Schedule

View the full schedule for the Petersburg Book Festival below to explore event times, locations, and featured sessions.

KEYNOTE

Worlds Beyond: Myth, Magic, and Power in Fantasy Fiction

Join Ayana Gray, author of the Beasts of Prey trilogy, and Alix E. Harrow, Hugo Award finalist and author of The Ten Thousand Doors of January and Starling House, for an unforgettable keynote conversation that spans myth, magic, and the enduring power of fantasy to challenge reality. From rich worldbuilding to radical imagination, these two genre-defining voices will explore how fantasy fiction can confront history, reimagine futures, and empower readers across generations.

Moderator: Lauren Blackwood

Keynote Guest: Ayana Gray

Love in Full Color: Celebrating Black Romance in Literature

Black love stories are rich, dynamic, and deeply moving. In this panel, bestselling and emerging Black romance authors discuss the importance of representation in romance, the challenges they’ve faced in the publishing industry, and why Black love stories deserve the spotlight.

Moderator - Ravynn K. Stringfield

Authors Panelists

Danielle Allen
Natasha Bishop
JL Seegars

Beyond the Block: Expanding the Black YA Narrative

A conversation on how Black YA fiction is moving beyond inner-city struggles to include a wider range of stories, from historical fiction to fantasy.

Moderator - Krystle Dandridge

Authors Panelists

Channelle Desamours
Lamar Giles
LaDarrion Williams
Lakita Wilson

Self-Care is Not Selfish: Prioritizing YOU in Relationships and Community

From friendships and family to romantic relationships, self-care plays a crucial role in healthy connections. This panel discusses the balance between being there for others and making space for personal well-being.

Moderator - TBD

Authors Panelists

Jor-El Caraballo
Jasmine Marie

Beyond Slavery: Expanding the Narrative of Black History

A conversation challenging the mainstream focus on slavery in Black history and exploring the rich, diverse contributions of Black people throughout history.

Moderator - Raymond Williams

Authors Panelists

Elvatrice Parker Belsches
Michael Harriot
Jarvis McInnis
Susana M Morris

Beyond The Norm: Expanding Our Narratives of Black Adult Fiction

Exploring how Black authors are shifting narratives beyond pain and struggle to highlight stories of joy, success, and everyday experiences.

Moderator - Bailey West

Authors Panelists

Sara Koffi
Jamila Minnicks
Sandra Jackson-Opoku
Shanora Williams

Own Your Voice: The Power of Self-Publishing

This panel explores how self-publishing allows authors to tell stories on their own terms. Hear from writers who took the reins and built their platforms one page at a time.

Moderator - Breonna Moore

Authors Panelists

CM Lockhart
Robert “YB” Youngblood

Children’s Corner - Activation - Library

Session 1: Jam Session in the Library: An Interactive Reading of The Band in the Basement
- Author: Kelly J. Baptist

Session 2: My Life Is A Masterpiece: An Interactive Reading of Miss Edmonia’s Class of Wildfires
- Author: Victoria Scott Miller

Middle Grade - Activation - Library

Session 1: Graphics That Look Like Us!: A look at graphic novels presented by SaturdayAM
Publisher: Saturday AM
Presenter: Frederick L. Jones