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So Sorry for Your Loss
Dina Gachman
A searching, heartfelt exploration about what it means to process grief, by a bestselling author and journalist whose experience with two devastating losses inspired her to bring comfort and understanding to others. Lauren Hough calls it "heartbreakingly human and mordantly funny." Publisher's Weekly says it's a "poignant, personal meditation on grief." Be the first to get your hands on a copy at the Books & Bees Festival!
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Dina Gachman is a Pulitzer Center Grantee and a frequent contributor to the New York Times, Vox, McSweeney's, Texas Monthly and more.
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The humor panel will include acclaimed magazine writers Alex Baia and Erica Lies, whose work has been published in multiple publications including The New Yorker and McSweeney's.
Traitor's Dance
Jeff Abbott
From New York Times bestselling author Jeff Abbott, an exciting new thriller in which undercover agent Sam Capra must capture the last American traitor.
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Jeff Abbott is the New York Times bestselling, award-winning author of many mystery and suspense novels. Jeff graduated from Rice University with a degree in History and English. He lives in Austin with his wife and two sons.
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Thrills & Chills (Keystone Keynote Tent)
2 p.m. - 2:50 p.m.
Heat 2
Meg Gardiner
Meg Gardiner teams up with Michael Mann to deliver an explosive return to the universe and characters of his classic crime film—with an all-new story unfolding in the years before and after the iconic movie
Edgar-winning novelist Meg Gardiner writes thrillers. Fast-paced and full of twists, her books have been called “Hitchcockian” (USA Today) and “nailbiting and moving” (Guardian). They have been bestsellers in the U.S. and internationally and have been translated into more than 20 languages.
The Reunion
Kayla Olson
Romance
When two former teen stars reconnect at the reunion for their hit TV show, they discover their feelings for one another were not merely scripted in this charming and heartwarming novel perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Sally Thorne.
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Kayla Olson lives in Texas, and can usually be found in near proximity to black coffee, the darkest chocolate, Scrivener, and an army of Zebra mildliners.
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This session will be moderated by writer Alyssa Morris.
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Love & Relationships (Keystone Keynote Tent)
3 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.
Native Plant Gardening
Haeley Giambalvo
In Native Plant Gardening for Beginners, you'll learn how native plants can:
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Put your yard to work by providing critical food and habitat for insects, birds, and other wildlife.
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Thrive with minimal water, fertilizer, and pesticides.
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Help your yard stand out from the sea of turf grass and shrubs on repeat in your neighborhood.
It is possible to achieve a beautiful yard with native plants. No need to overhaul your entire landscaping, sacrifice your aesthetic, or remove all your grass. You can make a difference, one native plant at a time.
Haeley Giambalvo has been a professional blogger and online content creator for the past decade. Her popular crafting website DesignImprovised.com has been featured by publications including Country Living, Martha Stewart Living, Better Homes and Gardens, Highlights Magazine, and more.
Nature & Nurture (Education Tent)
2 p.m. - 2:50 p.m.
Who's Your Mike?
Kurt Wilkin
Non-fiction
Growing a business is tough. Entrepreneurs usually start off by cobbling together a team of self-starters willing to bust their asses for the company . . . usually from within their personal network of college buddies, friends of friends, and relatives. Those scrappy teams fit perfectly in your startup culture-they're tough, hungry, and willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. But what happens when you reach $20 million in revenue, or 40 or 50 million-and those same dedicated employees are holding you back? Who's Your Mike? offers a witty, nuanced approach to the people problems common to every entrepreneur as you grow your business.
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Kurt Wilkin is a gifted connector-of dots, ideas, and people.For the past thirty years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career with Ernst & Young, and today in his roles as co-founder and visionary of HireBetter and managing partner of Bee Cave Capital. He is a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies.
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Entrepreneurship (Education Tent)
(3 p.m - 3:50 p.m.)
Life & Laughter (Keystone Keynote Tent)
1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
I'm Wearing Tunics Now
Wendi Aarons
An honest and hilarious memoir about second acts, self-acceptance, and celebrating what happens when a woman gets older, wiser, and a lot more excited by sales at Eileen Fisher.
Wendi Aarons is an award-winning humor writer whose work has appeared in The New Yorker Daily Shouts, McSweeney's Internet Tendency, US Weekly Fashion Police, Scary Mommy, BuzzFeed, Huffington Post, Wall Street Journal, and various other outlets. She is the author of the middle-grade book “Ginger Mancino, Kid Comedian” and the humorous memoir “I’m Wearing Tunics Now”, and a contributor to many anthologies.