Saturday, March 29th – 11am to 3pm
Step into a world of words at BookCon 2025! Join us for a vibrant celebration of the local literary scene, where book lovers, aspiring writers, and local authors come together to share their passion for stories.
Browse books from independent booksellers, connect with your favorite local authors, and get inspired by interactive writing workshops. Whether you’re here to discover your next great read, hone your craft, or simply immerse yourself in the magic of books, BookCon 2025 is the ultimate gathering for readers and writers alike. Mark your calendars for March 29th and experience the power of storytelling!
What to Expect
Local Reads: Books will be available for purchase from local authors, Brain Lair Bookstore, and SJCPL’s own Library Foundation Bookstore.
Local Eats: Enjoy delicious offerings from local food trucks.
Local Expertise: Enjoy engaging presentations about writing from your community members.
Schedule of Events
Beyond the Hook: Teen Writing Workshop – 12:00 pm
Led by Kat Higgs-Coulthard
Many writers come up with amazing story ideas. What differentiates between writers and published authors is the ability to draw readers into your story from the first page. Young adult author Kat Higgs-Coulthard will share techniques for immersing readers in a story by establishing emotional connections with well-defined characters who have clear goals and face increasing stakes. Attendees will analyze sample first pages together and practice revising to increase reader immersion.
Interiority: Getting Inside Your Character’s Head Adult Writing Workshop – 1pm
Led by Cat Rambo
Every story is shaped by point of view: who is telling the story and their opinion of it. How do you learn enough about your character to really write from their point of view? How do you figure out their perceptions and motivations – and communicate them clearly to your reader? This workshop will combine lecture, writing exercises, and discussion to sharpen your skills at creating meaningful and engaging characters in your fiction.
SJCPL Writes Release Party – 2:15pm
Celebrate the fourth release of SJCPL Writes, the St. Joe County Public Library literary journal. See local authors and artists showcase their short stories, narrative nonfiction, poetry, and art from the publication. Afterwards, attend a meet and greet with light refreshments.
