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< Back Stitching a Wild Story: How The Age of Deer Was Made Follow the tracks from field notes to finished pages. In this image‑rich, behind‑the‑scenes talk, Erika Howsare shows how she braided science, history, Indigenous knowledge, and hunting culture into a living narrative. From tools and maps to serendipity in Central Virginia, she makes big‑idea nonfiction feel close and human. About Erika: Erika Howsare is the author of The Age of Deer: Trouble and Kinship with Our Wild Neighbors (2024), a finalist for the PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award. A longtime Shenandoah Valley journalist and poet, her work has appeared in The Atlantic, Orion, Longreads, and the Los Angeles Review of Books. She teaches writing in Virginia, exploring nature, place, and our bonds with the more‑than‑human world. Previous Next

< Back Allison Gunn Allison Gunn is a researcher, writer, and librarian with a penchant for all things whimsical, folkloric, and strange. Presently digging deep into Appalachian Studies, she earned her MLIS and History M.A. from the University of Maryland with an emphasis on marginalized communities. She currently roams the wonderfully weird land of West Virginia with her delightful daughters, several furry overlords, and one masterful Mountaineer musician. Writing is, above all else, the only thing keeping her somewhat sane. Next

< Back T.S. Arther Arther is a nonfiction writer straight out of Newport News Virginia by way of Milwaukee Wisconsin. She’s a three time graduate of Saint Leo University and has a masters in Creative Writing. Arther served ten years in the Army. She is married to a witty cable guy and has four boys. When she is not writing, she loves to compete in pageants, travel, and craft. Next

< Back Luz Schweig Luz Schweig is an emerging poet raised in Mexico-Tenochtitlan, whose work participates in reviving Indigenous eco-spirituality. Her contributions have mainly focused on anthologizing marginalized voices, especially those of women. In 2012, Luz founded a women’s spiritual poetry project through which hundreds of contributors shared their stories. Her award winning anthology, Somos Xicanas, sparked a revival of published work by Mexican American women. First penned under a pseudonym, Luz’s first poetry manuscript was selected by Juan Felipe Herrera as first runner-up for the 2024 Andrés Montoya Poetry Prize. Next

< Back Jenn Bouchard Jenn Bouchard is the award-winning author of Considering Us and First Course. Her third novel, Palms on the Cape, will be published on July 2, 2026. She is a high school teacher of 26 years and also teaches writing classes and workshops to adults and teenagers in her local community and online. A graduate of Bates College and Tufts University, she lives with her family in the Boston suburbs. Next

< Back Jacqueline T. Johnson Jacqueline Johnson is an award-winning author and seasoned editor. She is best known for her five-book fantasy series, Sons of Meir, which explores themes of loyalty, power, and transformation. Jacqueline’s editorial expertise spans developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading across fiction, nonfiction, and academic genres. She has collaborated with publishing houses and independent writers to elevate content while preserving each author’s unique voice. In addition to her fantasy work, Jacqueline has written a culturally sensitive children’s book, The Adventure of Pam & Gayle: Our Visit with Martin, focused on civil rights and its impact on future generations. Her short fiction has earned recognition for its narrative complexity and originality. Passionate about storytelling and community engagement, Jacqueline frequently partners with book clubs and literary organizations to foster meaningful dialogue around her work. Next

< Back George WB Scott George WB Scott is an East Tennessee book author and video producer, with a life-long interest in European and American history. Scott was born in Stuart, Florida, and graduated from Martin County High School. Scott's previous books include "I Jonathan, A Charleston Tale of the Rebellion," and "Growing Up In Eden," a childhood memoir. Website: SouthernRocket.net Next

< Back Alicia Swain Alicia Swain (she/her) is the author of Steel Slides and Yellow Walls, a feminist poetry collection published by Belle Isle Books. Her work appears in several literary magazines and journals, including Roanoke Review, Vast Chasm, The Anti-Misogyny Club, and The Closed Eye Open. Her poem “Return Me to the Womb,” published in FLARE Magazine’s first issue, has been nominated for Best of the Net 2026. Swain studied English at Penn State University and Eastern Illinois University. She can be found on her website at aliciaswain.com and on most social media platforms as @aliciamswain. Next

< Back Leslie Lautenslager With over 30 years of experience, Leslie Lautenslager is a recognized leader in international protocol and diplomacy as a speaker, trainer, and published author. She served beside General Colin Powell from 1996 until his death, managing his professional speaking career on the international speaking circuit and serving as the Assistant Chief of Protocol for Ceremonials during his tenure as the nation’s top diplomat. In her book, “My Time with General Colin Powell: Stories of Kindness, Diplomacy, & Protocol,” she provides readers the opportunity to learn what an extraordinary person he was behind the scenes and behind the headlines. Next

Thank You For Applying You're not done yet! Postmark or drop off your book before September 30th, 2026 Mail Williamsburg Book Festival PO Box 114 Williamsburg, VA 23187 Drop Off Turn the Page Bookstore 5707 Richmond Road Suite 40 Williamsburg, VA 23188 If you have not received an email confirming that we have your book within two weeks of dropping it off or mailing, please contact info@williamsburgbookfestival.org. Successful applicants will be invited to attend by December 1st, 2026

< Back Heidi Hartwiger Heidi Hartwiger is a freelance writer, storyteller, and a writing instructor for Christopher Newport University’s LifeLong Learning Program. She has written three nonfiction books, two novels, a children’s activity book, and numerous parenting articles. Her writing is archived in the Appalachian Collection at Radford University. Heidi has four adult children and seven grandchildren, who love to visit her at home in Yorktown, VA, where she lives with her husband and a shy rescue cat named BooBoo. Her goal is to make the world a better place, one reader at a time. Visit www.heidihartwiger.com to learn more about Heidi and her work! Next

< Back Cindy Chisholm Cindy grew up in rural North Carolina exploring the vast woods and streams with her older brother, younger sisters and faithful dogs. Her debut children's chapter book, A Cabbit Tale, captures her creative imagination, taking the reader on an exciting journey with the cats and cabbits as they discover hidden secrets, solve mysteries and forge new friendships. Cindy is a published poet and has written several short stories. A Cabbit Tale placed as a finalist in the 2025 American Fiction Awards honoring literary excellence in juvenile fiction. Next