FESTIVAL PRESENTERS
The Literary Indulgence Book Festival is proud to feature Nikesha Elise Williams, an author with a gift for bringing family histories and generational stories to life. Her work weaves rich narratives where history, heritage, and heart intertwine.
After years of independent publishing, Nikesha makes her traditional debut with The Seven Daughters of Dupree, a moving generational tale that follows seven women across time. With its intricate exploration of mothers, daughters, and the legacies they inherit, the novel is both an intimate and expansive testament to Nikesha’s narrative power.
Don’t miss the chance to meet Nikesha Elise Williams in an intimate session as she pulls back the curtain on the journey to publishing, The Seven Daughters of Dupree. You’ll get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the craft required to weave together such a powerful multi-generational narrative of ancestry and legacy. It is a unique opportunity to hear directly from a master storyteller about the research and soul poured into bringing these seven women to life. Connect with one of the most influential literary voices right here in Jacksonville, FL, with the opportunity to walk away with your own personally signed copy of this instant classic!
Rekia Beverly, Educator & Author
“Everyone’s Favorite Teacher”
Rekia Beverly is a proud graduate of Florida A&M University and Nova Southeastern University, earning degrees in Elementary Education and Curriculum and Instruction. She is a teacher, award-winning children’s book author, entrepreneur, and founder dedicated to empowering students and educators through literacy and authentic storytelling.
Her journey as an author began with an “aha” moment in her classroom. While reading to her students, she realized that although many books highlight children’s experiences, few center the voice and growth of the teacher. Inspired to fill that gap, she created the Mrs. Ashbury book series, portraying a positive, vibrant teacher whose lessons reflect real-life classroom experiences. Through these stories, Beverly emphasizes that learning is lifelong and that teachers grow alongside their students.
Recognized as the first African American woman to publish a children’s series centered on a Black woman teacher as the main character, Beverly has expanded representation in children’s literature. Her work has earned multiple honors, including Storybook Monsters, LLC awards, the Literacy Is a Legacy Award, the Spectrum A+ Teacher Award, and the Rising Star Award from the City of New Smyrna Beach. She continues to champion literacy and representation nationwide.
Frank Goodin II, Professor, Emmy-Winning Filmmaker, Screenwriter,
Producer, Director, Editor & Digital Media Innovator
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.
Frank has earned numerous accolades for 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.
Michelle Flores, Educator, Author & Poet
https://michellelizetflores.com
Michelle Lizet Flores is a graduate of the FSU and NYU creative writing programs, a poet and educator living in Jacksonville, FL and a 2025 Craigardan Literary Arts Resident. Her work has been published or is forthcoming in Islandia Journal, Gardan Journal, and Women Studies Quarterly. A finalist for the Juan Felipe Herrera Award for Poetry, she is the author of the chapbooks Cuentos from the Swamp and Memoria, as well as the picture book, Carlito the Bat Learns to Trick or Treat. Her short fiction can be found in the anthology, Places We Build in the Universe through Flowersong Press. Her first full-length collection of poetry, Invasive Species, is available through Finishing Line Press.
Michelle, a Teach For America alumna and 2026 Duval County Teacher of the Year Finalist, serves as the Department Chair of Creative Writing at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. With fourteen years of experience, she is a dedicated ‘artist teaching artists’ who remains passionate about nurturing the next generation of creative voices.
PeTika Tave, Educator & Author
Founder, BayaBooks and More
https://linktr.ee/authorpetika
IG: @authorpetika
FB: @BayaBooks
PeTika Tave is an award-winning educator, author, and literacy advocate who believes that children are beautiful and brilliant, inside and out, just the way they are. A National Board Certified Teacher with nearly two decades of experience, she was recently named a Finalist for Duval County Public Schools Teacher of the Year, recognized for her commitment to whole-child learning and student confidence. She is the Founder and Principal Author of BayaBooks and More, a literacy-focused company dedicated to creating high-quality, engaging books and experiences that affirm children and strengthen families. Through her work in schools, libraries, and community spaces, PeTika blends her classroom expertise with her passion for literature to support children’s social-emotional growth, and love of reading.
Brianna Ellis, Author & Poet
Brianna Ellis is an enthusiastic author who writes inspiring poetry and children’s books. She’s from Queens, NY! Brianna fell in love with poetry as a young girl and diversified her passion as a rap lyricist. Her skillful writing led to a career in journalism, after graduating from Queens College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Studies. Brianna has pursued many creative endeavors along the way, including the creation of her streetwear brand, Mornin’ Coffee. In addition to her debut poetry book Eternally You, Brianna has published multiple children’s books entitled: Sweet Sweet Brown Baby, Little Zion’s Big Dreams, I Deserve Daddy’s Love, Imani’s Inner Light and Zion’s Trip to Jamaica.
