Titles being discussed during Sunday’s panels and fireside chats.
Whether you’re here for the whole weekend or just pulling up for the day, check-in is your first stop. Swing by to grab your B3 tote, badge, and everything you need to unlock the panels, parties, and good vibes ahead. Check-in is open all day, every day—because no matter when you arrive, we’re ready to welcome you home.
Start your day grounded and energized with a guided morning meditation and gentle yoga flow designed for all levels. This restorative session offers a moment of calm before the day’s events—a chance to stretch, breathe, and center yourself in community. Bring your mat, your breath, and your intention. No prior experience needed. Just come as you are.
Octavia Grant and Toni Larue are redefining the indie thriller space with fully loaded suspense and grit you’ll feel in your spine. Whether it’s betrayal at its most ruthless or justice born from rage, these two prove thrills aren’t reserved for the mainstream—they’re boldly created and unapologetically delivered from the margins.
In Face Forward, Bethny Ricks charts a path through corporate burnout, personal heartbreak, and the quiet work of rebuilding. This conversation is about choosing yourself—even when life dares you not to.
The publishing landscape is shifting and so are the possibilities. Tanya Sam, Michael La Born, and La-Tasha Estelle break down what “non-traditional traditional” publishing really means, and how emerging imprints and presses are creating space for new voices, new models, and new rules—offering fresh ways to get books into the world without waiting for old doors to open.
Heartbreak isn’t the end—it’s the beginning. Aries Skye, Tiye, and Charity Shane share stories of women who’ve been hurt, but find restoration through new relationships that offer more than love—they offer peace, safety, and a soft place to land.
Frederick Smith and Clarence A. Haynes center queer Black men in swoony, messy, unforgettable love stories. In this conversation, they’ll unpack the joy, challenges, and responsibility of writing Black queer romance that feels honest, grown, and deeply affirming.
ReShonda Tate and Shara Moon center two women history tried to sideline—Oscar winner Hattie McDaniel and White House domestic Lizzie McDuffie. This panel reclaims their stories, showing how quiet work left an unforgettable mark.
What happens when we forget our history? How does it impact the individual and community? This panel examines how speculative fiction written by Black women can explore memory and the healing of generational wounds with authors Del Sandeen and Rita Woods.
Keira N. James, Kenya Moss‑Dyme and Tanisha Stewart lead the way in indie suspense, bringing heat, heart, and a flair for collaboration—whether it’s through shared collections or creative partnerships. Their work reminds us that in indie publishing, community can be the deadliest weapon of all.
In When We Talk to God, Sharifa Stevens offers a soulful, deeply Black invitation to prayer—rooted in honesty, resistance, and radical intimacy. This conversation explores how faith sounds when we bring our whole selves to it.
Shameka S. Erby and M.L. Bash turn up the heat with stories where one love interest just isn’t enough. From steamy dynamics to empowered choice, this panel unpacks the sexy, subversive world of reverse harem romance—Black, bold, and unapologetic.
Public opinion on Urban Fantasy is mixed but its best to believe that Jahid Wilson and H.D. Hunter carry their city on their backs. Join us in discussing the impact of writing speculative fiction in urban settings.
In gritty streets and high school hallways, KuTura B and Lakita Wilson tell stories of Black girls learning who they are—and what they’re willing to fight for. From survival and self-preservation to class, friendship, and identity, these authors write growing up with truth, heart, and grit.
At the intersection of race, sexuality, and masculinity, Dr. Daniel Black and Rasheed Newson craft stories that refuse to choose one truth over another. This conversation explores the power of fiction to hold complexity—and the freedom that comes with being fully seen.
Sometimes, the best love stories are a bit.. dangerous. you know the stories: Enemies to lovers but with fae politics, aliens, assassinations, and torture? If you dare, join N.E. Davenport and Nikki Clarke as they talk romantasy tropes and dangerous loves!!!
Tracy Clark and Christina Dotson are part of a growing wave of Black women redefining the thriller genre. With sharp voices and fearless storytelling, they center Black women as the ones asking questions, surviving the setup, and getting to the truth—no matter who doesn’t want them to.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson draws from Represent to explore culture, politics, and the power of visibility. With his signature insight and fire, he unpacks what it means to show up Black in America—and why representation is more than just being seen. NOTE: Author signing will take place immediately following discussion.
From street dreams to unforgettable love scenes, get an inside look at the passion and grit behind Jahquel J's most beloved books.
From the wit of Bemused to the world-saving stakes of Miles Morales, Farrah Rochon and justin a. reynolds reimagine classic Disney and Marvel characters with heart, humor, and a fresh cultural lens. This panel dives into what it means to honor iconic worlds while making space for new voices and stories to shine.
In Belonging, journalist Michelle Miller explores race, identity, and family through the lens of a life lived in-between. This conversation traces her journey toward self-discovery, the silence that shaped her, and the power of finally being seen—on her own terms.
Alexandra Warren, Nicole Falls, and Rowdy Rooksy know the playbook—on and off the field. From athletes falling for the ones who challenge them most to the high-stakes tension of competition and connection, this panel dives into the irresistible world of Black sports romance.
A legend in indie romance, Christina C. Jones writes the kind of stories that feel like home and heat all at once. In this conversation, she unpacks her process, her people, and why Black love—in all its moods and magic—deserves center stage every time.
We know America has a bad case of Missing White Women Syndrome, but enough's enough. LaDarrion Williams and H.D. Hunter's novels give a clarion call to shift public reponses to missing Black children. Join them in discussing the central themes in their novels and why its important to center social issues in speculative fiction.
Toni Collier takes the stage with a message of healing, hope, and holy honesty. Drawing from Don’t Try This Alone, she reminds us that restoration isn’t a solo journey—and that God often sends people as part of the rescue. This Sunday keynote is your invitation to stop pretending, start healing, and let community do what it was always meant to.
Spanning decades and generations, Rhonda McKnight and Nancy Johnson use dual timelines to explore how the past shapes the present—and how women find themselves by uncovering where they come from. Their novels reveal that sometimes, going back is the only way forward.
From pen to paperback, Johnazia Gray and Queen Philly have built their street lit empires one raw love story at a time. Join these indie powerhouses as they break down the hustle, the heat, and the heart behind their bestselling books—and how they turned real ones into loyal readers.
In this candid conversation, Roy Wood Jr. unpacks The Man of Many Fathers, blending humor, heart, and hard truths about identity, fatherhood, and the complicated men who shape us. It’s a story about searching—for answers, belonging, and the man he chose to become
From swoon-worthy first glances to layered relationships, Terreece C. Clarke, Angel M. Shaw, and Mo Flames share how they write interracial love stories that stay true to Black voices. Come for the chemistry—stay for the conversation on breaking molds.
Meet the authors you’ve been hearing from all day! During this dedicated signing window, panelists from the day’s sessions will be available to autograph books, take photos, and connect with readers one-on-one. Whether you’re collecting your favorites or discovering someone new, this is your chance to get your books signed and your questions answered. Books will be available for purchase on-site while supplies last. NOTE: A few authors have early flights and will have signings immediately following their panel. Please check the panel descriptions for updates.