2022 Events
SPEAKERS:
Silas House | Ashley Blooms | Karen Salyer McElmurray | Robert Gipe
How have these authors, whose books span decades of time across Kentucky, seen the landscape and people change over the years? What have they learned about the places they live and work while writing about them? How does “place” impact the stories they tell? Tune in to this live session, as the authors chat these […]
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How on earth can an author have an imagination big enough to encompass another universe? Listen in as authors Terry Brooks—author of more than 30 books, including the "Shannara" series—and Alix E. Harrow—author of "The Ten Thousand Doors of January" and "The Once and Future Witches"—“talk shop” about how (and why) they write what they do, in […]
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From Samantha NeCamp’s scrutiny of stereotypes and misrepresentations about literacy in the region; to Matthew Algeo’s study of Robert Kennedy’s 1968 visit to the “heart of eastern Kentucky”; to Jeff Young and the Ohio Valley Resource examining the “heart of coal country,” hear from these authors about how and why Kentucky and the surrounding regions […]
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August 18, 2020 marked the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment, guaranteeing and protecting women's constitutional right to vote. Elaine Weiss, Martha Jones, and Melanie Goan have all written engrossing and fascinating accounts of the history and impact of women’s suffrage. Their books work to depict a fuller view of the impact […]
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How do environmental, cultural, and political conditions impact a region and the health of its occupants? Why does it seem certain parts of the U.S. are more negatively impacted by the opioid crisis than others? Learn how these investigative journalists and educators are fighting for justice, advocating for positive change, and informing the American public […]
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Join renowned poets Nikky Finney, Frank X Walker, and Reginald Dwayne Betts for an unforgettable evening in celebration of their work as poets, advocates, and educators. Sponsored by the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning.
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Jim Host, author of Changing the Game: My Career in Collegiate Sports Marketing, is the founder of Host Communications, Inc, a nationally renowned college sports marketing and association management company. He will discuss his book, published by the University Press of Kentucky earlier this year, with co-author, Eric A. Moyen. This event is brought to […]
SPEAKERS:
David Blight | Amy Murrell Taylor
David Blight, who was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his most recent book, Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom, will discuss Douglass’ personal and political life as well as his long and continued significance and impact on the history of the United States. Amy Murrell Taylor, a historian of the American South whose work focuses on […]
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How do authors go from writing in their spare time to holding a published book in their hands? It takes A LOT of writing and an uncanny persistence on success. Reading Courtney Maum’s latest book helps too! Tune in to this lively discussion, where agent and authors share behind-the-scenes knowledge about getting published.
Each of the fascinating protagonists in these novels set from the 1860s to the 1960s and beyond navigate challenges of morality, political and social divides, culture clashes, family alliances, and destiny. Learn how these authors look to the past while writing poignant content for the present.
SPEAKERS:
Shawn Pryor | George Ella Lyon | S. G. Wilson | Kristin O’Donnell Tubb
Teaching kids history and science doesn’t need to be boring. Whether writing fact or fiction, each of these talented authors artfully merges themes and concepts from past and present history and science to make a lasting impact on young readers. Tune in to this lunchtime session to learn more about how they do it!
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Grisham and Edwards, two New York Times bestselling authors, will discuss their writing careers and Grisham’s newest book, A Time for Mercy, which brings Jake Brigance—the star of Grisham’s first novel, A Time to Kill—back to the courtroom. Sponsored by Campbellsville University.
SPEAKERS:
David Bell | Rea Frey | Andrew Welsh-Huggins | Dana Ridenour
Whether writing a thrilling, plot-twisting mystery or an agent-on-the-case, these authors truly know how to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Tune in to hear them talk about key elements in writing the perfect crime.
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The Pulitzer Prize-winning authors will discuss their latest book, "Tightrope: Americans Reaching for Hope," with Deidra Dennie, Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion at Transylvania University. The book, now available in paperback, is described as "a plea—deeply personal and told through the lives of real Americans—to address the crisis in working-class America, while focusing on […]
SPEAKERS:
Mariama Lockington | Greg Howard | Ismée Williams | Jason Lady
Writing books for middle and high schoolers takes empathy, insight, relatable characters, humor, a dash of drama, and a whole lot more. Learn from these authors of fiction for tweens and teens as they discuss the full recipe for writing with this age group in mind.
SPEAKERS:
Will Hillenbrand | Jessica Young | Carmen Oliver | Rita Lorraine Hubbard
Tune in to this fun, upbeat session, where children’s book author and illustrator Will Hillenbrand chats best tips and tricks to get kids of all ages excited about reading with these three talented picture book authors.
