2026 10th Edition
Festival Schedule
ALL PROGRAMS WILL BE HELD IN THE DEEP VALLEY READING ROOM
10 am - 4 pm - Author tables open
Meet a favorite author and discover new ones! Browse through hundreds of books and other items available. More than 70 authors of all genres will be selling and signing their books.
DRAWINGS: Every purchase will earn a ticket for the drawing at the end of the day. Deposit drawing tickets at the Welcome Table by 3:30 pm. Drawing held at 3:45 pm in the Deep Valley Reading Room. See more below.
10:30 am - Ask Us Anything! - Author Panel
Moderated by
Author Panelists: David Bruns, Heidi Herman, Jonathan Sweet, Charity Tahmaseb
Ever wonder where authors get their ideas, how they create memorable characters, or what really happens behind the scenes of writing and publishing a book? This lively, audience-driven panel puts you in charge of the conversation. Bring your questions and ask our participating authors anything about their books, their writing journeys, and the creative process!
11:30 pm - My Journey to Bergen Spring
Presented by Author Michael Cummings
Every story must begin somewhere. For me the story began in the mountainous terrain overlooking the western bank of Sognefjord in Vestland, Norway. Long before I was born, my ancestors eked out a living from this picturesque but rocky soil until a branch of my family tree broke off in the mid-nineteenth century and emigrated to the United States. A hundred years later I ventured back to the land of my ancestors in search of the answers to the questions that every young man and woman ask before crossing that final boundary into adulthood.
My discussion will cover the writer's journey in crafting a story that sought to be both truthful and compelling. I will also discuss the journey of an unknown writer getting his manuscript into the hands of a traditional publisher who would recognize its potential and will want to invest their resources and expertise into bringing the writer’s vision to the reading public.
1:00 pm - GLASS BOTTOM BOATS:
Looking at the World Together with Story
Presented by Keynote Author Kate DiCamillo, Minnesota author and two-time Newbery Medal winner and master storyteller whose books have captivated readers of all ages!
Join us as Kate shares how stories connect us and how reading aloud can change us.
NOTE: Kate's books will be available for purchase at the Content Bookstore table all day at the festival.
Kate will autograph copies of her books from 2 pm - 4 pm at the Content Bookstore table.
2:30 pm - Creating and Developing Believable Characters
Presented by Holly Day, freelance writer for over 30 years, teaches writing workshops at the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis.
Inspired by Kate DiCamillo’s keynote? Readers and writers of all ages are invited to put that inspiration to work in a special creative workshop with Holly Day! Whether you’re an experienced writer, just getting started, or simply love creating stories, come ready to imagine some unforgettable characters!
Having strong and believable characters is the difference between writing a story that stays flat on the page and one that comes alive in your readers’ heads. In this fun, fast-paced workshop, we’ll cover:
· How to generate random characters when you’re blocked
· How genre and setting influence character development
· How to show your character’s personality through dialog
3:45 pm Deep Valley Book Festival Drawings
DVBF Drawing - HOW TO ENTER:
Make a purchase at any author or exhibitor table to receive a drawing ticket. The more you purchase, the more tickets you earn, and the better your chances of winning the drawing held at the end of the day.
Festival Friends Drawing - HOW TO ENTER
To enter you must be a 2026 Festival Friend. Festival Friends are eligible to win a DVBF Friendship Bag filled with autographed books donated by DVBF 10th Edition authors. The DVBF Friendship Tote Bag is a retail value of $225+! Need not be present to win. Due to the generosity of our authors we are able to give away THREE fantastic Friendship Bags this year!
