Narciso for Bingo games, with all profits donated to No One Alone (NOA). One Bingo card for $2 and three Bingo cards for $5. Fun for the whole family!

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"Beyond the Veil: Writing Supernatural & Paranormal Fiction" with Allison Blanchard, Mary Jane Capps, T.R. Quigley, and Juliet Rose (Room 119)

Step beyond the ordinary and explore the worlds that exist just beyond our own. Join a panel of authors as they discuss the art of writing supernatural, paranormal, horror, fantasy, and science fiction stories that captivate readers and bring the impossible to life. From creating compelling magic systems, eerie creatures, and futuristic technology to weaving folklore, suspense, and unforgettable characters into immersive worlds, our panelists will share their creative processes, research, and inspiration. Learn how these genres explore timeless themes like fear, hope, love, loss, identity, and what it truly means to be human. Whether you're a devoted reader, an aspiring writer, or simply curious about the stories that lie beyond the veil, this interactive moderated discussion offers behind-the-scenes insight into crafting speculative fiction that sparks the imagination and lingers long after the final page.

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"Proper Care and Treatment for the Writing Bug" with Jacqueline Barnow, Jim Christopher, Meg M. Robinson, and Lisa R. Schoolcraft (Room 216)

So, you’ve caught the writing bug? You’re wondering what to do with it? While there is no shortage of writing advice, none is consistent: Write for your reader. Write for yourself.                     

                     Write every day. Write when you can.                     

                     Outline everything. Figure it out as you go.

So, what works… and more importantly, why? Come learn from four authors from various genres, at different stages in their indie careers. Each facing down the same challenge every day. Write the thing. Finish the draft. Make it great. And do it while juggling the rest of your life. Is it easy? Not at all. Is it rewarding? Always. Bring your questions. Leave with options that work for you.​​​

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Featured Author: "You're Only a Traitor if You Lose" with Jason Wetzel (Room 218/219)​

​Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the USA by joining Jason Wetzel for a trip into the past! He will be discussing his book, Charleston Loyalists: Treason and Survival in the American Revolution, which uncovers the merchants who wagered their futures on the Crown, the artisans who refused to bow to rebellion, the women who carried secrets through burning streets, and the enslaved people who saw in the British lines a narrow, perilous path to freedom. Drawing on letters, court documents, family papers, and long‑overlooked archival records, the book follows these Loyalists through siege, occupation, betrayal, imprisonment, and exile as the city is set asunder. From Broad Street countinghouses to rice plantations along the Ashley and Cooper Rivers, from cosmopolitan streets to crowded prison ships, their stories reveal loyalty tested, identities broken, and families torn apart. Some sought protection. Some sought stability. Some sought freedom. All paid the price of choosing the losing side. Published in the spirit of America’s 250th commemoration, this book restores Charleston’s Loyalists to the city’s Revolutionary story—revealing a past more mysterious than legend allows.

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11:00-12:00​​​​

Children's Reading Hour with Ellie the Service Dog (Room 118)​

Join service dog Ellie, an English Bulldog, for the cutest reading hour ever! Come read to Ellie, or listen to other people read to Ellie, and get your picture taken with her. She's waiting to meet you! (A parent or guardian must accompany children.)​​​

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"Love and Cupcakes" with Bethany Lopez, moderated by Melissa Lockaby (Room 119)​

​Join Bethany Lopez for a conversation about her books (and cookbooks!). Bethany's romance books include the Three Sisters Catering series, the Jilted Wives Club series, and the detective series starring Delilah Horton, who always has room for cupcakes! Bethany also is the author of two cookbooks based on her series and the creator of our special literary-themed lunch items, so come to the session to enjoy a discussion of love, food, and books!​​​​​

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"It Doesn't Always Need Dragons: Why Fantasy Is Never Just Fantasy" with Vivian Catfield, Alli Earnest, Hollis Jo McCollum, and Hannah Toney (Room 216)​

