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Check out the full event schedule for the festival! Festival Schedule

< Back Tommy Kerper Once upon a time, a bored lawyer and avid reader searched for a particular book. Tired of his favorite characters becoming background noise to the heroes of the story, he took it upon himself to write something different. A few books later, Tommy has dropped the lawyer gig and decided writing full-time is worth giving a chance. He lives in Virginia with his perfect wife, their dog with endless energy, and two boys that wear even the dog out. You can find Tommy writing, sipping another cup of coffee, or reading anything he can get his hands on. Next

< Back Jess Renae Sherer Jess Renae Sherer resides in the suburbs of Atlanta, Ga, but is plotting her escape to the Appalachian Mountains. She holds a degree in sociology and a master’s in creative writing, and loves telling stories that move readers. In her debut novel, when a cyberattack plunges the nation into darkness, devout Jenna Covington shelters a desperate stranger. Told through shifting perspectives, The Height of Darkness is a fast-paced psychological thriller where faith, family, and hidden truths collide as the world outside—and Jenna’s inner one—begins to unravel. Find her on social media @jessrenaesherer or at jessrenaesherer.com. Next

< Back Dead Broke, Deeply Weird, and Still Iconic: Why Poe Endures Edgar Allan Poe suffered a lifetime of tragedies, then died broke and misunderstood—but he's become one of the most enduring literary brands of all time. In this funny, myth-busting talk, Catherine Baab uncovers the real Poe: his Virginia roots, the craft choices that make his work unforgettable, and the life choices packed with lessons more timely than ever. Come for the juicy lore; leave with some surprisingly useful takeaways. About Catherine: Catherine Baab is a writer and journalist whose work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Slate, CNBC, and NBC News. She is the author of Poe for Your Problems: Uncommon Advice from History’s Least Likely Self-Help Guru (Hachette, 2021), a finalist for the Library of Virginia People’s Choice Award and a Barnes & Noble Holiday Catalog pick. A frequent guest on NPR, she lives in Richmond, Virginia, where she writes the Substack newsletter “Poe Can Save Your Life” and is at work on her next book. Previous Next

< Back Bradley Harper Bradley Harper MD is a retired US Army pathologist who began writing after retirement at age 63. His debut novel, A Knife in the Fog, placed a young Dr Conan Doyle on the hunt for Jack the Ripper. It was a 2019 Edgar Award Finalist and has been translated into three languages. His fourth and most recent novel, Maiden Voyage, features an art heist by a trio of female thieves... aboard the Titanic. He attended Napier University 2021-22 for a Masters in Creative Wriiing, and this was his thesis project. Next

< Back Caterina Novelliere Caterina is passionate about history, music, romance, old languages, and travel. She regularly intertwines these subjects in her Servants of Morrigan: Four Horsemen Series and in Tale of Rouen, a romantic tale that combines fantasy, time travel, and historical fiction. Next

< Back Judge This Book: The Psychology and Craft of Irresistible Covers Make your cover do its job. Author and editor Marni Graff translates design principles into author‑friendly steps: genre signals, typography, color, and the crucial thumbnail test. With real case studies and before‑and‑afters, you’ll leave with a practical checklist, resource links, and the confidence to brief a designer—whether you’re indie or traditionally published. About Marni: Marni Graff is the author of the Nora Tierney English Mysteries and the Trudy Genova Manhattan Mysteries, celebrated for a strong sense of place, wit, and classic crime traditions. A contributor to the Miss Demeanors blog and Managing Editor of Bridle Path Press, she frequently visits book clubs and libraries to talk craft and mystery writing. Previous Next

< Back Bill Ayres Bill has run or helped run bookstores all of his life. He graduated from VWC and continued his education at the MUSE Writers' Center. His work has appeared in Commonweal, Sojourners, The Hollins Critic, and many other magazines. The poems call to him and tell him what to write about. Sometimes a bird in his hand or a rolling stone like in his first book, What Passes for Wisdom, sometimes he's told to write in the voice of a horse or a fly like in We Share the World. He was called to write the Gospel-based Jesus Poems, poems that are good news but also challenging. Next

< Back A.D. Stone A.D. Stone is an author, chandler, and vintage toy shop owner. A lifelong lover of books, art, Arthurian legend, poetry, Disney, and all things whimsical and nostalgic, she takes pride in her creative ability, always looking for the next magical thing to conjure up or be a part of. She was born and raised within the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. She resides in Waynesboro with her significant other and beloved pets. Next

Support the Williamsburg Book Festival Donations help support author programming, youth engagement, event logistics, and the resources needed to keep the festival free and accessible to the public. By contributing, you are helping foster a love of reading, uplift writers, and strengthen a vibrant literary culture in Williamsburg. Every gift—large or small—helps ensure the festival continues to inspire readers and storytellers for years to come. Donate Now

< Back Ellen Butler Ellen Butler is the international bestselling author of the Karina Cardinal mystery series, hailed by Publishers Weekly as “intelligent escapism.” Drawing on her firsthand experience working on Capitol Hill and with a national medical association in Washington, D.C., Butler delivers high-stakes, fast-paced thrillers rich with authenticity, intrigue, and insider detail. Beyond contemporary suspense, Butler is also the acclaimed author of the Ariadne Winter historical mystery series and multiple award-winning works of historical spy fiction. Her novel The Brass Compass earned widespread recognition, including the IndieReader Discovery Award and a Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal for Historical Fiction. The sequel, Operation Blackbird: A Cold War Spy Novel—inspired by true events—captured the prestigious Next Generation Indie Book Award Gold Medal for Historical Fiction, cementing Butler’s reputation as a master storyteller across genres. Next

< Back Elizabeth Duncan-Hawker Elizabeth Duncan Hawker is an award winning speaker on communications, Business trainer, and bestselling author of COLLECTING TRUE FRIENDS. With warmth, humor, and practical insight, she has helped thousands learn how to cultivate meaningful relationships, strengthen trust socially and professionally, and leave loneliness behind—without compromising their values. A mother of three and woman of faith, Elizabeth blends real life stories with proven connection strategies that empower and resonate with readers of all ages. COLLECTING TRUE FRIENDS reveals that authentic friendship is a skill anyone can learn. Visit Elizabeth’s table, meet the author, and discover how TRUE connection transforms your life. Next