Interview with Founder/Author Heidi Hess
AW: Tell us about your plans for Read It Write It this year. What’s the goal of the event?
HH: Read It Write It’s mission is to bring together authors and readers of all ages and backgrounds and foster a love of reading and writing in our local community. We achieve this during our one day event by offering panel discussions/workshops, book signings, poetry readings and a book swap. In addition to that, we are also aiming to increase the number of Little Libraries in Wellington. Currently, there are five. Our goal for this year is to add at least two more.
AW: Why did you decide to move it to Wellington this year?
HH: Read It Write It is a Palm Beach County centric event. Wellington has such a wonderful community. It seemed like a natural fit.
AW: Who are some of the writers who will be exhibiting their work?
HH: USA Today Best Seller Lynessa Lane will be joining us, as well as Sheila Fowler, C.A. Miconi, Edward Laden Sr., and Steve Altier, just to name a few.
AW: Who are the publishers who will be there?
HH: We have three publishers joining us: Neon Sunrise Publishing and Wayward Cat specialize in prose, and Cosmic Times specializes in comic books and graphic novels.
AW: What kind of panel discussions will happen?
HH: I try to mix up the panel discussions. There will be something for everyone. You can expect panels for novices that range in topic – on the writing process and how to become published, to panels for writers already on their journey speaking specifically about how to market your books and branding as well as writing in specific genres.
AW: Is there still time to sign up as an author? Publisher?
HH: There is still time to register. I have a few tables left. Registration will remain open until I run out of tables or a week before the show- whichever comes first. Early Bird registration has been extended until January 15th. To register go to HeidiCreates.net
AW: Is it free to attend?
HH: Yes. General Admission is free. This year we have added two additional experiences. The Avid Reader and The VIP Experience. For more information about these experiences go to HeidiCreates.net.
AW: What inspired you to launch a book festival?
HH: I am a voracious reader and writing is my passion. I wanted to build a large festival environment that was free for everyone to attend and celebrates those things.
AW: Tell us about your writers group too.
HH: The Read It Write It – Writers Group is a casual low key writing critique group that meets the second Tuesday of every month. Copperpoint Brewing Company is our current location. We meet at 7pm.
AW: Tell us about your recently published book “The Short End of Madness.”
HH: The Short End of Madness is my first published book. It’s a genre spanning collection of short stories all centered around varying degrees of madness. It was a labor of love and an absolute blast to write.
AW: What’s your website address for Read It Write It?
HH: To register or more information about the additional experiences added this year go to HeidiCreates.net.
AW: What are your social media handles?
Facebook- Read It Write It Book Festival
Instagram- readitwriteitbookfestival
Twitter – @readitwriteitfl
TikTok – readitwriteitbookfest
AW: Anything else you want to add?
HH: Don’t forget to dress up as your favorite character in literature and register for the costume contest.