Interested authors with questions should reach out to Chad Webb, cwebb@bellairepubliclibrary.org.
For the Public
Have Inspiring Conversations & Meet-the-Author Moments
Get the chance to hear directly from seasoned authors about their creative journeys, writing processes, and the stories behind their books. These conversations bring literature to life and offer a unique look into how great stories are shaped.
Gain a Deeper Appreciation for the Craft of Writing
Through interactive sessions, festival‑goers can explore how writers build setting, develop characters, and craft compelling narratives. Even non-writers will walk away with a richer understanding of how the books they love come together.
A Community Experience
The festival brings readers together in a welcoming, lively environment. It’s an opportunity to meet neighbors, share stories, and celebrate the literary talents connected to our region.
For Authors and Inspiring Writers
High‑Value Guidance from an Experienced Author
Authors Festival workshops provides practical insights into writing and publishing—from story development to navigating the modern publishing world. Workshops, discussions, and audience questions often spark new story ideas or help writers see their current projects from new angles. Writers at any stage can pick up tools to strengthen their craft and will hopefully leave energized and ready to dive back into their work.
One‑on‑One Critique or Consultation Time
A limited number of private sessions with our presenters allow writers to seek personalized feedback, ask questions about their projects, or discuss next steps in their writing journey—an invaluable opportunity rarely available at local events.
Networking with Other Writers
The festival creates a supportive environment for authors to connect, share ideas, and find encouragement. These interactions can lead to critique partnerships, idea exchanges, or simply renewed motivation.
2026 Authors Festival Schedule
Saturday, February 7th, from 10 am to 4 pm
- Tables featuring 18 authors from various genres
- Edgar-nominated author Robin Yocum, renowned for his fiction set in the Ohio River Valley, will provide valuable writing and publishing insights during a one-hour workshop at 11:00.
- Lunch break at 12:00 pm – Lunches from Gulla’s Hot Dog will be available to purchase.
- Robin Yocum will offer a limited number of one-on-one sessions for authors and the public in the afternoon.
Featured speaker: Robin Yocum
Robin Yocum’s latest novel, The Last Hitman, was released December 2, 2025 by Crooked Lane Books. His book The Sacrifice of Lester Yates, was released in 2021 by Arcade CrimeWise and was a finalist for the Dashiell Hammett Award for excellence in crime writing. Favorite Sons was named the 2011 Book of the Year for Mystery/Suspense by USA Book News. A Brilliant Death was a Barnes & Noble No. 1 bestseller and a finalist for both the 2017 Edgar Award and the Silver Falchion Award for best adult mystery. Yocum grew up in the Ohio River village of Brilliant, Ohio, and has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University.
➤ Visit Robin Yocum’s website
Saturday, April 25th, from 10 am to 4 pm
- Tables still available
- Nationally acclaimed children’s book author, storyteller, and current Poet Laureate for the state of West Virginia, Marc Harshman, will lead a creative writing workshop and share publishing insights during a one-hour workshop at 11:00.
- Lunch break at 12:00 pm – Lunches from Gulla’s Hot Dog will be available to purchase.
- Marc Harshman will offer a limited number of one-on-one sessions for authors and the public in the afternoon.
Featured speaker: Marc Harshman
Harshman’s fourteenth children’s book, FALLINGWATER, co-written with Anna Smucker, was published by Roaring Brook/Macmillan in 2017 and has been an Amazon Book of the Month choice, as well as a Junior Library Guild selection. A previous title, THE STORM, was a Smithsonian Notable Book for Children. Children’s books have been translated into Danish, Korean, Swedish, Spanish, and Japanese. He holds degrees from Bethany College, Yale Divinity School, and the University of Pittsburgh.
➤ Visit Marc Harshman’s website
Saturday, September 19th, from 10 am to 4 pm
- Tables still available
- Workshop to be announced
- Lunch break at 12:00 pm – Lunches from Gulla’s Hot Dog will be available to purchase.
- Workshop leader will offer a limited number of one-on-one sessions for authors and the public in the afternoon.
Saturday, November 14th, from 10 am to 4 pm
- Tables still available
- Workshop to be announced
- Lunch break at 12:00 pm – Lunches from Gulla’s Hot Dog will be available to purchase.
- Workshop leader will offer a limited number of one-on-one sessions for authors and the public in the afternoon.
Saturday, December 12th, from 10 am to 4 pm
- Tables still available
- Workshop to be announced
- Lunch break at 12:00 pm – Lunches from Gulla’s Hot Dog will be available to purchase.
- Workshop leader will offer a limited number of one-on-one sessions for authors and the public in the afternoon.