​Fantasy may be filled with dragons, magic, distant worlds, and impossible things, but at its heart, the genre often explores very real questions about identity, community, history, power, hope, and what it means to be human. Join four fantasy authors as they discuss their creative processes, approaches to worldbuilding and character development, and the many different paths that lead from imagination to the page. Whether you're an avid fantasy reader, an aspiring writer, or both, this conversation will explore how fantastical stories help us better understand ourselves and the world around us.​

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Featured Author: "Lessons from the Keyboard" with Judith L. Pearson (Room 218/219)​

No matter what the venue, one of the most frequent questions authors receive is, “Where do your ideas come from?” Best-selling and multiple award-winning author Judy Pearson will give you a glimpse of what lurks and blossoms behind the scenes in her world. From World War II to the War on Cancer, from the secret depths of the CIA to the even more secret depths of President Nixon’s hidden office, Judy will take you on a tour of her writing life. How does she select her book’s subjects? How does she research them so thoroughly? And is there an enduring theme? (Spoiler alert: Judy is smitten with courage!)  Whether you’re a reader, a book club member or an author yourself, she’ll keep you engaged, share things you might not know, and toss in a few laughs along the way. 

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1:00-2:00​​​

Bingo! (Room 118)

Join Kathryn Narciso for Bingo games, with all profits donated to No One Along (NOA). One Bingo card for $2 and three Bingo cards for $5. Fun for the whole family! ​​​

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"From Manuscript to Marketplace: The Self-Publishing Journey" with Katherine Elberfeld, Tracey Magruder, James Palmer, and Jennifer Whiddon (Room 119)

Writing a great book is only the beginning—getting it into readers' hands is the next challenge. Join a panel of authors and publishing professionals as they discuss the realities of today's publishing landscape, from traditional and independent publishing to effective book marketing strategies. Learn how to format your book, grow an online presence, connect with readers at events, and create a marketing plan that fits your goals and budget. Whether you're preparing to publish your first book or looking to expand your audience, this session offers practical advice, real-world experiences, and actionable tips to help your book stand out in a crowded marketplace.  

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"Beyond Genre: The Magic, Mayhem, & Heart of Writing YA" with Marlena Frank, A.M.H. Johnson, J.B. Stephens, and Megan Wargula (Room 216)

​From ghosts and sea witches to distant galaxies and first love, Young Adult fiction spans every genre imaginable. Join a panel of YA authors as they discuss the magic, mayhem, and heart that make teen stories so compelling. Discover why authors are drawn to writing for young adults, how they create unforgettable characters and worlds, and what makes YA resonate with readers of all ages.​

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Featured Author: "When We Were Brilliant: Writing Marilyn Monroe" with Lynn Cullen (Room 218/219)

They were an unlikely pair—a blond bombshell and a photographer determined to be taken seriously—but Marilyn Monroe and Eve Arnold would make a deal that would change their lives in this dazzling new novel from the national bestselling author of Mrs. Poe and The Woman with the Cure. Join LYNN CULLEN for this session, who will be talking about how studying Eve Arnold's photographs and book about Marilyn Monroe revealed new insights about the icon and how both Eve and Marilyn pushed the boundaries for women in midcentury America. Lynn Cullen’s nationally and internationally bestselling novels, including The Woman with the Cure, The Sisters of Summit Avenue, Twain’s End, Mrs. Poe, The Creation of Eve, Reign of Madness, and I am Rembrandt's Daughter, have been translated into seventeen languages and are the recipients of various honors, including NPR Great Read, an ALA Best Book of the Year, Oprah Book of the Week, People Magazine Book of the Week, Indie Next Selection, Georgia Author of the Year, and Atlanta Magazine Best of the Year.

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2:30-3:30​​

Children's Storytime Hour with the UNG Cadets and Camp Merrill Rangers (Room 118)

Come celebrate the 250th anniversary of the USA! The UNG cadets and Army Rangers from Camp Merrill will be reading books to children. They will be offering both camo facepainting and American facepainting (red, white, and blue)! (A parent or guardian must accompany children.)

