2025 Schedule

STORY WARRIOR SCHEDULE 2025

FRIDAY- Hillsborough County Schools

✨ STORY WARRIORS: PLAN YOUR DAY ✨ πŸ–Š Bring: A pen. πŸ““ A notebook. πŸ’‘ The rest is all you.

9:45 AM | ARRIVAL (Doors open 9:00am) 10:00 AM | WELCOME πŸ“š StudentWelcome: Get ready! The YA BY THE BAY team will walk you through the day and officially kick off the festival. Location: Story Warrior Forum (Room 114)




10:10 – 10:50 AM | ROUND 1

🦈 Shark Tank... But Make it Books Pitch your story in 60 seconds! Authors are the Sharks. Learn to hone ideas to authentically connect.
πŸ‘‰ Takeaway: Learn what makes an idea irresistible and practice selling your own.

Featuring: R.L. Stine | Adam Cesare | Jumata Emill | Ginny Myers Sain
Location: Story Warrior Forum (room 114)



πŸ“– FictionIRL Writing β€œin real life” ... dive in to how stories tackle truth, identity, and impact.

πŸ‘‰ Takeaway: See how fiction reflects the world you live in.
Featuring: Tiffany D. Jackson | AmΓ©lie Wen Zhao | LaDarrion Williams | Leslie Lutz


Location: ReliaQuest Impact Stage. (room 105)




πŸ“± #Book Tok Made Me Buy It Compete in the viral Hashtag Challenge as authors break down storytelling in the age of social media.

πŸ‘‰ Takeaway: Discover how to use social media to launch books and your ideas.

Featuring: Moriah Chavis | Taylor Simonds | R.J. Valldeperas | Jessica Kaye


Location: Lions World Vision Hall. (room 107)





🀐 Truth or Dare: Can You Handle the Twist? Authors spill secrets, you take fun bookish dares. Prizes + laughs.

πŸ‘‰ Takeaway: See how vulnerability + truth fuel the most powerful stories.
Featuring: Lucienne Diver | Erika Lewis | Jo Schulte | Vania Stoyanova | Annette Masters


Location: Bronzite Books Live Theater (room 112)




πŸ“ Break the Blank Page Workshop Ready to write your book? Come with your ideas. Leave with an action plan.

πŸ‘‰ Takeaway: Walk out with sparks for a story only you could write.

Featuring: Steph Post

Location: Story Lab – Room 101





πŸ† Write to Win Workshop Want to craft award-winning stories? Florida Book Award Winners you how.


πŸ‘‰ Takeaway: Learn what makes a story stand out to win contests, scholarships, respect and more.

Featuring: Amy Nielsen | Melody Maysonet | Vanessa Montalban | Andie L. Smith

Location: Story Lab – (room 103)





πŸ“Έ Lyrics as Lenses: Seeing the Story Through Music
Music=Story
Turn your life into a playlist and write your dreams

πŸ‘‰ Takeaway: Learn how to turn emotions into lyrics that hit hard

Featuring: J'Nelle & Trumaine Lamar


Location: Influencer Academy. (room 111)



11:00 – 11:40 AM | LUNCH A ROUND




πŸ’Έ FutureFlex Money = freedom. Learn real-world financial advice beyond the classroom to find and fund your dream

πŸ‘‰ Takeaway: Get the tools to fund your dreams + control your future.

Featuring: AmΓ©lie Wen Zhao | LaDarrion Williams | Julia Bodwell


Location: Story Warrior Forum. (room 114)





🏈 Story of the Game Every athlete knows the toughest opponent isn’t always on the field. It’s the voice in your own head.

πŸ‘‰ Takeaway: Mindset and moves to level up with real behind-the-scenes sports stories.


Featuring: Bucs legend Jimmie Giles | Star coach Otis Kitchen | moderated by Rita Lowman


Location: ReliaQuest Impact Stage. (room 105)





πŸ€– AI: Seeing the Future AI, art, and your voice. Where do you fit in creativity’s future?

πŸ‘‰ Takeaway: Embrace new tech without losing your authenticity and imagination.

Featuring: K.A. Leigh & Derek Roberts | Kerry Kriseman | Candace Kade | Jessica Kaye


Location: Lions World Vision Hall. (room 107)




πŸŽ™ PodSquadLIVE Watch a podcast recording live in real time and then ask questions.

πŸ‘‰ Takeaway: Secrets of hosting, interviewing and finding your voice.
Featuring: Alan Alford Podcast: Sports Talk Show


Location: Bronzite Books Live Theater. (room 112)




πŸ“š PublishYourWay No gatekeepers. No excuses. Want your story out there? Here’s how.

