Indulge in The Creativity Of Our Presenters Vendors and Authors

Indulge in the world of words with our remarkable the presenters, vendors and authors

Explore Their Profiles

Discover the creative minds and inspiring personalities behind the authors and event hosts of the Literary Indulgence Book Festival!

As you immerse yourself in their stories, seize the opportunity to become a part of this literary celebration.

Become a Partner or Sponsor!

By becoming a partner or sponsor, you’ll support the activities, festivals and enjoy unique promotional opportunities connecting you with passionate readers, writers, and literary enthusiasts.

Become a Partner or Sponsor

Festival Speakers & Workshop Presenters

Discover more about our engaging workshops and talented presenters! Read below to dive into their journeys!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS TO THE WORKSHOPS

Join bestselling author and instructional writing coach Janice Hardy for an engaging workshop designed to conquer every writer’s greatest challenge—the dreaded “boggy middle.”

With expertise honed from years of teaching workshops across the country, Janice has authored must-read books on writing, including Understanding Show, Don’t Tell (And Really Getting It), Understanding Conflict (And What It Really Means), and the popular Plotting Your Novel and Revising Your Novel series. Known for her vivid storytelling and knack for guiding writers to success, Janice brings her signature mix of humor and expertise to every session.

When she was first developing her writing skills, she was often frustrated by books that told writers what they should be doing, but didn’t provide a clear picture on how to do it. Later when she began teaching writing, she decided to offer answers to those questions and discovered she had a bit of a knack for it.

In her workshop, Muddling Through the Middle, you’ll discover:
✨ Why the middle matters and how it’s where the real magic happens.
✨ Strategies to keep your pace moving and your plot engaging.
✨ Tips for avoiding common pitfalls and creating arcs that captivate readers.

Whether you’re stuck in the mire or looking to strengthen your skills, this workshop will equip you with practical tools to turn your story’s middle into its most dynamic section.

Don’t let the “muddle” slow you down—let Janice show you how to make it the highlight of your novel!

Lana McAra, an award-winning and international best-selling author, has written and ghostwritten 46 traditionally published titles, with over a million books sold, many under the pen name Rosey Dow. With two decades of experience teaching fiction writing, she has also facilitated virtual summits as a business enterprise and currently serves as president of the Northeast Florida Chapter of Sisters in Crime.

Lana’s accolades include the prestigious national Christy Award, the Book Excellence Award and the Literary Titan Silver Book Award for Reaping the Whirlwind which was re-released in June, 2023. Her historical cozy mystery series, Colorado, authored as Rosey Dow has sold over 250,000 copies.

This year, she released How to Write a Novel That Sells: From Concept to Publication by Lana McAra, a training manual for aspiring novelists. As host of The Fiction Writer’s Podcast with Lana McAra, she shares invaluable tips, tricks, and ideas for fiction that is #Unputdownable fiction.

As the event’s featured speaker, Lana will share how Your Deepest Darkest Secrets are the Key to Your Next Best-Seller.

The most challenging moments of your life can bring reality and drama into your novel—without becoming biographical or embarrassing your friends and family. In her session, Lana will show you:

3 Elements that qualify your life event as part of your novel
Why this method brings so much power to your story
When it won’t work

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a literary powerhouse!

Shakira R. Thompson is a romance author and the visionary founder of Love Story 365, a platform dedicated to inspiring intentional love and emotional connection. With a deep-rooted passion for storytelling, she creates heartfelt narratives that celebrate the beauty and purpose of romantic relationships. A proud alumna of Florida A&M University, Shakira holds a B.S. in Business Administration and an MBA with a concentration in Supply Chain Management. Originally from Fernandina Beach, Florida, she now resides in Orlando with her family. Above all, she treasures her role as a mother and believes love is a divine masterpiece worth nurturing daily.

The Heart of a Romance Author

Discover the heart of a romance author—and awaken the storyteller of love within yourself.
Join inspirational romance author and creator of Love Story 365, Shakira R. Thompson, for an inspiring and interactive presentation that explores how faith, love, and intentionality shape not only the stories we write—but the lives we live. Whether you’re a writer, a reader, or simply someone who believes in the power of love, this session will invite you to co-author your own love stories with purpose, passion, and divine guidance.

Get ready to be inspired by Frank B. Goodin, II, an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, AI consultant, and professor in the School of Communication at the University of North Florida. With over 20 years of experience bridging storytelling, technology, and education, Frank has become a trailblazer in the rapidly evolving world of media.

During his career, Frank has earned numerous accolades and his independent films and productions, celebrated for their cultural impact and emotional depth. Now, through his company AI Insights, Frank empowers creators and organizations to leverage cutting-edge tools for content creation and strategy in the digital age. His passion for merging creativity with technology is contagious, making him a sought-after mentor for aspiring storytellers.

