2025
On Saturday, October 18, 2025, The Women's National Book Association-Nashville Chapter proudly presented...
Coffee with Authors at the Southern Festival of Books 2025 and the first ever AUDIO BOOK and AUTHOR panel!
Featuring:
- Jenna Levine (Author: Road Trip with a Vampire)
- Amanda Stribling (Narrator: Road Trip with a Vampire)
- Bruce Holsinger (Author: Culpability)
- Austenne Grey (Narrator: The Displacements )
Moderated by Melissa Collings (Author: The False Flat)
In addition to author panels with nearly 200 writers, the Festival featured vendors, food trucks, music and performing arts stages, and the Festival's Creativityland replete with activities for young and old.
Coffee with Authors at the Southern Festival of Books 2025 and the first ever AUDIO BOOK and AUTHOR panel!
Featuring:
- Jenna Levine (Author: Road Trip with a Vampire)
- Amanda Stribling (Narrator: Road Trip with a Vampire)
- Bruce Holsinger (Author: Culpability)
- Austenne Grey (Narrator: The Displacements )
Moderated by Melissa Collings (Author: The False Flat)
In addition to author panels with nearly 200 writers, the Festival featured vendors, food trucks, music and performing arts stages, and the Festival's Creativityland replete with activities for young and old.
Coffee With Authors Recap and A Note of Thanks!
by Jennifer Sellers
How? How is it over already when we only just started talking about it? Looking back on it now, it’s as if the whole of the festival was one big fever dream and in the center of that dream lived Coffee with Authors.
I want to start my recap first by saying thank you. I have so much gratitude for every single volunteer. YOU are the ones who have helped make sure Coffee with Authors ran smoothly and was something that could be enjoyed by everyone. It was my dream to be able to bring romance to the festival last year and bring audio narration and accessibility to the conversation this year. Two topics that never get representation, and YOU SHOWED UP! So, THANK YOU!
If you were fortunate enough to attend Coffee with Authors you would have seen Author and member Melissa Collings masterfully moderate the discussion on audio narration, its place in culture, how audio narration has changed over the years, and the working relationship between author and narrator; just to name a few!
Melissa was joined on stage by Narrators Amanda Stribling & Austenne Grey along with Authors Jenna Levine & Bruce Holsinger. The conversation flowed so freely and naturally the authors even tried getting in on the action and started asking the narrators their own questions. It was so much fun to watch and, as always, way too short!
by Jennifer Sellers
How? How is it over already when we only just started talking about it? Looking back on it now, it’s as if the whole of the festival was one big fever dream and in the center of that dream lived Coffee with Authors.
I want to start my recap first by saying thank you. I have so much gratitude for every single volunteer. YOU are the ones who have helped make sure Coffee with Authors ran smoothly and was something that could be enjoyed by everyone. It was my dream to be able to bring romance to the festival last year and bring audio narration and accessibility to the conversation this year. Two topics that never get representation, and YOU SHOWED UP! So, THANK YOU!
If you were fortunate enough to attend Coffee with Authors you would have seen Author and member Melissa Collings masterfully moderate the discussion on audio narration, its place in culture, how audio narration has changed over the years, and the working relationship between author and narrator; just to name a few!
Melissa was joined on stage by Narrators Amanda Stribling & Austenne Grey along with Authors Jenna Levine & Bruce Holsinger. The conversation flowed so freely and naturally the authors even tried getting in on the action and started asking the narrators their own questions. It was so much fun to watch and, as always, way too short!
If you missed Coffee With Authors or want to listen to these authors and narrators again, click here for a link to the recording of this year's event.
Behind the Mic: Moderating “Coffee With Authors” at the Southern Festival of Books
by Melissa R. Collings
When Jennifer Sellers first asked me to moderate the “Coffee with Authors” panel on audio narration for the Southern Festival of Books, I said yes before my coffee had even cooled. The topic was one close to my heart as both a writer and a lifelong audiobook listener. What I didn’t anticipate was how electric that hour would feel once we were all on stage together.
