Highlands Writers Fair
Meet Regional Authors & Discover Appalachian Stories
The Highlands Writers Fair celebrates the authors, storytellers, and literary voices of the Appalachian Highlands through daily author appearances, book signings, reader conversations, and opportunities to discover your next favorite book.
Held throughout the Virginia Highlands Festival, the fair brings together regional writers representing a wide range of genres and perspectives while connecting readers directly with the people behind the stories.
Event Overview
Read Local. Meet Authors. Discover New Stories.
The Highlands Writers Fair showcases regional authors discussing, selling, and signing their books throughout the festival.
Whether you're interested in Appalachian history, fiction, memoir, poetry, local culture, mystery, children's literature, or contemporary storytelling, the Writers Fair offers a welcoming opportunity to connect with authors and explore the rich literary traditions of our region.
Meet regional authors in person
Daily book signings & discussions
Appalachian literature & storytelling
Fiction, nonfiction & memoir titles
Family-friendly literary experience
Discover local voices and perspectives
Featured Festival Event
Highlands Writers Fair
July 24 - August 2: 10am-4pm
Spend time exploring books, meeting authors, and learning about the stories that shape the Appalachian Highlands.
Authors will be available throughout the festival to discuss their work, answer questions, and sign books.
Visitor Information
- Meet authors throughout the day
- Browse books across multiple genres
- Discover regional literary voices
- Purchase signed copies directly from authors
Date(s): Jul 26
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: SWVA Higher Education Center
Cost: Free
Featured Authors: Lynne Hutchins, Tracy Prater, Victoria Sutton, Donna Hankla, Joe Tennis
Registration: Not Required
Date(s): Jul 27
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: SWVA Higher Education Center
Cost: Free
Featured Authors: Pam Earley, David Sims, Nancy Wade, Aubrie Abernethy, Tim Fuller
Registration: Not Required
Date(s): Jul 28
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: SWVA Higher Education Center
Cost: Free
Featured Authors: Pam Earley, David Sims, Linda Behrend, Peggy Wolfe, Linda Hoagland
Registration: Not Required
Date(s): Jul 29
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: SWVA Higher Education Center
Cost: Free
Featured Authors: Tracy Prater, Victoria Fletcher, Linda Hoagland, Appalachian Authors Guild
Registration: Not Required
Date(s): Jul 30
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: SWVA Higher Education Center
Cost: Free
Featured Authors: Marsha Self, Tracy Prater, Linda Hoagland
Registration: Not Required
Date(s): Jul 31
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: SWVA Higher Education Center
Cost: Free
Featured Authors: JC Schweingrouber, Damean Mathews, Donna Hankla, Linda Hoagland
Registration: Not Required
Date(s): Aug 1
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: SWVA Higher Education Center
Cost: Free
Featured Authors: Greg Lilly, Victoria Fletcher, Linda Hoagland
Registration: Not Required
Date(s): Aug 2
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: SWVA Higher Education Center
Cost: Free
Featured Authors: Stan/Sharon Williams, Damean Mathews, Appalachian Authors Guild, Linda Hoagland
Registration: Not Required
Date(s): Aug 3
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: SWVA Higher Education Center
Cost: Free
Featured Authors: Victoria Fletcher, Linda Hoagland, Appalachian Authors Guild
Registration: Not Required
Date(s): Aug 3
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: SWVA Higher Education Center
Cost: Free
Featured Authors: Victoria Fletcher, Linda Hoagland, Appalachian Authors Guild
Registration: Not Required
Featured Authors
2026 Author Lineup
The 2026 Highlands Writers Fair linup!
New authors, returning favorites, and regional literary organizations will participate throughout the festival week.
Check out the 2026 Author Schedule
July 24th
- Greg Lilly
- Marsha Self / Becky White
- Davide' Mario Romano / Pamela Bella
July 25th
- Cyrus Alderwood
- Alex Gordon
- Sarah Elizabeth Hunter
- Laurie Herlich
July 26th
- Nancy Wade
- Tonia Viles
- Nicole Hodgson
- Conrad Dreas
July 27th
- Greg Lilly
- Davide' Mario Romano / Pamela Bella
- Linda Hoagland
July 28th
- Tom Pojeta
- Victoria Fletcher
- Linda Hoagland
July 29th
- Marsha Self / Becky White
- Victoria Fletcher
- Linda Hoagland
July 30th
- AAG
- Marcy Brennan
- Linda Hoagland
July 31st
- Terry Shaw
- Donna Hankla
- Aubrie Abernethy
- DJ Mathews
August 1st
- Mark McCullogh
- Tonia Viles
- Maya Fisher
August 2nd
- Lynne Hutchins
- Tonia Viles
- Barbara Latinka
Our Leading Sponsors
We’re grateful for the partners who help make the festival possible.
Additional Sponsors & Community Partners
This project was supported [in part] by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Get Involved
Support Local Authors & Literary Arts
Interested in participating in the Writers Fair, supporting regional authors, sponsoring literary programming, or helping celebrate Appalachian storytelling through the Virginia Highlands Festival?
We’d love to hear from you.
Events on this Page (1)