SPEAKERS:
Nana Lampton | Jeremy Paden | Caroline Randall Williams | Leatha Kendrick
Inventive and illustrative with their words, learn how these talented poets craft powerful and compelling work. Featuring poet Nana Lampton in conversation with Jeremy Paden, Caroline Randall Williams, and Leatha Kendrick about their latest collections.
SPEAKERS:
Meg Cabot | Colleen Oakley | Sheila Williams | Kimmery Martin
Learn how four authors of contemporary fiction--Meg Cabot, Colleen Oakley, Sheila Williams, and Kimmery Martin--tackle writing dynamic leading ladies. Are they inspired by real women they've encountered, friendships they've experienced, or romantic entanglements they've witnessed? Tune in to find out.
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Grab your favorite bourbon or beverage of choice and join Peggy Noe Stevens & Susan Reigler, authors of “Which Fork Do I Use with My Bourbon?” as they explore the nuances and tasty noshes that make for a successful bourbon tasting.
SPEAKERS:
Silas House | Angela Correll
Join author Silas House as he discusses his debut novel, Clay's Quilt, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Silas will be in conversation with author and business owner Angela Correll.
SPEAKERS:
Ouita Michel | Susan Reigler
Join renowned Chef Ouita Michel and author Susan Reigler—two trailblazers in the food industry in Kentucky—as they discuss Ouita’s new cookbook, Just a Few Miles South, along with her restaurants, favorite recipes, and more. This program will be hosted on Zoom and will be simulcast to the Kentucky Humanities (@KYHumanites) Facebook page.
SPEAKERS:
David Bell | Gwenda Bond
Join authors David Bell and Gwenda Bond as they discuss David’s new book, Kill All Your Darlings, published July 6 by Berkley/Penguin Random House. A compelling thriller full of unexpected twists, Kill All Your Darlings showcases some of David Bell’s finest fiction yet, debuting just in time for you to add it to your summer […]
SPEAKERS:
Crystal Wilkinson | Ronald W. Davis
Join authors Crystal Wilkinson and Ronald W. Davis as they discuss Crystal’s new book, Perfect Black, published by the University Press of Kentucky. Crystal Wilkinson combines a deep love for her rural roots with a passion for language and storytelling in this compelling collection of poetry and prose about girlhood, racism, and political awakening, imbued […]
SPEAKERS:
Jason Reynolds | Court Stevens
VIRTUAL EVENT
Join Jason Reynolds, the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, for a virtual event, as he discusses his writing career and latest book, Stuntboy, in the Meantime, with author Courtney "Court" Stevens. This virtual program will be hosted on Zoom free of charge.
SPEAKERS:
IN-PERSON EVENT
Fasig-Tipton
2400 Newtown Pike
Lexington, KY 40511
This is a one-of-a-kind experience combining elements of the literary and culinary worlds. Chef Ouita Michel will craft a special lunch menu from her first published cookbook, Just A Few Miles South. Ouita’s motto, “Food is Love,” is the perfect match for book-lovers too! Tickets are $55.00 and include tax, handling, and an autographed copy […]
SPEAKERS:
Margaret Verble | Kim Edwards
IN-PERSON EVENT
Joseph-Beth Booksellers
161 Lexington Green Cir B
Lexington, KY 40503
Author Margaret Verble’s new book, When Two Feathers Fell From the Sky, is an unforgettable and irresistible tale of exotic animals, lingering spirits, and unexpected friendship. Tickets are $45.00 and include a signature cocktail, hors d’oeuvres, an autographed, hardcover copy of When Two Feathers Fell From the Sky, and all tax and handling fees. Margaret […]
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IN-PERSON & LIVESTREAMED
Tune in to a compelling conversation between Amy McGrath, author of "Honor Bound: An American Story of Dreams and Service," and Kathy Stearman, author of "It’s Not About the Gun: Lessons from My Global Career as a Female FBI Agent" on the Main Stage. Attend this program at Joseph-Beth Booksellers, or watch the livestream from […]
SPEAKERS:
W. Bruce Cameron | Kristin O’Donnell Tubb
IN-PERSON & LIVESTREAMED
Calling all dog lovers! Bestselling author, director, and producer W. Bruce Cameron, author of "A Dog’s Courage," will chat about writing books from a dog's perspective with Kristin O’Donnell Tubb, author of "Luna Howls at the Moon" in the Writer's Room. Attend this program at Joseph-Beth Booksellers, or watch the livestream from here on Saturday, […]
SPEAKERS:
IN-PERSON & LIVESTREAMED
New York Times bestselling author and FOX News host Brian Kilmeade will discuss his new book "The President and the Freedom Fighter: Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, and Their Battle to Save America’s Soul" on the Main Stage. Join at Joseph-Beth Booksellers, or watch the livestream from here on Saturday, November 6. This event is free […]
SPEAKERS:
Michael Rectenwald | Wilfred Reilly
IN-PERSON & LIVESTREAMED
Michael Rectenwald, author of "Thought Criminal," and Wilfred Reilly, author of "Taboo: 10 Facts You Can’t Talk About," will discuss cancel culture, the state of free speech in publishing, and other related topics with publicist Kylie Carlino of Regnery Publishing in the Writer's Room. Attend at Joseph-Beth Booksellers, or watch the livestream from here on […]
Think you know books? Rally a team for this lively literary competition and find out! This event is free and open to the public.
