2025 AIBF Festival
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Fernandina Beach Middle School
315 Citrona Drive, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
The most prominent way authors may take part in our programs is through our Festival, scheduled for Saturday, March 1, 2025.
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During the Festival, Authors have opportunities to engage with over 1300 Readers in an up-close and personal way to showcase and sell their books. Readers will be able to engage with more than 100 exhibiting authors in a personal way about their work and what inspires them. There are numerous Author breakout presentations, including several led by New York Times best-selling authors, book signing session, food trucks, and a variety of activities designed to keep both Authors and Readers engaged, educated, and entertained through activities throughout the day. ​
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This year the Festival will also include many more Author Break-Out Sessions, young-adult Author-driven Tween/Teen Scene Sessions, as well as the usual activities, incentives, prizes and other attractions. The Kids Zone is available to keep the young ones engaged. Ultimately, you’ll find unlimited opportunities to enrich your life with books in a fun loving, festive atmosphere. ​
AUDITORIUM
10 - 10:40 AM Local author R.D.G. Lover interviews Loni Crittenden- Young Adult/Fantasy
11 - 11:40 AM Poe Pinson, Kenny Pinson, and Lee Cohen Story time/author Panel with moderator Kate Harris
12 - 12:40 PM Noir Realities: Confronting Crime, Corruption, and the Human Spirit:
George Pelecanos, S.A. Cosby, Michael Koryta with moderator Mark Kauffman
1 - 1:40 PM Exploring War & Conflict through the Written Word with Elliot Ackerman and Kevin Powers
2 - 2:40 PM Nature, Community, and the Human Spirit: Abbott Kahler, Shelley Read, and Loni Crittenden with moderator Donna Kauffman
3 - 3:40 PM Legal Minds, Fictional Worlds: The Intersection of Law and Thrillers with Angie Kim, David Baldacci, and Alafair Burke with moderator Maurie Duggar
SCHOOL LIBRARY
9 - 9:45 AM Writer’s Workshop “Keep on Rolling” Creative Marketing Strategies with local author, Kristine Ochu
10 - 10:40 AM StoryTime hosted by local author and librarian, Michelle Forde, featuring Mel’s Egg-Venture with Gunner the Runner and Friends
3 - 3:40 PM StoryTime hosted by Dearsha from Story & Song, featuring, The Pirate Twins and the Lost Treasure of Old Town by local author and artist, Britt Menzies
CAFETERIA
12 - 12:40 PM Lizzette Harris with moderator Tiffany Wilson
1 - 1:40 PM Join local authors Heather Macht and Britt Menzies for an engaging panel discussion on crafting children's books that ignite the imagination. Moderated by author Linda R. Sexton, this conversation will explore the creative process, discipline and the business of publication.
2 - 2:40 PM Student Short Story Contest Writing Workshop with Amelia Island Writers Group, Featuring Donna Overly, Jane Wood, and Susanne Shiffman