Some events require a pass. See what events you have access to by visiting the tickets page
Day 1: Thursday, August 3, 2023
Check-In | Lit Diaries
Pitch Fest | Film Day
Lit Diaries | 2057 Main St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
4:00 PM - Pitch Fest
Judges:
- Chatejah George, C&C Studios
- Kimberly Jones, Warner Media
- Tyrell Crawford
- Brandi Stevens
- Sean Charles
7:00 PM - Panel | Behind the Lens: Uncovering the Needs and Wants of Filmmakers
Panelists:
- Tyrell Crawford
- Brandi Stevens
- Chatejah George
- Armelia Cartier
- Sean Charles
Moderator:
- Katrina "T' Marie" Curtis
8:00 PM - Industry Mixer
*Must be a pass holder
Day 2: Friday, August 4, 2023
Check-In | Auburn Ave. Research Library
Pitch Fest | Book Day
11:00 AM -5:00 PM
Dedicated to manuscripts, pitch your story to a panel of professionals and publishers.
*Must be a pass holder
Cre8tiveCon Sessions | 10-5PM
Location: Auburn Ave. Library - 101 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
Orientation | 9:30 AM
10:00 AM | Panel
"From Writer to Publisher: Black Authors Thriving with KDP in Today's Market"
Writers delve into the strategies and techniques they have used to effectively market and promote their stories on KDP. Hear their techniques for gaining visibility, engaging readers, and expanding their reach through KDP's publishing and marketing features.
Moderator: Brittani Krystin
Panelists:
Phoenix Williams
Myrna Gayle
Bernette Sherman
Location: Auditorium
11:00 AM | Masterclass
Don’t let your excitement over a book deal lead you to agree to terms that are less than ideal. Authors Guild General Counsel Cheryl Davis will guide you through the most important terms to negotiate when considering a traditional publishing contract, focusing on critical provisions and perils to avoid. The rights, money and warranty and indemnity provisions will be discussed in depth and attendees will have a chance to ask questions.
Teacher: Cheryl Davis
*Must be a pass holder
Location: Classroom 1
11: 30 AM | Workshop
- Branding for Visual Artists
Unlock the secrets of branding in the art world through an exclusive masterclass designed specifically for painters. Elevate your artistic career by gaining invaluable insights into building a personal brand that resonates with your unique style and amplifies your impact as a visual storyteller.
*Must be a pass holder
Location: Classroom 2
12:00 PM | Panel
Title: My Project is out, Now What?
Panelists:
Tianna Faulkner
Lynette Edwards
Viesha "Vi" Andrews
Lizette London
Location: Auditorium
12:30 PM | The Art of Balance: Wellness Strategies for the Constantly Creative
Workshop
In the dynamic whirlwind of the creative mind, finding balance can be a challenge. "The Art of Balance: Wellness Strategies for the Constantly Creative" offers insights for creatives who are caught in the constant ebb and flow of ideas. This lively discussion will provide practical tools and strategies for maintaining wellness while keeping the creative fires blazing brightly.
Location: Classroom 1
1:o0 PM | Lunch
1:30 PM | "The Writer's Blueprint"
Panel
"Unlocking Opportunities in Today's Publishing Market for Black Authors"
Industry experts will share invaluable insights and strategies to navigate and thrive in the dynamic landscape of the publishing industry. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the current market trends, discover effective promotional tactics, and learn how to amplify your voice and presence as a black author in the literary world.
Panelist:
Angela DeCaires
Ardre Orie
Sheri Simmons
Location: Auditorium
2:00 PM | Write, Market, & Publish In Four Months Or Less
Workshop
A detailed plan on how to write, market, and publish in four months or less
*Must be a pass holder
Location: Classroom 2
2:30 PM | Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Film, Entertainment and Nightlife presents: A Live Masterclass
Masterclass
A captivating Masterclass with LaJill Hunt, as she unveils the secrets behind mastering her extraordinary career in publishing and now in film and television.