Our panel was a dream lineup of talent and insight. From the moment we sat down, the conversation took off like a well-tuned recording session: natural, dynamic, and full of laughter. We explored everything from the evolution of audio performance to the delicate collaboration between author and narrator, and the surprising ways voice can deepen a story’s emotional impact.
What struck me most was the mutual respect between the authors and narrators. By the midpoint, as Jennifer mentioned, roles had practically flipped—authors were asking narrators their own questions, eager to understand how their words transform from page to performance. That exchange captured exactly what storytelling is about.
As moderator, my goal was to keep things flowing while giving everyone space to shine. But honestly, the chemistry on stage made my job easy. It felt less like a panel and more like sitting around a table with old friends who just happen to make stories come alive for a living.
And the audience was as engaged as any I’ve ever seen. You could feel the energy in the room—people nodding, laughing, and jotting down notes like they were attending a masterclass in narration.
When it was over, I remember thinking the same thing Jennifer later wrote: How is it already over?
I left the festival reminded that storytelling isn’t just about words on a page. It’s about the voices that carry them into the world. And if this year’s Coffee with Authors is any indication, the future of audio storytelling—and the readers and listeners who love it—is bright, connected, and full of heart.
Much glitter, Melissa
by Melissa R. Collings
When Jennifer Sellers first asked me to moderate the “Coffee with Authors” panel on audio narration for the Southern Festival of Books, I said yes before my coffee had even cooled. The topic was one close to my heart as both a writer and a lifelong audiobook listener. What I didn’t anticipate was how electric that hour would feel once we were all on stage together.
Our panel was a dream lineup of talent and insight. From the moment we sat down, the conversation took off like a well-tuned recording session: natural, dynamic, and full of laughter. We explored everything from the evolution of audio performance to the delicate collaboration between author and narrator, and the surprising ways voice can deepen a story’s emotional impact.
What struck me most was the mutual respect between the authors and narrators. By the midpoint, as Jennifer mentioned, roles had practically flipped—authors were asking narrators their own questions, eager to understand how their words transform from page to performance. That exchange captured exactly what storytelling is about.
As moderator, my goal was to keep things flowing while giving everyone space to shine. But honestly, the chemistry on stage made my job easy. It felt less like a panel and more like sitting around a table with old friends who just happen to make stories come alive for a living.
And the audience was as engaged as any I’ve ever seen. You could feel the energy in the room—people nodding, laughing, and jotting down notes like they were attending a masterclass in narration.
When it was over, I remember thinking the same thing Jennifer later wrote: How is it already over?
I left the festival reminded that storytelling isn’t just about words on a page. It’s about the voices that carry them into the world. And if this year’s Coffee with Authors is any indication, the future of audio storytelling—and the readers and listeners who love it—is bright, connected, and full of heart.
Much glitter, Melissa
2024
by Jennifer Sellers, Coffee With Authors Chair
I hope you were able to join us this year at Coffee with Authors during The Southern Festival of Books. Our moderator and Chapter President, Ami McConnell, sat down with authors Sarah Adams, Sarah Ready, Sophie Sullivan, and Melissa Ferguson for our first ever ROMANCE panel. I don’t know about you, but I wasn’t ready for the emotional roller coaster we were about to embark on. They each touched on what writing romance meant to them, the important role romance novels play in their lives, and how they got started. We laughed a lot along the way, and several of us needed to borrow tissues after Sarah Ready was finished with us!
The hour went by WAY too fast and we finished with a drawing of curated gift bags. One for each of the authors new books. If you haven’t had the chance to check out these authors or the other amazing romance authors featured this year at the festival, I encourage you to check them out!