πŸ‘‰ Takeaway: Learn how to pick the right publisher for you or self-publish from idea to sale.

Featuring: Kristen Grafton | Kayla Tirrell | Chris Mullen | Shawn Samuelson Henry


Location: Story Lab – (room 101)






πŸ•Ή Gamer to Author: Story Mode Unlocked


Turn your gamer brain into a writer’s superpower

. πŸ‘‰ Takeaway: Translate gaming into worldbuilding and storytelling confidence.

Featuring: Abigail O’Bryan | Megan O’Russell

Location: Story Lab – (room 103)






πŸ“Έ InfluencerAcademy: The Brand is You What’s your one-line life pitch? Build your personal brand with profession content creation coaches.

πŸ‘‰ Takeaway: Leave with a mission statement that shows the world who you are.


Location: Influencer Academy. (room 111)





11:45 AM – 12:20 PM | LUNCH B ROUND



πŸ“¨ Hit Send: Publishing Play Step inside the publishing process and see exactly how books get made.

πŸ‘‰ Takeaway: Act out the roles that bring a book to life in a live play.

Featuring: Amy Nielsen | Ginny Myers Sain

Location: Story Warrior Forum. (room 114)





⚑ PlotTwists What if your BFF was the villain? Write the twist no one saw coming and a cliffhanger they can’t ignore.

πŸ‘‰ Takeaway: Learn how to build the sort of tension and high stakes that keep readers hooked.

Featuring: Jumata Emill | Adam Cesare | Leslie Lutz | Cristin Bishara | Annette Masters


Location: ReliaQuest Impact Theater. (room 105)





πŸ”₯ Burn Bright, Not Out Be the fire. Protect your spark, find your people.


πŸ‘‰ Takeaway: Learn to stay creative + true to yourself when life gets loud.

Featuring: LaDarrion Williams | Gloria MuΓ±oz | Shawn Samuelson Henry | Nicole Snyder

Location: Lions World Vision Hall (room 107)







πŸŽ™ PodSquadLIVE Watch a podcast recording live in real time and then ask questions.

πŸ‘‰ Takeaway: Secrets of hosting, interviewing and finding your voice.

Featuring: Alan Alford Podcast: Sports Talk Show


Location: Bronzite Books Live Theater. (room 112)





πŸ“– NovelKickstart Got an idea? Map it out. Walk out saying, β€œOMG, I wrote a book.”

πŸ‘‰ Takeaway: How to develop strong characters, believable conflict, and juicy hooks.


Featuring: Moriah Chavis | Megan O’Russell | R.J. Valldeperas | Candace Kade | Steph Post


Location: Story Lab – (room 101)






✨ Retellings & Reimaginings Fairy tales, myths, and family lore get a remix.

πŸ‘‰ Takeaway: Walk out with tools to turn β€œonce upon a time” into your time.

Featuring: AmΓ©lie Wen Zhao | Abigail O’Bryan | Erika Lewis | Maria Ingrande Mora | Taylor Simonds


Location: Story Lab – (room 103)





πŸ“Έ InfluencerAcademy: The Brand is You What’s your one-line life pitch? Build your personal brand with profession content creation coaches.

πŸ‘‰ Takeaway: Leave with a mission statement that shows the world who you are.


Location: Influencer Academy





12:25 – 1:00 PM | LUNCH C ROUND




πŸŽ“ College Essay Glow-Up From β€œmeh” to unforgettable. Write the line that makes admissions officers say: we need this kid.

πŸ‘‰ Takeaway: Lines and strategies to make your essay shine.


Featuring: Roy Peter Clark

Location: Story Warrior Forum. (room 114)







πŸ“– Book Biz Backstage: Jobs You Didn’t Know Existed Love books but don’t want to write? Meet the insiders who make it happen.

πŸ‘‰ Takeaway: Discover hidden book careers and which one might fit you.

Featuring: Julia Bodwell | Lucienne Diver | Vania Stoyanova | Kristen Grafton | Kerry Kriseman


Location: ReliaQuest Impact Stage. (room 105)







✍ Write Your Own Ending Happy, heartbreaking, or full of twists. Learn to craft finales and how to take charge of your own story.

πŸ‘‰ Takeaway: Leave ready to write killer endings on the page and build bold moves in your life.


Featuring: Kayla Tirrell | Jo Schulte | Vanessa Montalban | Nicole Snyder

Location: Lions World Vision Hall. (room 107)







πŸŽ™ PodSquadLIVE Podcasters show and tell. Discuss what goes into a successful episode and series.


