Publication Date: March 1, 2026

In his debut memoir, Bobbo Byrnes shares an honest and often humorous account of more than two decades as a touring musician across North America and Europe. Blending travel writing with rock-and-roll stories, the book explores the friendships, challenges, and unexpected moments of connection that define life on the road. Too Many Miles is a heartfelt reflection on music's ability to bridge cultures and bring people together, accompanied by a companion album inspired by the same journey.

Panel Discussion:

Saturday, November 14 | 4:30 PM. Panel | On the Road Again: Route 66 at 100.

Publication Date: February 10, 2026

When underground filmmaker Minerva Krackle mysteriously vanishes, her assistant must unravel decades of interviews with vampires, werewolves, mermaids, and other extraordinary beings to uncover the truth behind her disappearance. Blending mystery, horror, fantasy, and dark humor, Chelsea Sutton's imaginative novella explores identity, otherness, and the stories we choose to tell about ourselves through a uniquely cinematic lens.

Panel Discussion:

Saturday November 14th | 4:30 PM. Panel | On the Road Again: Route 66 at 100.

Publication Date: Biannual literary journal (current edition featured)

Jackrabbit Journal is a literary and arts publication celebrating the vibrant creative community of California's high desert. Produced by local writers and artists, each issue showcases poetry, fiction, essays, photography, and visual art, with a special emphasis on queer voices and the eclectic spirit of the region. The journal's mission is to foster connections among high desert creatives while capturing the unique culture and artistic energy that make the Mojave a place of inspiration.

Panel Discussion:

Saturday, November 14 | Panel | The Desert Is Full of Bodies: The Rise of True Crime.

Publication Date: September 15, 2026

A chance encounter with an abandoned child changes the course of a young musician's cross-country journey in this award-winning novella by David W. Berner. As he joins forces with the child's mother, who is battling opioid addiction, the two search for redemption, healing, and hope amid the struggles of modern America. American Moon is a moving exploration of compassion, resilience, and the enduring power of human connection.

Panel Discussion:

Saturday, November 14 | 4:30 PM. Panel | On the Road Again: Route 66 at 100.

And

Saturday, November 14 | 7:00 PM. Voices of the Desert. The Palms in Wonder Valley.

Publication Date: 2026

The Art & Making of Invertiverse offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Derrick Davis's debut science fiction novel, Invertiverse. Filled with concept art, world-building insights, creative notes, and the development process behind the story, the companion volume explores the imagination and craftsmanship that brought the universe of Invertiverse to life. It is an engaging resource for readers, aspiring creators, and fans of science fiction alike.

Panel Discussion:

Saturday November, 14 | 8:30 AM. Workshop | Imagining Other Worlds: Writing Fantasy, Science Fiction & Horror.

Publication Date: 2026

After a devastating explosion ends her legal career and leaves her with French Foreign Accent Syndrome, former criminal attorney Claire Fontaine returns to her California hometown to start over as a private chef. When the fashion designer who hired her is found dead, Claire is drawn into a complex murder investigation alongside her childhood best friend while sparring with the detective who also happens to be her new roommate. Blending classic mystery with humor and heart, The Found Object Society explores identity, resilience, and the search for truth.

Panel Discussion:

Saturday November, 14 | 10:00 AM. Panel | The Desert Is Full of Bodies: The Rise of True Crime.

Publication Date: 2025

In a post-apocalyptic world where the publishing industry has transformed into a dangerous new order, former librarian Dixie finds herself leading a small community of survivors against ruthless enemies and impossible odds. Blending science fiction, dark humor, satire, and action, Jennifer Cyphers delivers a wildly original story that explores trauma, resilience, and the strength found in unexpected leaders.

Panel Discussion:

Saturday November, 14 | 8:30 AM. Workshop | Imagining Other Worlds: Writing Fantasy, Science Fiction & Horror.

Publication Date: 2026

Set in 1906 along the shores of Lake Michigan, The Copper Stone: A Glimpse of Blood Memory follows twelve-year-old Violet Blake, who believes a mysterious stone holds the power to restore her fractured family. As she pursues its magic, hidden truths emerge, leading her on a journey of courage, loss, and self-discovery. Revised with guidance from Anishinaabe knowledge keeper Sandi Boucher, this historical novel blends mystical realism with an authentic exploration of Indigenous perspectives and the enduring connection between people and place.

Panel Discussion:

Publication Date: 2025

In Liner Notes, Julia Knobloch explores memory, identity, and the landscapes that shape our lives through a collection of lyrical and deeply reflective poems. Drawing inspiration from the desert, mountains, Jewish tradition, music, and the complexities of human relationships, her work weaves together past and present with emotional depth and quiet beauty. The collection invites readers to consider the enduring connections between place, memory, and belonging.

Panel Discussion:

Friday November, 13th | 9:30 AM. Opening Panel | Never Underestimate the Desert.