When she isn’t inspiring and empowering children, Brianna immerses herself in history and rich cultures around the world. Change Beyond Chapters (CBC) strives to inspire and empower every mind through transformational stories. Founded by Brianna Ellis, the organization uplifts readers through storytelling while sparking creativity, confidence, and a love for learning. Through educational workshops, author visits, and community initiatives, CBC promotes literacy, growth, and personal empowerment — helping every reader turn each page into purpose.
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Mariah Jones, Educator & Bookstore Owner
Mariah Jones grew up in Jacksonville, Florida and attended Duval County Public Schools for her K-12 Education. She graduated from Stanton College Preparatory School and continued her education at Florida State Community College at Jacksonville receiving an AA degree. After leaving FSCJ she graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction.
Mariah has been a Florida public school educator for 10 years teaching mainly math and science. She has had the amazing opportunity to teach at the Elementary School that she attended as a student.
Mariah has been the owner of the Literary Lounge since June of 2024. The Literary Lounge is a bookstore in the heart of Murray Hill. The Literary Lounge offers books of all genres, including new and used books. The store recently expanded to the unit next door for more event space. This has allowed the store to offer more space for community events such as local author showcases, showing licensed art house films in collaboration with a local business, vendor markets, workshops, book clubs, hosting nonprofit events, and more.
S. E. Smith, Author & Former Educator
S. E. Smith is an internationally acclaimed, New York Times, USA TODAY, and #1 Amazon bestselling author whose imagination has captured readers around the globe. Writing across science fiction, fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary romance, she is known for crafting immersive worlds filled with adventure, passion, and unforgettable characters. Her stories transport readers beyond the ordinary, blending sweeping world-building with heartfelt emotion and the promise of a well-earned happily ever after.
A dreamer at heart, S. E. Smith has always believed in the transformative power of storytelling. Before becoming a full-time author, she dedicated herself to education, an experience that deepened her appreciation for creativity, growth, and human connection. That background continues to influence her writing, infusing her novels with themes of resilience, courage, and hope.
With a gift for weaving romance into fantastical settings, Smith creates stories that resonate with readers of all ages. Whether exploring distant galaxies, magical realms, or contemporary landscapes, her work consistently celebrates love, strength, and the enduring belief that no matter the challenge, happiness is possible. Readers are invited to step into her vibrant literary worlds at sesmithfl.com and discover adventures where imagination knows no limits.
Jolene MacFadden
Author, Website Designer, and Digital Marketer
https://SouthernDragonPublishings.com
https://jolenesbooksandmore.com
Jolene MacFadden is the author of three historical romance adventure novellas and ten non-fiction books, with more on the way. She is currently deep in the world of Victorian-era intrigue and steampunk mystery, writing her “Adventures of Janie and Diane” series, a work that crackles with adventure, wit, and a little bit of danger. Her historical romance will also appear in a First Coast Romance Writers anthology before summer 2026. As a working fiction author, Jolene understands firsthand what it means to build a readership from scratch in a noisy digital world.
That real-world experience is backed by more than 30 years in digital marketing and website design. As owner of Southern Dragon Publishing Services, she has guided 100+ authors through the often-overwhelming process of building an online presence, finding their audience, and turning followers into readers. She hosts “Jolene’s Book and Writers Talk” podcast, presents author marketing workshops across Florida, and moderates the monthly Writers Marketing Coalition through the Writers Alliance of Gainesville.
Her workbook, 30 Day Social Media Challenge, distills decades of marketing know-how into a practical, day-by-day action plan designed specifically for authors who are just getting started. No jargon. No overwhelm. Just clear steps that actually move the needle.
Linda Sexton, Author
Linda Sexton serves on the Amelia Island Writers Advisory Council. She is an open adoption speaker and author, and released her book, The Branches We Cherish: An Open Adoption Memoir in 2024. Her unpublished manuscript won the Gold Medal in Florida Writers Association’ s prestigious Royal Palms Literary Awards.
Linda was first a pioneer as one of three woman in her engineering class. Later she became a pioneer in the world of open adoption. She is a retired fortune 100 company executive and world business traveler, and after her 37-year career in the energy industry, has now turned to her greater passion of educating on the largely unknown subject of open adoption.
