Fox Cities Book Festival: Connecting Writers & Readers

Where did Wisconsinites find hope in the pandemic? Join B.J. Hollars, Angela Voras-Hills, Donte McFadden, Ryan Browne, and Yia Lor for a reading and conversation on the power of words amid crisis.

From his training as a psychiatrist to living with cancer, Dr. Stern will speak about committing to moving forward in a way that aligns with our values no matter what.

Welcome local author Zhanna Slor to discuss her debut mystery novel, At the End of the World, Turn Left

Bestselling middle grade author, Alan Gratz, discusses the inspiration behind some of his recent, Black, White, and Redbooks.

Ava Homa is the author of the debut novel, Daughters of Smoke and Fire,/i>. Join her for a craft presentation and learn how to determine your character's trajectory in your own writing.

Learn why it is important to create a community where all people living with dementia feel included and where they do not endure the stigma often associated with their condition.

Just as Apollo astronauts saw Earth new from space, we will consider how writers can create distance from—and within—content to gain new perspectives on the self and on the world. 

Join author, David Heska Wanbli Weiden as he discusses his award winning novel, Winter Counts, the story of a local Native American enforcer who becomes obsessed with stopping a dealer who is bringing dangerous drugs into his community.  It’s a Native thriller, an examination of the broken criminal justice system on reservations, and a meditation on Native identity.  

Liza Rodman began researching this story in 2005 when she realized her personal connection to Tony Costa, the infamous Cape Cod killer. In the years since, she has gathered thousands of documents, testimonies, and interviews, perhaps more than any other investigator or journalist who has looked into this case and published, The Babysitter with Jennifer Jordan.

Dean Robbins introduces the extraordinary subjects of his nonfiction picture books and explains what makes them heroes. He also reveals how kids can grow up to be heroes themselves.

Anita Kushwaha will be reading from her latest novel, Secret Lives of Mothers & Daughters, followed by a Q&A and discussion.

Mixing nostalgia with humorous anecdotes, Peggy Marxen recalls her 1950s’ upbringing on a small farm in northwestern Wisconsin and traces her family’s story through the best and worst of times.

As the publishing world changes and traditional paths become even more competitive, could hybrid publishing be the path for you to introduce your story to readers?

A celebration of ecology, interconnection, motherhood, and gratitude with room for questions and discussion.

A conversation about capturing Wisconsin in words with authors, Jim Guhl and Jeff Nania.

Drawing from a rich collection of primary sources—including diary entries, love letters, zines, advertisements, oral histories, and more—the book provides a jumping-off point for readers who are interested in learning more about LGBTQ+ history and activism, as well as for readers who want to build on the work of earlier activists.

In my stories, there are no epic wars or fate-of-the-universe events; instead, they're tales of family and friendship and humor that just happen to have some time travel or an apocalypse. -Mike Chen

A virtual conversation about the psychological twists and turns of thrilling fiction novels with bestselling authors.

Join us for a panel, featuring award winning horror authors, as they discuss how dark fairy and folk tales have influenced modern literature.

Jashar Awan reads and draws from his latest picture book (Only Ants for Andy) and discusses his creative process.

Join young adult author Elizabeth Wein as she talks about her newest novel, The Enigma Game, and shares her flight experiences both on the page and in the air. She will be joined in conversation with Chris Henry, EAA Aviation Museum Programs Representative, and author of, The Final Mission: Personal Stories of the Lives Touched by EAA's B-17.

Join us for a panel featuring authors discussing the creative process of world-building in fiction writing.

Like her protagonist Lakshmi in,The Henna Artist, Joshi surmounted hurdles large and small during her grueling 10-year journey to bestselling success with,The Henna Artist.

Nick Petrie, bestselling author of the Peter Ash crime series is joined in conversation with Jeff Nania, author of the Northen Lakes mystery series. 

Join writers Kelly Harms, Amy Reichert, Kelsey Rodkey, and Lacie Waldon as they discuss all things romance and how their books are more than a meet cute.

Alfred shared that during WWII he had been a barber, chauffeur, and translator. In his 80’s, his family learned the full truth. He had been a reluctant heavy weapons machine gunner.

Lauren Fox’s latest novel, Send for Me, is an instant New York Times bestseller, a Today Show #ReadWithJenna Book Club pick, and a People Magazine Book of the Week.

Join debut author Ryan Surprise as he discusses his western, Stories of a Hangman, his inspirations, recommendations for other authors, and more!

An outrageously original novel of ideas about art, power and womanhood wrapped in a satirical fairy tale, Nightbitch will make you want to howl in laughter and recognition. And you should. You should howl as much as you want.

Join the Fox Cities Book Festival in conversation with author, Nancy Johnson. Learn about the inspiration for her debut novel, The Kindest Lie, how themes of the book are relevant today, and more during the event. The Kindest Lie has been reviewed by The New

Matthew Gavin Frank reads from and discusses his latest nonfiction book, Flight of the Diamond Smugglers, about the ways in which carrier pigeons are used by diamond smuggling rings.

Join Camille Pagán in conversation! Learn more about her newest novel Don't Make Me Turn This Life Around, what inspired it, and Camille’s writing tips. You will also learn about Camille's adventures transitioning from journalism to fiction and hear her advice on turning passions into

"This talk is guaranteed to be the best thing you see all week." - Orville Redenbacher

Hell of a Book Jason Mott in Discussion with Jeni McFarland