SPEAKERS:
James Hardymon | Terry L. Birdwhistell
IN-PERSON EVENT
Embassy Suites Lexington/UK Coldstream
1801 Newtown Pike
Lexington, KY 40511
In partnership with Commerce Lexington, businessman James Hardymon will discuss his memoir, Engineering Corporate Success, with editor Terry L. Birdwhistell at a SPOTLIGHT Breakfast.
SPEAKERS:
H. W. Brands | Peter S. Canellos | Lindsay M. Chervinsky
IN-PERSON & LIVESTREAMED
Historian H. W. Brands, author of "Our First Civil War: Patriots and Loyalists in the American Revolution" and journalist Peter S. Canellos, author of "The Great Dissenter: The Story of John Marshall Harlan, America’s Judicial Hero," will be interviewed by Dr. Lindsay M. Chervinsky, author of "The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation of an […]
SPEAKERS:
IN-PERSON & LIVESTREAMED
Join this fast-paced, lecture-style workshop, hosted by Susan Beckham Zurenda, author of Bells for Eli, in the Writer's Room. Attend this program at Joseph-Beth Booksellers, or watch the livestream from here on Saturday, November 6. Thanks to the Writer's Room sponsor, UK HealthCare!
SPEAKERS:
Shawn Pryor | Dr. Vanessa Holden
IN-PERSON & LIVESTREAMED
Listen as Shawn Pryor, author of the graphic novel "Nat Turner's Rebellion," discusses adapting this story for young readers and its continued significance today with Dr. Vanessa M. Holden, author of "Surviving Southampton: African American Women and Resistance in Nat Turner's Community," on the Main Stage. Join at Joseph-Beth Booksellers, or watch the livestream from […]
SPEAKERS:
Angela Jackson-Brown | Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle | Michael A. Almond
IN-PERSON & LIVESTREAMED
Listen as novelist and playwright Angela Jackson-Brown, author of "When Stars Rain Down" and novelist Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle, author of "Even As We Breathe," discuss writing historical fiction with a southern twist. Michael A. Almond, author of "The Tannery," will act as moderator. This session takes place in the Writer's Room. Join at Joseph-Beth Booksellers, or […]
SPEAKERS:
Vashti Harrison | Alice Faye Duncan
VIRTUAL ONLY
Bestselling author/illustrator Vashti Harrison and award-winning author Alice Faye Duncan discuss their writing careers, inspiration, upcoming projects, and so much more. Don't miss this special program if you love children's books!
SPEAKERS:
Crystal Wilkinson | Frank X Walker | Jeremy Paden
IN-PERSON & LIVESTREAMED
Fans of poetry won't want to miss Kentucky's Poet Laureate Crystal Wilkinson, author of Perfect Black, and Frank X Walker, author of Black Box: Poems in conversation with Jeremy Paden, author of world as sacred burning heart on the Main Stage. Join at Joseph-Beth Booksellers, or watch the livestream from here on Saturday, November 6. […]
SPEAKERS:
IN-PERSON & LIVESTREAMED
Listen as novelist and memoirist Maryanne O'Hara tackles the subject of writing memoir while discussing her book, Little Matches: A Memoir of Grief and Light in the Writer's Room with author Kim Edwards. Join at Joseph-Beth Booksellers, or watch the livestream from here on Saturday, November 6. Thanks to our Writer's Room sponsor, UK HealthCare!