Jane Buyers, Author
https://www.eightseptembers.com
Jane Buyers is a member of the Florida Writers Association and Amelia Island Writers. Her book Eight Septembers: A Woman on Wall Street, won the FWA’s Gold Royal Literary Palm Award for unpublished memoir in 2023. Jane brings warmth, humor, and insight to her writing, reflecting her belief in living with purpose and balance. Her writing is as personal as it is powerful.
A former Managing Director and senior banker with J.P. Morgan Chase, she was named an Honorary Trustee of Simmons University in 2025. She previously served as a board member of the Collegiate Church, the Center for Hearing and Communication, the Robert Toigo Foundation, and C. Brewer & Co, Ltd.
Donna Overly, Author
https://www.donnaleeoverly.com/
Donna Overly graduated from St Petersburg College in 1983 in Nursing and UT Austin in 2005 with a Studio Art Degree. She writes with an undeniable passion using her artistic insight along with the lessons learned from her patients and their families as a critical care nurse.
Overly has written in multiple genres: The Knot Series (6 contemporary women’s fiction novels each with a pertinent social issue-The Trinity Knot, The Hitch…; Discover Gold (self-help book); and Flo’s New Wings (a children’s book that she also illustrated.) Follow her on Face Book: Donna Lee Overly Author. She is a member of the Florida Writers’ Association and is the Group Leader of its local chapter, Amelia Island Writers.
Julia McDermott, Author
http://www.juliamcdermottbooks.com
Julia McDermott is an active member of Amelia Island Writers and serves on its Advisory Council. She is the author of a romance, two suspense novels, and a memoir that was the Finalist for Georgia Author of the Year Award. All were self-published, although six months after publication, her first suspense novel was acquired and rereleased by mystery/thriller publisher Thomas & Mercer. Her latest thriller, The Barbie Killer, was released on March 31, 2026 by traditional publisher Red Adept Publishing.
Julia earned degrees in Economics and French from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, spending her junior year in France, and has been featured in the Atlanta Journal Constitution and the Carolina Alumni Review. She has spoken at literary festivals and writers’ conferences across the U.S. and Canada, and was honored as Solopreneur of the Year by the Atlanta Women’s Chamber of Commerce.
Sherna Spearman-Lott, Childrens Author
https://linktr.ee/ATeacherHeartLLC
Sherna Spearman-Lott is a twenty-five year veteran elementary teacher in her hometown of Jesup, GA. Ms. Spearman-Lott works as a reading intervention teacher while simultaneously sharing the gift of reading with her students. She is a mother to two adult children – daughter, Anyzia, and son, Elijah. My Teacher Sees Me is her first written work. Teaching is her lifelong passion, and she desires for others to have a glimpse of what makes the work that educators do so meaningful!
J.C. Destini, Poet and Publisher
As a Black American author and poet, born and raised in Miami, Fl., my journey from struggle to strength isn’t just part of my story, its the reason I write. Through memoir I share the story I once had to survive poverty, abuse, and mental health instability. Through poetry, I speak the soul’s language, and through fiction I craft thrillers that carry emotional weight and pulse with purpose. But no matter the genre, my mission stays the same: to empower, to uplift, and to help others heal.
I created Ink by Destini LLC not just to publish books, but to build a legacy a legacy of words that free the soul, challenge the silence, and remind us all that pain is not the end of our story.
Whether you are reading a journal prompt, a poem, or a chapter in my memoir, you are witnessing the journey of a woman reclaiming her voice.
WORKSHOPS
Super Story Writing Workshop – Brianna Ellis
This workshop is geared towards 6–12-year olds, but all are welcome to attend. Join author Brianna Ellis for a fun and inspiring Super Story Writing Workshop that encourages children to use their imagination, build confidence, and explore the power of storytelling. Through engaging activities and creative expression, participants will learn the fundamentals of writing and illustrating their very own short story.
- Led by award-winning children’s author
- Interactive writing exercises with continued guidance & encouragement
- Story sharing circle
- Each participant receives giveaway prizes
- To ensure every young writer receives personal attention, availability is limited. Don’t wait—secure your space today!
Registration Cost: Free (Donations are welcomed)
Becoming an Authopreneur: Designing the Career You Dream Of – S.E. Smith
Most writers dream of creative freedom. Few are shown how to build it. In this engaging workshop, New York Times/USA TODAY and International award-winning author, S.E. Smith shares the journey from writer to authopreneur—what it truly means, why it matters, and how to begin building a sustainable, fulfilling author business without losing your creative spark.
