Program Highlight:
Dianna Love (Emerging Authors Stage)
NYT Best selling author Dianna Love shares her road to publishing that started in 2001 and tips from... Read more
Teen Activities
The Escape Stage, exclusively for teens, is bigger and better in 2009. Spanning two days of the festival instead of one, this stage will host readings, performances, and panel discussions by popular and bestselling young adult authors, including:
This year’s stage will feature:- An exciting “Werewolves v. Vampires” debate between Richelle Mead and Maggie Stiefvater
- Sara Shepard, author of the hugely popular Pretty Little Liars teen series, as she returns to celebrate the June 30th release of her newest book, Killer
- The return of the “Break in Case of Emergency (This Book Could Save Your Life)” panel, treating teens to a discussion where adult authors will talk about books they loved or wish they had read when they were 16
Teen Poetry Slam
The Teen Poetry Slam will be held on the Target Children’s Stage, but is open to slam poets ages 13 to 18. The competition will include celebrity judges and prizes.
The Wren’s Nest Publishing Co. Literary Salon
The Wren’s Nest Publishing Company provides an opportunity for selected teenagers to learn how to produce a literary magazine. All content and design is created and edited by teenagers. The magazine will be launched during the festival weekend.