At UNF, Frank guides students in mastering digital video production and effects using AI-powered tools, and many have gone on to win Emmy Awards themselves! Whether on campus or in the industry, Frank’s innovative spirit and commitment to storytelling leave a lasting impact.

In the presentation, Books to Blockbusters: Adapting Stories for Traditional, Social & AI Media, learn how to turn your story ideas into compelling screenplays and engaging visual narratives for any platform. Whether you’re dreaming of the big screen, aiming for viral content, or exploring cutting-edge AI media, Frank will show you:

How to adapt stories for screenplay format.
The latest tools for creating stunning audio and visual content.
Practical strategies to bring your stories to life in today’s fast-paced media world.

Whether you’re aiming for the big screen, viral social content, or cutting-edge AI applications, this presentation will equip you with the tools and strategies to make your stories shine. Don’t miss it!

💫 Interactive Storytelling Circle

Recommended for ages 5+
Limited to 10–15 children per session for full engagement and personal interaction

🎨 Suggested Donation:

$3 per child
$10 per family

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to enrich your child’s world with the timeless art of storytelling!

Storytelling has the power to inspire and nurture young minds with beautiful imagery that touches their souls. Join Elaine Charles for captivating oral storytelling sessions featuring Native American and African tales that spark imagination and wonder.

With a lifelong passion as an art teacher in public schools, Elaine embraced the Waldorf philosophy of educating the whole child—mind, body, and soul—through creativity and artistic expression. She seamlessly blends the worlds of art and fantasy to create unforgettable experiences for children.

Featured Festival Contributors

Karen Lewis-Hannah of Traveling Sign Language Camp, Inc. will be providing sign language interpretation during the children’s storytelling sessions.

Traveling Sign Language Camp, Inc was created in hopes of building communication bridges within all community youth that have family members with hearing disabilities.

Meet Teresa Cook! A Jacksonville, FL native and accomplished Abstract Architectural Watercolor Artist, Teresa Cook is known for her remarkable ability to capture the essence of landscapes and structures with creativity and flair.

This multi-talented artist will be offering Live Portraits for festival attendees – don’t miss the chance to take home a unique, personalized piece of art!

Vendors

Showcase Your Products & Services at the 2nd Annual Literary Indulgence Festival at the 2nd Annual Literary Indulgence Festival, which will be held on June 28, 2025, at the Friday Musicale in Jacksonville, FL.

This festival celebrates a select group of talented local and regional authors and promises to be an unforgettable experience. Plus, it’s just steps away from the popular Riverside Arts Market, which attracts over 4,000 attendees!

Whether you’re showcasing community or educational programs or selling jewelry, clothing, scents, food products, plants, and more, we’d love to have you join us.

Space is limited, so don’t wait—register today at https://www.literaryindulgence.com/register.

And the fun doesn’t stop there! Stick around for the Author & Reader Mixer from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, where you can enjoy networking, hors d’oeuvres, and great conversations in a relaxed setting.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Enivré Candle LLC

Candles with a 1920s Paris vibe. Aromatherapy Service · Arts & Crafts Store.

Enivré Candle Company blends art and scent to transport you to a world of sensory bliss. Inspired by 1920s Paris, each candle is crafted with layered, unique fragrances, creating an experience that’s both intoxicating and personal. Made with natural wax, proprietary scents, and eco-friendly ingredients, Enivré candles ignite your senses.

Natural Attraction Air Deodorizers.

We create Aromatic Oil-Based Air Deodorizers and Electric Oil Warmer lamps. Our oil-based products can be used in your home, vehicle, and business.

Our 2-in-1 concentrated oil-based Air Deodorizers can be used simultaneously to naturalize and enhance the ambiance with a couple of sprays or by using the deodorizers in our elegant electric oil warmer lamps, which come in a variety of colors.

Nefertiti Books & Gifts became a beacon of unity, a place where stories were shared, cultures were celebrated, and the spirit of community was nurtured. Now, as we reopen our doors, we are committed to continuing this legacy, ensuring it not only survives but thrives and evolves.

Nefertiti Books and Gifts on Instagram

Our food truck offers an extensive variety of desserts , including cupcakes, cake cups, shaved ice cream, ice cream, and banana pudding, designed to cater to your cravings for sweet treats. Additionally, you may choose to satisfy your appetite with our selection of wings, tenders, hotdogs, shrimp, and fish to complete the meal.

Sugagirl Sweets & More LLC on Instagram

My products are made with much love and care. I have crochet socks, handbags, bucket hats, beanies, and bow bags all handcrafted by me. My products are made with beautiful soft and comfortable materials to keep you warm and cozy.

Timeless Designs on Instagram

The power of True Expressions
We are a t-shirt and apparel shop that offer custom orders on polo shirts, t-shirts, towels, hoodies and jackets just to name a few items. These items are done with vinyl, embroidery and rhinestones. Additionally, we customize cups and water bottles. Just remember we are here to make your thoughts and ideas visible.

True Expressions on Facebook