You’ll explore:
- The mindset shifts that changes everything
- How to structure your writing as a long-term asset
- Ways to grow revenue without sacrificing heart
- Building community that supports you—and your stories
This 45–50 minute workshop is followed by 10–15 minutes of Q&A, offering attendees the opportunity to ask candid questions about business, creativity, and longevity in publishing.
Registration Cost: $20
Master Workshop with Frank Goodin, II
AI, Adaptation, and the Future of Storytelling
Discover how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is moving beyond “tools” to become a collaborative partner in the creative and educational process. Hear firsthand from a professor who has successfully integrated AI into the curriculum to enhance—rather than replace—student creativity and critical thinking.
The Future of the Plot: Explore how AI is reshaping the way stories are structured, adapted, and consumed in an increasingly digital literary landscape.
Live Interactive Demo: Participate in a real-time demonstration of AI storytelling tools, showing you how to bridge the gap between traditional literature and modern tech.
Ethics & Authorship: Join a vital conversation on maintaining the “human heart” of storytelling while embracing the efficiency of future-forward technology.
Registration Cost: $20
Master Workshop with Jolene MacFadden
Building Your Author Platform: Social Media Strategies That Work
Your readers are online. This hands-on, 15-person workshop delivers practical social media strategies to help you build a high-impact author platform. Led by digital marketing veteran and published author Jolene MacFadden, you’ll learn to identify your core audience, craft a consistent brand voice, and create content that genuinely connects with readers. Whether you’re starting from scratch or reviving a stalled presence, this session meets you where you are.
Every participant leaves with a 30-Day Social Media Challenge Workbook to keep momentum going long after the festival ends.
Come ready to work. Leave ready to grow.
Registration Cost: $20
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS TODAY
OTHER FESTIVAL ACTIVITY DETAILS
Learning Through Stories – Storytelling session with Rekia Beverly and our favorite teacher, Mrs. Ashbury. Rekia Beverly is a dedicated educator and accomplished author who remains passionate about the transformative power of storytelling in and out of the classroom. As both a featured moderator and a gifted storyteller, she brings a wealth of experience in bridging the gap between academic excellence and creative expression.
Amelia Island Writers Panel Discussion: Demystifying Today’s Publishing Options: Traditional, Hybrid or Self?
Every book deserves the right publishing home. In this interactive session, local authors from Amelia Island Writers break down the pros and cons of today’s three major publishing models—self-publishing, hybrid, and traditional. Hear real stories from writers who’ve recently navigated these paths or have books releasing in 2026. Gain clarity, confidence, and a roadmap for your own publishing journey.
Linda Sexton | Jane Buyers | Donna Overly | Julia McDermott
Refreshingly Southern Sip & Speak: An Author Meet & Greet
Step out of the Florida sun and into an intimate gathering designed for connection. Enjoy complimentary sweet tea, chilled lemonade, and light refreshments while engaging in relaxed, meaningful conversations with a select group of festival authors. This is a perfect moment for readers and writers to relax, refresh, and talk about all things literature!
Authors: TBA
Voices from the Classroom
Experience a curated selection of readings followed by an interactive, moderated Q&A session with our featured author-educators. This program highlights the literary contributions of those who shape our future generations, providing a platform to discuss their work and their inspirations. Stay for the moderated Q&A to ask your burning questions about the writing life, teaching, and everything in between!
PeTika Tave | Sherna Spearman-Lott | TBA
Poetry & Essays: The Power of the Spoken Word
An inspiring session of original spoken word performances, featuring poignant poetry and thought-provoking essays crafted by the very educators shaping our community. Come hear the rhythmic and reflective side of the literary world.
Brianna Ellis | Michelle Flores | J.C. Destini
Books & Bubbles Giveaway
Join us at the Literary Youth Pavilion at our Books & Bubbles station! Our mission is simple: to make sure every child finds a story and a smile. Stop by to pick up a complimentary book and enjoy some outdoor bubble fun as we celebrate the magic of childhood literacy. It’s the start of a lifelong literary adventure.
Grand Giveaway – Green Sims Williams Family Foundation Partnership
This community-driven initiative provides free bookbags and back-to-school supplies to students in attendance. Through our collaboration with the Green Sims Williams Family Foundation, we aim to remove barriers to education and support the academic journeys of our youth by investing in the next generation of readers and writers, ensuring every student has the tools they need to succeed. Note: Supplies are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Green Sims Williams Family Foundation Partnership