Cautionary Tales and Dystopian Worlds

These two novels drill to the heart of humanity’s collective future if current political, economic, and social trends continue unabated. Set 10 years after Roe v. Wade is overturned, Victoria Dillon’s Ava explores motherhood, bodily autonomy, and the far-reaching consequences of restrictive legislation. In Tent City by Amy L. Bernstein, a small town suffers under an economic downturn, and under poverty and selfishness. Through these two novels’ intimate, character-driven stories, larger questions about human dignity emerge. Bernstein and Dillon will discuss writing speculative fiction and near-future scenarios, and how to make difficult ethical decisions in times of crisis. 

Purchase your book from Charis Books & More. When you check-out from that link, please mention that you will need to pick your book up at the event. Books will also be for sale on-site by Charis, and a portion of your purchase will benefit the Decatur Book Festival.

This event is free and open to the public. No tickets are required, and seating is first come, first served. Signing information: Signing time: 3:45 PM

Signing location: Marriott Conference Center

About the Authors

Amy L. Bernstein writes award-winning fiction and nonfiction that lets readers feel while making them think. As the author of six novels, including Tent City, and a book of inspiration for creatives called Wrangling the Doubt Monster, Amy brings a compassionate and insightful voice to writers' conferences around the country. A former journalist, Amy also works as a book coach, helping nonfiction authors craft compelling book proposals. She welcomes followers to her weekly Substack, Doubt Monster, which explores the agony and ecstasy of creativity. 

Victoria Dillon is a former research scientist, current pediatrician, and writer with a passion for exploring the intersections of politics and science. She has a unique ability to blend speculative fiction with thought-provoking social commentary, creating prose that speaks to both the heart and the mind. She has lived in the South throughout her childhood and career and loves naps with her cat, Americana music, and hunting for her next favorite fiction read in Nashville, TN. She currently resides in Middle Tennessee. Her new book is Ava.

About the Moderator

Mia Tsai is a Taiwanese American author of speculative fiction. Her debut novel, a xianxia-inspired contemporary fantasy titled Bitter Medicine, earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly, was featured at the New York Times Review of Books, and is on BookRiot's list of Best Romances of the Century So Far. Her sophomore novel, an adult science fantasy titled The Memory Hunters, has earned rave reviews from Washington Post, Booklist, and Publishers Weekly.

Mia lives in Atlanta with her family. She is also a hype woman for her orchids and believes no one can tell her anything because the Knicks won the chip. Her favorite things include music of all kinds and taking long trips with nothing but the open road and a saucy rhythm section. In her other lives, Mia is a professional editor, photographer, musician, Hugoish winner, and the creator of ConCurrent.