Readers from Florida and throughout the nation will be marking their calendars again this spring for the annual UCF Book Festival, taking place April 18th, 2015 on the UCF Campus.
The UCF Book Festival has brought more than 230 popular authors from all over the country to Orlando in the last five years, including New York Times bestsellers, internationally renowned writers, up and coming authors, and many more. Now entering its sixth year, the UCF Book Festival is accepting submissions from new and established authors in all contemporary genres, including submissions from the rich, creative writing community right here at the University.
“Each year, more than 3000 avid readers and their families join us for a chance to discover new books and meet their favorite authors in person,” said Sandra McCall, co-chair of the UCF Book Festival authors committee. “It’s a rare opportunity for authors to engage and interact with their readers, and also to network, meet with, and learn from fellow authors in several different genres.”
Panel discussions offer authors a chance to talk in-depth about their work, and field questions from readers about their process, their work, and their success. Following the panels, book signing sessions allow for an opportunity to sell their works to new fans and meet them in person.
“The UCF Book Festival is unique in the diverse age range of our attendees,” said D’Ann Rawlinson, co-chair of the authors committee. “Authors each year remark on how much they enjoyed the chance to participate in activities and workshops for children, teens, and adults. Other writing events and book signings don’t offer the kind of interactivity that our festival provides.”
The free event always has a unique mix of panels and demonstrations. Previous years have included cooking demonstrations, “write your own book” activities for children, and writing workshops for teens. This year’s event will be no different, giving attendees a full day of literacy, leisure, and learning.
Anchoring the festival is this year’s keynote author, Terry McMillan, made possible through partnership with the UCF Global Perspectives Office. Ms. McMillan is the bestselling author of Waiting to Exhale and How Stella Got Her Groove Back, both of which were successfully adapted to major motion pictures. Her most recent work, Who Asked You? was released last September to enthusiastic sales and reviews, and continues her style of telling moving, emotional stories featuring relatable, real-life characters. Ms. McMillan’s lifetime love of both reading and writing is infectious, and her keynote address will be a big draw for this year’s festival.
From sci-fi to children’s literature, cookbooks to crime stories and more, the UCF Book Festival offers a unique opportunity to sample the latest works in every category, learn from new and established authors, and fuel attendees’ passion for reading.
Submissions for the book festival are being accepted now through January 5th, 2015. To offer your book for consideration, provide a book synopsis, press kit, and author bio to the author selection committee. Complete submission guidelines and additional information can be found at the UCF Book Festival website.