πŸ‘‰ Takeaway: Learn the skills of interviewing, storytelling and presenting a podcast.
Featuring: Brittany Ranew, Podcast: Be Your Own Hero


Location: Bronzite Books Live Theater. (room 112)







πŸ“– First Favorite Be the one who writes the book readers never forget. Authors reveal what resonates through the ages.

πŸ‘‰ Takeaway: See how stories shape pop culture and create the next icon.

Featuring: K.A. Leigh | Cristin Bishara | Chris Mullen | Melody Maysonet | Andie L. Smith


Location: Story Lab – (room 101)







⚑ SpeakUpWorkshop Stories = rebellion. Write to spark a movement and change the world.

πŸ‘‰ Takeaway: Learn to use your voice to challenge injustice and imagine new futures.


Featuring: Maria Ingrande Mora | Gloria MuΓ±oz

Location: Story Lab – (room 103)







πŸ“Έ InfluencerAcademy: The Brand is You What’s your one-line life pitch? Build your personal brand with profession content creation coaches.

πŸ‘‰ Takeaway: Leave with a mission statement that shows the world who you are.


Location: Influencer Academy. (room 111)







1:10 – 2:00 PM | KEYNOTE 🌟 Author Spotlight: Tiffany D. Jackson One of YA’s boldest voices takes the stage.

πŸ‘‰ Takeaway: Get inspired to chase your big dreams through stories that twist, gut-punch, and spark change.

Featuring: Tiffany D. Jackson


Location: Story Warrior Forum. (room 114)

Saturday, October 14th

10:00am

10:00AM – 10:45AM

Fireside Chat with R.L. Stine

We have goosebumps! Meet the master of young adult horror, R.L. Stine.

Β Ask R.L. Stine why he writes creepy books and he will tell you, β€œI just like to scare people.” Stine’s journey of growing up in Ohio writing on an old typewriter to selling more than 400-million books in 32 languages around the world embodies the heart of YA by the Bay’s mission that you can be the author of your own life.

Moderators:Β Sorboni Banerjee and Dominique Richardson, YA by the Bay co-founders

Authors: R.L. Stine

Location: Room 116

11:00am

11:00AM – 12:00PM

R.L. Stine book signing

*Limit of 2 books signed per person.Β 

Location: Room 113

11:30am

11:30AM – 12:15PM

Bank on yourself

How to find and fund your dream.

Make that money! Reach that dream! This is your chance to learn directly from leading financial experts. They’ll share their tips, tricks, and tools to set yourself up financially for success so you can pursue your passion.

Moderator: Jarrod Holbrook, Founder and CEO of Bronzite Media Group

Panelists: Jason Chepenik, Kristina Rodriguez, Chris Chambers

Location: Room 102

11:30AM – 12:15PM

Guilty Pleasures

Reading, writing, and watching what you love.

What makes a book bingeworthy? How does it get turned into film and TV? Authors dish on what makes a story sizzle and why indulging in the entertainment you love is important.

Moderator: Maggie Rodriguez, Host of DAYTIME TV

Authors: Rektok Ross, Nova McBee, Jumata Emill, Lorie Langdon

Location: Room 103

11:30AM – 12:15PM

So You wanna write a book

How to get started and keep going.

Ever wondered how to transform that first β€œwhat if” of an idea into an actual book on the shelf? From a mastery of craft elements such as characters, setting, and plot to the perseverance it takes to keep going when the writing gets tough, these authors reveal how to bring a story to life and get the writing done when life competes for your time.

Moderator: Linda Hurtado-Bond, FOX13 News Anchor and Author

Authors: Jeff Zentner, L.B. Anne, Lucienne Diver, Gilly Segal

Location: Room 106

11:30AM – 12:15PM

Shine on Social

Fueling compelling content.

All of us feel the pressure to show up on social media. These popular authors share their storytelling secrets for creating authentic posts that truly connect with our core audience.

Moderator: Frank Chillura, Influencer @ohyouread

Authors: Moriah Chavis, Lizzy Mason, Susan Lee, Kendare Blake

Location: Room 116

12:30pm

12:30PM – 1:15PM

FIND YOUR FAiry tale

Pivot with the plot to reach your dreams.

Your story is allowed to change. Navigate cliffhangers and twists… to still reach your happily ever after. These authors’ characters, and their own life journeys, will inspire you to go with the flow and slay your dragons of doubt to reach your dreams.

Moderator: Sorboni Banerjee, YA by the Bay Co-founder and Author

Authors: Jeff Zentner, Susan Lee, Nova McBee, Vanessa Autrey, Alec Shane

Location: Room 102

12:30PM – 1:15PM

Hooks for your books

Make marketing magic.

