Festival Speakers & Workshop Presenters

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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 of 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.

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.

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 a 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.

This presentation will equip you with the tools and strategies to make your stories shine. Don’t miss it!