Saturday November 14th | 7:00 PM. Voices of the Desert. The Palms in Wonder Valley.

Sunday November, 15th | 9:00 AM. Workshop | Poetry for Young Voices: Finding Words, Finding Confidence.

Publication Date: 2025

Blending intimate photography with personal essays, Still Life: Photographs & Love Stories is a moving exploration of love, loss, identity, and human connection across contemporary America. Through evocative images and heartfelt storytelling, Kate Sterlin captures fleeting moments that reveal the beauty and complexity of everyday life, inviting readers to reflect on memory, belonging, and the people who shape us.

Panel Discussion:

Publication Date: June 16, 2026

Women of the Weird West is a thrilling anthology that reimagines the American frontier through the voices of women confronting supernatural forces, legends, and the unknown. Featuring stories that blend Western adventure with horror, fantasy, and folklore, the collection celebrates resilience, independence, and sisterhood while offering a fresh perspective on the Weird West genre.

Panel Discussion:

Saturday November 14th | 11:30 AM. Panel | The Forgotten Pioneers of Travel Writing.

Publication Date: February 13, 2024

In this heartfelt memoir, Lane Igoudin chronicles the emotional journey he and his partner undertake as they navigate Los Angeles County's foster care and public adoption system in hopes of adopting two young sisters. Blending personal storytelling with insight into the legal and social challenges of adoption, A Family, Maybe is a moving account of love, resilience, and the fight for family during a pivotal time for LGBTQ+ rights.

Panel Discussion:

Friday November 13th | NOON. Workshop | Beyond the Book: Expanding the Value of Your Writing.

Saturday November 14th | 5:30 PM. Panel | Joan Didion: Writing California, Defining a Voice. 

Publication Date: 2024

In this compelling memoir, Laurie Kaye recounts her journey from a difficult childhood to becoming one of rock radio's most accomplished writers and producers. Along the way, she interviewed some of music's biggest legends, culminating in her unforgettable final interview with John Lennon just hours before his tragic death in 1980. Blending personal reflection with behind-the-scenes stories from the golden age of rock, the book offers an intimate look at the artists and moments that shaped a generation.

Panel Discussion:

Friday November 13th | 5:00 PM. Panel | 1976: Disco, Punk, and the California Sound Shift. 

Publication Date: 2017

Rising Star follows talented teenager Dani Wilde as she pursues her dream of becoming a professional singer while navigating family expectations, friendships, and first love. Set behind the scenes of the performing arts world, Michele Kwasniewski's award-winning young adult novel is an inspiring coming-of-age story about ambition, perseverance, and discovering what success truly means.

Panel Discussion:

Sunday November, 15th | 10:00 AM. Panel | Books Don’t Need Chargers: Raising Readers in a Digital World. 

Publication Date: 2025

In Awakening in an Age of Metals, Michelle Katz explores the interconnected themes of healing, consciousness, resilience, and personal transformation through the lens of her own life experiences. Blending memoir with insights into mind-body wellness and spiritual growth, the book invites readers to examine the impact of trauma, embrace healing, and rediscover purpose in an increasingly complex world.

Panel Discussion:

Sunday November 15th | 2:30 PM. Workshop | Writing the Return: Storytelling as Therapy for Veterans and Their Families.

Publication Date: February 10, 2026

Greta Davenport is invited into a mysterious society where members can relive the final moments of another person's life through the last object they touched. As the experience becomes increasingly addictive, she uncovers dangerous secrets that force her to confront grief, mortality, and the corrupting influence of wealth and power. Michelle Maryk's debut novel is a genre-bending blend of speculative fiction, suspense, and psychological mystery that explores the choices we make in the face of loss.

Panel Discussion:

Saturday November 14th | 8:30 AM. Workshop | Imagining Other Worlds: Writing Fantasy, Science Fiction & Horror.

Publication Date: 2025

In this powerful memoir, Pamela Nickel Williams recounts her childhood growing up in the early years of Scientology, where her family worked closely with the movement's founder. Through an honest and deeply personal narrative, she explores the lasting effects of religious indoctrination, family dysfunction, and abuse while sharing her journey toward healing, truth, and resilience. Clearly Lies Are True is a moving testament to the strength it takes to reclaim one's voice.

Panel Discussion:

Friday November 13th | 2:30 PM. Panel | Memoir and the California Experience.

Publication Date: 2026

When Sophia's carefully constructed life begins to unravel, she is drawn into a profound journey that challenges her understanding of identity, reality, and purpose. As mysterious experiences blur the boundaries between the ordinary and the spiritual, she must confront who she has been and who she is meant to become. The Seventh Gate, the first novel in The Soul Awakener Series, is a thoughtful blend of psychological fiction and metaphysical exploration.

Panel Discussion:

Friday, November 13th | 9:30 AM. Opening Panel | Never Underestimate the Desert.

Friday, November 13th | NOON. Workshop | Beyond the Book: Expanding the Value of Your Writing.