From first idea to finished product, discover how to plot your book (and success)! Learn from published authors and TV insiders how to find and sell your story to elevate your impact and platform.

Moderator: Maureen Famiano, Founder of MEF Media

Authors: Linda Hurtado-Bond, Lizzy Mason, Gilly Segal

Location: Room 103

12:30PM – 1:15PM

writing for children

Spinning ageless wonder.

The joy of storytelling and reading can keep us forever young and hopeful! Creating compelling and beloved Children’s books takes a certain magic. Get insight from acclaimed and local authors about how to weave impactful tales that are enjoyed by our little ones and the adults reading to them.

Moderator: Julie Tingley, Founder of Wee Macree give back brand

Authors: K.A. Leigh, Derek Roberts, Shahd Alasaly

Location: Room 106

12:30PM – 1:15PM

Creating imaginary worlds

How to make the extraordinary feel real.

Who doesn’t want to live an epic life? Fantasy writers share their tips and tricks for worldbuilding to create realistic and immersive fictional experiences and discuss why fantasy is so motivating in real life.

Moderator: Flavia Vazquez, Influencer @flaviareadss

Authors: Kendare Blake, Christina Farley, Erika Lewis, Dana Swift

Location: Room 116

1:30pm

1:30PM – 2:15PM

Be the superhero

Using books to beat the “bad guy.”

Whether it’s a comic book supervillain or something as reality based as an illness, unexpected current event, or life change, characters’ battles on the page can inspire us to win our own. Join these authors for an inspirational talk on finding the fuel to fight for our best lives.

Moderator: Allison Godlove, Host of Morning Blend TV

Authors: Justin A. Reynolds, Steph Post, Maria Ingrande Mora

Location: Room 102

1:30PM – 2:15PM

Write What you know

Weaving your experience into a narrative.

You have a story to tell. How do you take all your experiences and ideas and use them to inspire your journey toward your goals. Learn how to turn your personal experience into a universal story, platform, or message.

Moderator: Joseph Dituri, Ph.D., Commander, U.S. Navy (Ret) and Author

Authors: Amy Nielsen, Yaffa S. Santos, Giselle McNab, Megan O’Russell

Location: Room 103

1:30PM – 2:15PM

Beginning, Middle, End

Using story structure to launch your life.

An inciting incident. Antagonists. The Dark Night of the Soul. Understanding key plot points in a novel can help you make sense of the story arc of your own life, put it on the page, and thrive.

Moderator: Eli Weibley, Influencer @elitothenth

Authors: Shahd Alasaly, Kelly Coon, Rebecca Donovan, T.R. Hendricks

Location: Room 106

1:30PM – 2:15PM

Getting published

Traditional and self-publishing secrets.

In it to win it. Play the long game! Some authors become the big publishing houses’ overnight bestsellers. Others self-publish their way to millions. And many more land in rewarding places along the way. Learn your options for getting your stories in front of the readers who will love them.

Moderator: Maggie Rodriguez, Host of Daytime TV

Authors: Alec Shane, Amy Christine Parker, Kayla Tirrell, Leslie Lutz

Location: Room 116

2:30pm

2:30PM – 3:15PM

Keynote Conversation

“Point of View”

How do you stand up for what you believe in and translate that into an engaging and powerful story? From pop culture to real life, pouring what you love and are passionate about onto the page can be an incredibly empowering moment for both you and the reader. Join us as we talk with four acclaimed and bestselling authors about how they’ve translated their passion into engaging and thought-provoking stories.

Authors: Kendare Blake, Gilly Segal, Jumata Emill, Susan Lee

Location: Room 116

3:30pm

3:30PM – 4:30PM

All Author SIgning

*Limit of 2 books from home per person. Books purchased at the event are eligible to be signed.

Location: Room 113

Venue Map

Room 102

11:30am – Bank on YourselfΒ 

12:30pm – Find Your Fairy Tale

1:30pm – Be the Superhero

Room 103

11:30am – Guilty Pleasures

12:30pm – Hooks for Your Books

1:30pm – Write What You Know

Room 106

11:30am – So You Wanna Write a Book

12:30pm – Writing for Children

1:30pm – Beginning, Middle, End

Volunteer Check-in

Room 113

11:00am - R.L. Stine Signing

3:30pm - All Panelist Author's Signing

Room 116

10:00am – Fireside Chat with R.L. Stine

11:30am - Shine on Social

12:30pm – Building Imaginary Worlds

1:30pm – Getting Published

2:30pm – Keynote Conversation

with Gilly Segal, Kendare Blake, Jumata Emill, and Susan Lee

Tampa Convention Center Floorplan Level 2 YA by the Bay

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