Sunshine State Book Festival
January 26-27, 2024
Author Attendance
Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville
1714 SW 34th Street, Gainesville, Florida, 32607
Celebrating Florida’s Literary Culture
Florida’s amazing literary history dates back over two centuries. Today, Gainesville is a leading center of literary culture which more than two hundred writers, novelists, playwrights, and poets call home.
From naturalist William Bartram, who penned his book Travels in the 1770s, to bestselling authors of today, writers have succumbed to the charm of our area. These include poet laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and winners of the science-fiction Nebula Award. The Sunshine State Book Festival’s goal is to further an appreciation of reading and provide the opportunity for readers to meet and interact with authors.
Florida’s Notable Regional Writers
Florida boasts of a diverse group of notable authors who have made significant contributions to the world of literature. From iconic authors Ernest Hemingway and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings to the celebrated poet Robert Frost, Florida has been home to writers who have left an indelible mark on the literary landscape. Many of these authors were inspired by Florida’s unique scenery, culture, and history, and their works continue to captivate readers around the world.
Literature/Novels
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings†, Harry Crews†, Zora Neale Hurston, Padgett Powell, Lauren Groff, Joe Haldeman, Jill Ciment, Lawrence Dorr, Charlotte Porter, James Haskins, Rick Yancy, Janis Owens
History/Memoir
Michael Gannon†, Sudie Cauthen, Paul Ortiz, Bob Mason, Kevin McCarthy, James Haskins†, Rick Kilby, David Coburn, Gary Mormino, Chris Monaco, John Pickard, Sidney Lanier†, George Barbour†, Daniel Schafer, Barbara Purdy, Jerry Milanich, Gary Libby, David Leavitt, Steve Noll
Naturalists/Environment
William Bartram†, John Muir†, Jack Davis, Archie Carr†, Bob Knight, Bill Belleville, Lars Andersen, Cynthia Barnett, Steve Noll, David Tedeger, Stetson Kennedy†, Margaret Tolbert, Murray Laurie, Gary Monroe
Poet Laureates
Robert Frost†, Lola Haskins, E. Stanley Richardson
Thank You to Our Sponsors