Location: Auditorium
3:00 PM | Masterclass
Sales-Boosting Authorship: Mastering Publishing Industry Tips and Tricks to Craft Books that Sell Presented by Book Logix
Join BookLogix for this immersive masterclass, "Sales-Boosting Authorship: Mastering Publishing Industry Tips and Tricks to Craft Books that Sell," led by CEO Angela DeCaires. Delve into learning the best industry practices to elevate your book, and its sales, throughout the publishing journey, gaining insights into editing, impactful cover design, and enhancing overall presentation and marketability. Navigate publishing, printing, distribution, and selling and marketing strategies. By the end of this masterclass, you’ll be equipped with a well-rounded understanding of the best industry practices for publishing a book with a better chance for sales success
*Must be a pass holder
Location: Classroom 1
3:30 PM | Workshop
Creative Careers workshop with Penguin Random House
Join our Creative Careers workshop with Penguin Random House and unlock the secrets to thriving in the dynamic world of publishing and literary arts. Discover new pathways to success, gain insights from industry experts, and nurture your creative passions to forge a rewarding career in the realm of words and imagination.
Location: Classroom 2
4:00 PM | Her Story
Panel
Description: A discussion on empowering Black writers in their creative journeys. Discover strategies, insights, and tangible tips to monetize your writing, build sustainable careers, and break barriers. Unlocking revenue streams, sponsorships, and collaborations. Effective strategies to increase visibility and attract a wider audience.
Panelist:
Love Nafi
Brenda Moorer
4:30 PM Workshop
Fair Use: Inspiration vs. Conversion
Participants will learn about the law that guides courts in ruling on fair use. Participants will gain knowledge to help them make thoughtful decisions about use of intellectual property and considering the use of their intellectual property by others.
Agreements For Creatives
Participants will learn about agreement forms that are commonly used and their intended purpose.
*Must be a pass holder
Location: Classroom 1
We Are Lit Social | 6-10 PM
Day 3: Saturday, August 5, 2023
Children's Stage
1 PM | "Pages of Strength"
Panel
Building Resilience and Empowering Young Minds: Explore how literature can empower young readers to overcome challenges, build resilience, and develop a positive self-image.
Panelists:
Hugh D. Hunter
Breanna McDaniel
Julian Winters
Connie Morrison
2:30 PM Author Reading
J. Dillard, Author of "J.D. and the Hair Show Showdow"
3:00 PM | Author Reading
H.D. Hunter, Author of "Futureland: Battle for the Park"
3:30 PM | Author Reading
Antionette Mutcherson, Author of "My Young Life Matters II Poetic Injustice"
4:00 PM | Author Reading
Marietta Collins, Author of "Something Happened to Our Planet"
Check-In | Reverb Hotel
Lit Crawl Events
Book Signings | 11 AM -5 PM
Meet dozens of authors who are eager to meet and share their books with you.
Storytelling Stage
Creative Talks
*Must be a pass holder
1:00 PM | His Story
Panel
Delve into the untold narratives and explore the power of representation at the captivating panel, "His Story," during the Black Writers Weekend, where influential male authors will shed light on their unique experiences, challenge stereotypes, and ignite conversations about the diverse perspectives within the black male literary landscape. Join us for an inspiring dialogue that celebrates the richness of "his story" and the transformative impact of black male voices in literature.
Panelist:
Jay Styles
A. R. Shaw
Keith Brown
Terrance Hutchinson
2:15 PM | Dear Alpha Female: Take a break sis and show yourself some LUV
Workshop
Workshop dedicated to career and professional women needing balance. Wear your yoga or work out gear and and prepare for an interactive conversation on learning to create balance in life in order to achieve overall health & wellness.
3:15 PM | I Am Creative Live Masterclass with Sidik Fofana
An inspiring live masterclass with Sidik Fofana, where he will ignite your creative spirit and delve into his perspective on storytelling, offering invaluable insights and practical techniques to unleash your creative potential.
4:00 PM | Girl, Tell Your Story
Panel
An inspiring panel that showcases powerful women sharing their experiences through the art of storytelling. These remarkable individuals weave narratives of resilience, triumph, and empowerment, inspiring us all to embrace our own stories and find our voices.
