YA by the BAY | Young Adult Reading and Book Festival

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!

For the full author list and schedule head to www.yabythebay.org and follow us on Instagram @yabythebay https://www.instagram.com/yabythebay

YA By The Bay Sponsors:

Publix

SIAC (Sheriff’s Indian Advisory Council)

Renaissance

myON

Reliaqust

Lions World Vision Institute

Pinellas County Schools

Hillsborough County Public Schoos

Oxford Exchange

Book Funnel

Bronzite Media

MT MAYO CORP

Anthony Dire

James & Amy Shimberg Foundation

Info: 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

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Tampa Convention Center, 333 S Franklin St, Tampa, United States