SPEAKERS:
Silas House | Jayne Moore Waldrop | Marianne Worthington
IN-PERSON & LIVESTREAMED
Silas House, author and editor of the Firesides Industry Imprint of the University Press of Kentucky, will discuss the most recent titles in that series with their authors, Jayne Moore Waldrop and Marianne Worthington, on the Main Stage. Join at Joseph-Beth Booksellers, or watch the livestream from here on Saturday, November 6. Thanks to our […]
SPEAKERS:
Lisa Haneberg | Elaine Munsch | Lisa M. Miller
IN-PERSON & LIVESTREAMED
Lisa Haneberg, author of "Stiff Lizard" and a founding board member of the Lexington Writer’s Room, and Elaine Munsch, co-editor of "Mystery with a Splash of Bourbon" and member of the Derby Rotten Scoundrels writing group, will discuss what it takes to build a writing community with Lisa M. Miller, author of "The Heart of […]
SPEAKERS:
IN-PERSON & LIVESTREAMED
Kimmery Martin, former ER doctor and author of "Doctors and Friends," presents “An Insider’s Look at the Practice of Medicine: Writing a Pandemic Novel BEFORE a Pandemic” on the Main Stage. Join at Joseph-Beth Booksellers, or watch the livestream from here on Saturday, November 6. Thanks to our Main Stage Sponsor, the University of Kentucky!
SPEAKERS:
Julian Thomas | Alisha Klapheke
IN-PERSON & LIVESTREAMED
Self-publishing is a lucrative way to get your books out into the world in a publishing industry that can be difficult to break into. In “How to Become a Self-Publishing Superstar,” join Julian Thomas, author of the graphic novel series "Black Heart," and Alisha Klapheke, author of "Enchanting the Elven Mage," in conversation with editor […]
SPEAKERS:
Elin Hilderbrand | Dianna Rostad
IN-PERSON ONLY
Elin Hilderbrand, #1 bestselling author of Golden Girl, Summer of '69, the Paradise series, and dozens of other novels, will discuss her writing career, sources of inspiration, and more with debut novelist Dianna Rostad, author of You Belong Here Now, on the Main Stage. This event will not be livestreamed. To participate, join us at […]
SPEAKERS:
Sam Quinones | Michael Patrick F. Smith
IN-PERSON & LIVESTREAMED
Sam Quinones, journalist, storyteller, and New York Times bestselling author of "Dreamland" will discuss his new book, "The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Age of Fentanyl and Meth" with Michael Patrick F. Smith, author of "The Good Hand: A Memoir of Work, Brotherhood, and Transformation in an American Boomtown," […]
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Each season, Simon & Schuster partners with book festivals nationwide to present insightful panel discussions between celebrated authors. The Kentucky Book Festival is excited to be a partner for this Fall AuthorFest virtual event, featuring John Irving and Jason Reynolds!
SPEAKERS:
Join us at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Lexington for Susan Rogers in conversation with Crystal Wilkinson discussing and signing "This Is What It Sounds Like: What the Music You Love Says About You" in collaboration with Kentucky Humanities, home of the Kentucky Book Festival.
SPEAKERS:
Steve Wilson & Laura Lee Brown
IN-PERSON EVENT
21c Museum Hotel Lexington Main Gallery
167 West Main Street
Lexington, KY 40507
In partnership with Commerce Lexington, Steve Wilson & Laura Lee Brown will discuss their new book, "Hermitage Farm." Husband-and-wife duo Wilson and Brown co-founded 21c Museum Hotels, Kentucky Bison Co., Garage Bar, and Barn8 Restaurant. Hermitage Farm showcases their latest project, using photographs, poems, and stories that capture the beauty, grace, and flavor of a […]
SPEAKERS:
Barbara Kingsolver | Jan Isenhour
Barbara Kingsolver discussed her new novel Demon Copperhead with Jan Isenhour at Joseph-Beth Booksellers as part of the Kentucky Book Festival on October 29, 2022. Click "Learn More" to watch the video!
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Jon Meacham discusses his new book And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle with fellow author and historian David Blight. Click "Learn More" to watch the video.
October 11-13 Events
October 11-13 Events
SPEAKERS:
Join us at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Lexington for Susan Rogers in conversation with Crystal Wilkinson discussing and signing "This Is What It Sounds Like: What the Music You Love Says About You" in collaboration with Kentucky Humanities, home of the Kentucky Book Festival.
SPEAKERS:
Each season, Simon & Schuster partners with book festivals nationwide to present insightful panel discussions between celebrated authors. The Kentucky Book Festival is excited to be a partner for this Fall AuthorFest virtual event, featuring John Irving and Jason Reynolds!