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"Self-reflections: Four Perspectives on Personal Journey" with Ron Balthazor, Rebecca Choquet, Mark Elberfeld, and Diego Silberstein (Room 119)

​Self-reflection can manifest in a variety of forms: memoir, essay, meditation, poetry.  This panel will explore the array of ways these writers have crafted their personal journeys through life-changing trauma, through travel and place, and through a deep connection to nature.  Each author will offer insight on the craft of writing a personal journey as well as the insight gained from the writing process.

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"The Art of Suspense" with Sarah Blake, Brandi Bradley, David Hanks, and I.V. Monroe (Room 216)

So, you want to write a thriller, but you don’t know where to start. We can help with that! This is “The Art of Suspense”, hosted by I.V. Monroe (You Never Stood a Chance), David Hanks (The Carson Griffin Series), Brandi Bradley (Pretty Girls Get Away with Murder), and Sarah Blake (All That’s Left of Me). In this hour we will dive into the nitty gritty of what it takes to transform a good idea into a true Thriller, from its twisting plots to its dynamic character building to keeping your readers constantly on the edge of their seats. Whether you’re looking to write one--or simply want to get into the minds of the people who do--be sure to join us for this session!

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Featured Author: "A Conversation with Jenn Lyons: Fantasy Author, Graphic Artist, and Video Game Producer" moderated by Alina Thurman (Room 218/219)

Join JENN LYONS in a fascinating conversation about her books and multiple careers. Lyons lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband, three cats and a nearly infinite number of opinions on anything from Sumerian mythology to the correct way to make a martini. She was nominated twice for the Astounding Award for Best New Writer (in 2020 and 2021) after a twenty-year career as a graphic artist and illustrator and a second career as a video game producer. Lyons traces her geek roots back to playing first edition Dungeons & Dragons in grade school – a hobby she’s continued as an adult—as well as whatever craft or skill she’s obsessed with this week: pyrography, beadwork, stenography, furniture upholstery, etc. All five books of Lyons’s five-book debut epic fantasy series, starting with The Ruin of Kings, are available from Tor Books, as are her standalone novels The Sky on Fire and Green & Deadly Things.

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4:00-5:00​​

"The Magic Behind the Pages of Children's Books" with Sherry Ellis, Carol Hathaway, David Lane, and Katy Marshall (Room 118)

Join four authors as they discuss the process of writing children's books. They will talk about what inspired their works and the writing and illustration process. They also will go through the self-publishing/traditional publishing process; how they use social media to build their audiences and sell/market their books; and the other types of marketing that they have used to promote their books.

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​​​​​​​"Why Poetry Matters" with Ezekiel Black, Dakota Boyer, and Samuel Prestridge (Room 119)

One hour, three authors, plus a Q&A about why poetry matters today—more than ever. Whether you are a longtime poetry lover or a new fan, join poets Ezekiel Black, Dakota Boyer, and Samuel Prestridge for reading, conversation, and connection.

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"How to Write Romance Novels in Shared Fictional Worlds" with Sheri Lyn, Cassidy K. O'Connor, and Jennifer Wedmore (Room 216)

​Join sisters Sheri Lyn, Cassidy K. O'Connor, and Jennifer Wedmore as they discuss the various shared fictional worlds that they have created for their books! They will discuss how they all write books in these shared worlds, creating a richer and more comprehensive experience for their readers.

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“From Testimony to Tale: Bridging True Stories and Christian Fiction through Craft and Character" with Janna Herron, Donna Lane, Susan Sloan, and Heather Thompson (Room 218/219)

Join our panel as we explore the craft of storytelling across both Christian fiction and Christian nonfiction. We’ll discuss how strong character development brings depth and relatability to real and imagined lives, and how intentional dialogue shapes voice, emotion, and truth on the page. We will also highlight the role of research and how to faithfully engage Scripture, history, and lived experience to strengthen both nonfiction testimony and fictional narrative. Together, we’ll look at how these elements work in harmony to bridge the gap between true story and creative expression, helping writers communicate truth with clarity, authenticity, and spiritual impact. Whether you write fiction, nonfiction, or both, this session will offer practical insights and inspiration for telling stories that resonate.

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