You can find our CWA authors and their new books here:
Sarah Adams - The Rule Book
Sarah Ready - Wished
Sophie Sullivan - Can’t help Falling in Love
Melissa Ferguson - How to Plot a Payback
Did you miss our Coffee With Authors in 2024? Or just want to watch these authors discuss writing Romance novels again? Then click here for a recording of the event!
I hope you were able to join us this year at Coffee with Authors during The Southern Festival of Books. Our moderator and Chapter President, Ami McConnell, sat down with authors Sarah Adams, Sarah Ready, Sophie Sullivan, and Melissa Ferguson for our first ever ROMANCE panel. I don’t know about you, but I wasn’t ready for the emotional roller coaster we were about to embark on. They each touched on what writing romance meant to them, the important role romance novels play in their lives, and how they got started. We laughed a lot along the way, and several of us needed to borrow tissues after Sarah Ready was finished with us!
The hour went by WAY too fast and we finished with a drawing of curated gift bags. One for each of the authors new books. If you haven’t had the chance to check out these authors or the other amazing romance authors featured this year at the festival, I encourage you to check them out!
You can find our CWA authors and their new books here:
Sarah Adams - The Rule Book
Sarah Ready - Wished
Sophie Sullivan - Can’t help Falling in Love
Melissa Ferguson - How to Plot a Payback
Did you miss our Coffee With Authors in 2024? Or just want to watch these authors discuss writing Romance novels again? Then click here for a recording of the event!
2023
WNBA Nashville members enjoyed dinner with authors Aime Card, Julia Franks, and Robert Mugge (filmmaker and picture taker) and his wife Diana at the Authors in the Round event, kickoff to the Southern Festival of Books.
by Jennifer Sellers, CWA assistant chair
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! Our annual CWA event was hosted in a new location this year, The Tennessee State Library & Archives. This change gave attendees a beautiful place to mingle with coffee, tea, and light treats before hearing from our impressive panel of authors. Afterward, we were able to dismiss right into the heart of the festival. A CWA first!
This year we welcomed Patti Callahan Henry (The Secret Book of Flora Lea), Sharon Cameron (Artifice), David Arnold (I Loved You in Another Life), and Jennifer Lynn Alvarez (friends like these). Our moderator, Nashville’s very own Ami McConnell, WNBA Nashville member and founder of WriterFest Nashville, kicked us off with each author telling us a little about themselves and their books. By the end, we were learning about secret writing trips disguised as yoga trips, that some “no’s” in the business are worth throwing a party for. . . especially if Stephen Spielberg is involved, and how you don’t have to be published to still be a writer. It was humorous, honest, and above all else, a delight to be a part of.
After the panel discussion concluded, we ended, as all good book events should, by passing out an assortment of complimentary books sponsored by Ingram Content Group and Hachette Nashville.
A BIG thank you to our authors, moderator, book sponsors, Starbucks on Indian Lake for the coffee, and all of our amazing WNBA volunteers who helped put together another amazing event.
A note from Genetta Adair, CWA chair
As a testament to the wonderful WNBA-Nashville Chapter, when I had a family emergency and could not attend our chapter’s signature Coffee with Authors event or the prior day of preparation work, many members stepped up to take my place and make this event a smashing success! I am especially grateful to my assistant, Jennifer Sellers, who attended to every single detail with a smile while encouraging me to not worry. The members of our WNBA Nashville Chapter are wonderful!
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! Our annual CWA event was hosted in a new location this year, The Tennessee State Library & Archives. This change gave attendees a beautiful place to mingle with coffee, tea, and light treats before hearing from our impressive panel of authors. Afterward, we were able to dismiss right into the heart of the festival. A CWA first!
This year we welcomed Patti Callahan Henry (The Secret Book of Flora Lea), Sharon Cameron (Artifice), David Arnold (I Loved You in Another Life), and Jennifer Lynn Alvarez (friends like these). Our moderator, Nashville’s very own Ami McConnell, WNBA Nashville member and founder of WriterFest Nashville, kicked us off with each author telling us a little about themselves and their books. By the end, we were learning about secret writing trips disguised as yoga trips, that some “no’s” in the business are worth throwing a party for. . . especially if Stephen Spielberg is involved, and how you don’t have to be published to still be a writer. It was humorous, honest, and above all else, a delight to be a part of.
