30+ Local Authors To Join FloridaRAMA's First Literary Festival

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Known as a vibrant immersive art experience, FloridaRAMA is turning the pages on a new chapter this weekend, bringing dozens of Tampa Bay authors, artists and readers together for its first Literary Festival.

The six-hour event will run from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday at FloridaRAMA, 2606 Fairfield Ave. S. Admission to the festival is included with general admission to the arts destination.

A different writer or speaker will take the stage every 30 minutes throughout the afternoon. The lineup includes children's authors, romance writers, motivational speakers and nonfiction authors, giving visitors a chance to hear directly from writers about their work and experiences.

“I'm most excited to hear the authors speak about what they do and, really, whatever they want to speak on,” Jessica Baird, FloridaRAMA's business development manager, told Patch.

Among the featured authors are Bill DeYoung, Sally Pye, Tamara Lush, Paul Wilborn, Emilie Hernandez, Louise Harris, Kostar, Julie Rocco and others.

Hernandez, who creates heirloom dolls, will demonstrate how she creates and paints the faces of her dolls. DeYoung will read from his books on local history, while Rocco is scheduled to give a motivational talk.

The festival also will extend beyond books and author talks, with local artists and vendors showcasing their work. Participants include Bomi Art Studio, The BookMobile, The Book Lounge, Art by Pena’s stained glass, Michelle Lopez, offering build-your-own pens, and Zenna Henna, which will offer henna art to attendees.

Including artists in the literary festival was important because of FloridaRAMA's existing relationships with the local arts community, Baird said.

“I didn't want what we do to be limited to authors,” she said. “I also wanted it to have some artistic elements.”

The idea for the literary festival grew out of FloridaRAMA's gift shop, which carries books by local authors, including Pye's “Mummy Eats A Gummy,” and “Where the Florida Things Live,” written by Alice Absolutely and illustrated by Kostar.

FloridaRAMA initially reached out to some of those authors about participating in a small literary event. Interest quickly grew beyond those initial conversations, Baird said, prompting her to devote more time to organizing a larger festival.

“It happened very organically,” she said. “The community itself wanted it to happen.”

That response has continued as the event approaches. FloridaRAMA has had to rent additional tables because of the number of participating authors and vendors, and the venue has already heard from people interested in taking part in a future festival.

“So it's not a one and done. We absolutely want to keep doing these,” she said.

Pye told Patch that she’s looking forward to the community aspect of the event and the chance to share her book with an audience.

“It’s wonderful to be around kindred spirits,” she said. “I love the community energy.”

Pye’s book, “Mummy Eats a Gummy,” particularly comes alive when she reads it aloud and gets to see an audience's reaction, she said. “I love seeing the audience laughing and enjoying my silliness.”

She’s also grateful to the venue for organizing its first literary festival.

“FloridaRAMA truly supports the local arts scene, so I am thrilled that they are hosting such a vibrant event to showcase and support the many talented authors and illustrators here in Tampa Bay,” Pye said.

In addition to author talks and vendor booths, festival-goers can browse books and local artwork, take part in giveaways, and enjoy special food and drink offers throughout the day.