Panelists:
Ashley Silva
Denise Essex
Koereyelle
Antionette Mutcherson
7:00 PM | #WeAreAAMBC Anniversary Party
Party
A social gathering celebrating the history of AAMBC and it's impact on Black Literature.
The Art House
Artist Talks + Performances
*Must be a pass holder
12:00 PM | More Than Rhyming
Unlock the secrets to transforming your passion for poetry into a sustainable career at the engaging panel, "More Than Rhyming. Join successful poets, industry experts, and literary entrepreneurs as they share invaluable insights and practical strategies on monetizing your craft, establishing a personal brand, and navigating the path to becoming a profitable poet.
Panelist:
Dhayana Alejandrina
Maya Lawrence
Sunna'Le the Jill
1:15 PM | Different Strokes
Panel
Immerse yourself in a vibrant fusion of artistic perspectives at the captivating panel, "Different Strokes," during the Black Writers Weekend. Join a diverse lineup of painters and visual artists as they share their invaluable creative techniques and branding insights, offering a kaleidoscope of inspiration for aspiring artists seeking to amplify their artistic voice and leave an indelible mark on the world.
Panelist:
Najee Reese
Layna Anderson
James Jefferies
Lymaira Agosto
2:00 PM | Spoken Word
3:00 PM | Musical Performances
4:00 PM | I Am Creative with latruth
An engaging conversation where the renowned artist and influencer, LaTruth, reveals the secrets behind his mastery of creativity. Delve into his inspiring journey as he shares insights, techniques, and personal anecdotes, igniting your own creative spark along the way."
Creative Writing Stage
12: 00 PM | Tell Your Story
Workshop
Embark on a transformative writing journey guided by the acclaimed Aries Jordan in an immersive workshop, where you'll harness the power of words, unlock your storytelling prowess, and cultivate the art of crafting compelling narratives.
1: 00 PM | I Am Creative with Christine Platt
Experience the captivating synergy as Tina Charisma engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Christine Platt, exploring literature, activism, and the transformative power of storytelling at its finest.
3: 00 PM | Flow with Words
Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of written and flow, a captivating class dedicated to freestyle writing where you'll unleash your creative expression, explore the rhythm of words, and discover the transformative power of spontaneous storytelling.
4: 00 PM | Karaoke + Book Trivia
Immerse yourself in a unique literary experience at the Book-To-Film Karaoke and Classic Book Trivia session, where participants will channel their favorite characters, sing literary-inspired tunes, and put their bookish knowledge to the test in a lively trivia game that celebrates the magic of storytelling across mediums. Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, laughter, and friendly competition, blending the worlds of literature and cinema in a truly memorable way.
Filmmakers Stage
Movie Screenings + Artist Talks
*Must be a pass holder
11: 00 AM | Live Table Read
Enjoy a live table read of the script "Gated Communities”
12: 00 PM | Film Screening
“How to Deal With FAME” + " Little Drummer Boy "
1: 00 PM| I Am Creative with Dolapo’s
Discover the captivating story behind his creative journey, as he imparts wisdom, strategies, and artistic techniques, inspiring you to unlock your own boundless creative potential."
2: 00 PM | Behind the Scenes: Stories and Strategies from Successful Black Filmmakers"
Panel
Gain exclusive access to the untold stories, insider perspectives, and invaluable strategies of highly accomplished Black filmmakers as they take you on a captivating journey through the panel, "Behind the Scenes: Stories and Strategies from Successful Black Filmmakers." Prepare to be inspired, informed, and empowered by their experiences and expertise, as they share their unique insights on navigating the industry, overcoming challenges, and creating impactful cinema that resonates with diverse audiences.
Panelists:
Kar Logan
Ryan Richmond
Marquelle Young
Leslie Black
3: 00 PM | Film Screenings
“To Get By”, “ Captain’s Corner, & "7 Minutes of Heaven"
Day 4: Sunday, August 6, 2023
Check-In | Riverside Epic Center
*Must be a pass holder