After the panel discussion concluded, we ended, as all good book events should, by passing out an assortment of complimentary books sponsored by Ingram Content Group and Hachette Nashville.
A BIG thank you to our authors, moderator, book sponsors, Starbucks on Indian Lake for the coffee, and all of our amazing WNBA volunteers who helped put together another amazing event.
A note from Genetta Adair, CWA chair
As a testament to the wonderful WNBA-Nashville Chapter, when I had a family emergency and could not attend our chapter’s signature Coffee with Authors event or the prior day of preparation work, many members stepped up to take my place and make this event a smashing success! I am especially grateful to my assistant, Jennifer Sellers, who attended to every single detail with a smile while encouraging me to not worry. The members of our WNBA Nashville Chapter are wonderful!
Author David Arnold from our Coffee with Authors and Kayla Stierwalt, WNBA Nashville member, were repping Kentucky at the Southern Festival of Books. David is a musician and an author, and, at CWA, he was also a comedian! So funny and personable!
WNBA Nashville member and poet Elizabeth Katie signs her poetry collection for a fan at the WNBA Nashville vendor booth.
Boston WNBA member and author Aime Card and Nashville WNBA membership chair Catherine Hooper share a laugh while volunteering at the WNBA vendor booth.
WNBA member Barbie Chadwick interviews author Mark Greaney in the Cumberland Tent on Saturday.
WNBA member Barbie Chadwick interviews author Mark Greaney in the Cumberland Tent on Saturday.
WNBA Nashville was a proud vendor at SFB again this year. Some of our members volunteered to staff the booth for the two-day event. We love telling people about WNBA!
WNBA Network Member Sandy Barker from Des Moines, Iowa, and Nashville member Nancy Dickinson enjoyed getting together at Coffee with Authors. Sandy and Nancy met in the WNBA National Book Club which is held on Zoom.
WNBA Nashville member Dr. Yasmine Ali was a speaker at the festival. We asked her to share her experience with us. You can find more information about Dr. Ali's book at www.yasminealimd.com
It was yet another dream come true, the culmination of a year of dreams come true. First came the release, in February 2023, of my first published book, Walk through Fire: The Train Disaster that Changed America, a book on which I had been working for nearly 12 years, about the Waverly Train Disaster of 1978, which occurred in my own hometown of Waverly, Tennessee, and led to the creation of FEMA. Then came month upon month of sold-out and standing-room-only book signings and author events. And then, finally, an invitation to appear on an author panel at the Southern Festival of Books in Nashville, Tennessee, on October 22, 2023.
I am a native Tennessean and have been attending the Southern Festival of Books since I was a teenager, and I’ve been a published and award-winning poet and essayist for even longer than that, but it was only a distant hope that one day I would actually be one of the Festival’s featured authors. So, I was beyond delighted to appear with fellow authors Emily Strasser and Rachel Louise Martin on a panel exploring how the little-known events in Tennessee history that are the subjects of our books shaped national and world history, and continue to do so to the present day.
The room was packed—another event with standing-room only—and recorded by C-SPAN for Book TV! Yet another dream come true! It could not have gone better.
And, after the panel and subsequent book signing, I stopped by the exhibit tent for the Nashville chapter of the WNBA—the chapter I had proudly joined one year earlier at this very festival—and was greeted by the friendly faces of my fellow WNBA members, all eager to share my excitement. Many of these members had shown their support of me and my book throughout the year, and to have them there at the Festival was the icing on the cake. I am humbled by my blessings, and so fortunate to be a part of the WNBA.
--Yasmine S. Ali, MD
www.yasminealimd.com
