Book Expo coming to Tallahassee, FAMU

Shawnte’ Austin and Lena Payton-Webb, founders of LitCon. Photo courtesy Austin

Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of literature as LitCon, a nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing authors and aspiring writers, unveils its much-anticipated Tallahassee Florida Book Expo.  

This two-day event promises to celebrate words, creativity and the enduring power of storytelling. The dates are set for Oct. 7 at the Leroy Collins Public Library for the Writer’s Symposium and Workshop, followed by Oct. 8 at Florida A&M University’s Grand Ballroom Rooms B&C for the Author’s Expo.  

Prepare for a captivating literary journey in Florida’s vibrant capital.  Shawnte’ Austin, an author and one of LitCon’s co-founders, captures the essence of the event. 

 “In any type of business, networking is always important, and that’s actually how I met the co-founder at another signing unrelated to LitCon,” said Austin. “When the authors come, they don’t just sit at their booth; they get up, introduce themselves, exchange business cards, and network. They form relationships, and that’s one of the benefits of coming — networking itself.” 

 The Authors Expo is your golden opportunity to engage with literary stars. You can meet these admired authors as they delve into the depths of their narratives, sharing insights and inspiration. 

 Budding authors will shine a spotlight on their debut works, offering a glimpse into the future of literature. You will also have a chance to secure signed copies of their latest literary gems. 

 Authors such as Gladys Stark, one of the participating panelists, shared how far she has come as a writer with the support of resources such as LitCon as she prepares to publish her first book, \“Never Would Have Made It,” a novella about overcoming the loss of her 3-year-old son. 

 “So, my son was murdered on June 8, 2007, as a result of me being in an abusive relationship,” Starks said. “This book is 16 years in the making; it’s taken me that long to gather the courage to sit down and put my pen to paper and go for it.” 

 LitCon’s Writer’s Symposium gives published and desiring writers a deep dive into the realm of literature with hands-on sessions that cover the artistry of writing and the essential details of the publishing business.  

 LitCon co-founder and published author Lena Payton-Webb explained why these workshops have something valuable to offer whether you’re a well-seasoned or aspiring author. 

 “The Writer’s Symposium is a space where current published authors and aspiring writers within the community come together,” Webb said. “We have different panels on various topics like how to get started or if you’re stuck with your story’s ending. We all get together, and we can help you navigate that.” 

 Author and vendor registration for the expo is now open at www.litcon.org. 

 The best part? Both the Writer’s Symposium and Workshop and the Author’s Expo are free for the public to attend. Which means you can enjoy the literary magic without breaking the bank.