YA by the Bay at Tampa Convention Center
- When: Thursday, September 25, 2025, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
- Location: Tampa Convention Center, 333 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
- Cost: Free
Join us for an unforgettable evening at YA by the Bay’s Story Warrior Festival. This is more than a book festival, it’s a celebration of stories, creativity, and community, with bestselling authors, live events, hands-on workshops, a vibrant marketplace, and book signings.
Meet the Legends & Bestsellers:
Tiffany D. Jackson
R.L. Stine
Amélie Wen Zhao
Adam Cesare
Jumata Emill
Roy Peter Clark
Case Kenny
plus 40+ more celebrated authors from across the country!
6-7 PM Fireside Chat with NYT bestselling YA author Tiffany D. Jackson and Goosebumps legend R.L. Stine hosted by Emmy award winning journalists Sorboni Banerjee and Linda Hurtado
5-6 PM Live Podcast Recording with Case Kenny, followed by an audience Q&A
College Essay & Memoir Writing Workshop with the Poynter Institute’s Roy Peter Clark, America’s writing coach, and former St. Pete first lady Kerry Kriseman
How to Get Published hosted by news anchor and thriller author Linda Hurtado Bond
Live Children’s Book Illustration with Brudders Books, showing how picture books are created
Panels for All Ages: So You Want to Be an Author When You Grow Up (kids) & So You Want to Write a Book (adults)
Ongoing “Ask the Author” stations to meet and talk to your favorite writers
Plus: Explore our incredible marketplace featuring a pop-up bookstore, artisan goods, fresh bouquets, teas, and treasures from local creators. Enjoy stilt walkers, friendly animals, and surprises that make the night magical.
Why It’s Different: YA BY THE BAY is where readers become leaders, every session is designed to help you use the power of story to dream big, lead with confidence, and be the author of your own life.
Bring your friends, your kids, your book club, and your big dreams!
- Website: www.eventbrite.com
- Category: Free
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