Booktok Festival 2025 Novels & Stories

Ava The Las Vegas Book Festival was held in a sprawling park just off the strip. Tents stretched across the grass, white canopies flapping in the desert wind. Authors milled about, clutching coffee cups and clutching their nerves. Readers wandered between booths, arms loaded with books, faces bright with excitement. I was scheduled to speak at 2 PM on the main stage. My talk went well. Better than well. The crowd was warm, engaged, full of questions about forgiveness and healing and the stories that save us. I read from my novel—the passage about Elena learning to be alone—and watched as people wiped their eyes.

“Mostly virtual. Three physical events New York launch, LA appearance, Chicago reading. Everything else is remote.” “What about timing? Charlotte starts first grade September 4th. I can’t be traveling during her adjustment period.” “Launch event is September 15th in New York. You’ll be home. LA is September 29th fly out Saturday, event that evening, fly home Sunday. Chicago is October 6th, same quick trip format.” “That’s three trips in a month.” “Three one-night trips. Total of six days away over six weeks. That’s minimal for a book launch.”

With twenty-two males and just three females, one of which was Carl’s girlfriend. Seated side by side, they stared at Carl as he cleared his throat and began to talk. “As everyone is aware, Mr. Finn, our president, is currently out of town, but that shouldn’t stop us from making plans and engaging in various activities. The Bikesparks group is hosting a brand-new motorcycle event at one of the largest theaters in Texas, and guess what?” “What!” the other members asked at once, faces brimmed with curiosity and excitement.

“Okay,” she said, scrolling with that calm confidence I envied. “Your inbox exploded overnight.” “Again?” I covered my face. I had barely recovered from the podcast drama. “Yes, but this time… Aria, you need to come and see this.” Her tone sharpened not harsh, but shaped with meaning. I stood and walked over, my fingers tightening around each other. She tilted the screen toward me. The subject line at the top glowed like a miracle. INVITATION: National BookFest 2025, Panelist Confirmation (Aria Dane)

Her southern accent slipped into her tone when she asked me that. “Yeah, I guess.” I mumbled. “Excellent. Now, I can tell you about Eagle Eye’s marketing campaign.” She beamed. I tuned her out before she even began. I was in no mood to listen to her. Though my ears did pick up on the ATIAC — The Annual Tech Innovation Award Ceremony. It was the most exclusive event in the international business circuit and rotated locations every year. The upcoming award ceremony will be happening in two weeks time. Attending this high profile event will pull the Booker's name out of the gutters.