31 Aug Literary Lounge 2026
Welcome, readers, to the 2026 Literary Lounge at Arts in the Heart! Presented by the Authors Club of Augusta to celebrate the art of the written word, the Literary Lounge features local writers and performers with a three-day program of live readings, panel Q&As, an open mic session, and a casual environment to support and engage with attending authors. No matter which genres you gravitate toward in the bookstore, we have something on the shelves for you.
The Lounge opens Friday night with speculative fiction and mystery on the stage and kicks up the action Saturday afternoon with readings for our younger and YA audiences. As the evening heats up, we’ve got not only motivational authors sharing their words of wisdom, but an opportunity at 6 p.m. Saturday for you to shine behind the microphone. We’ll be taking sign-ups Friday and Saturday leading up to this portion of the night! Sunday’s schedule highlights nonfiction writers, poets, and beloved romance authors. The Literary Lounge will also host an exclusive preview of “The Family that Lies Together” on Sunday at 3. We’re honored that playwright and radio personality Miss Monique chose the Authors Club of Augusta’s stage for this debut!
For those who dream of writing, illustrating, or publishing, and for established authors in search of new connections, the Authors Club of Augusta is for you. Pop by our information table in the Literary Lounge to learn about all that our organization has to offer, and our efforts to grow the literary arts in our area! We would love to have you as a member … and as an attending author at future events.
Literary Lounge Schedule
Friday, September 18
7 p.m.
Speculative Fiction
Are you looking for a break from reality? Come explore fantasy worlds with authors Dallas Duncan and Brian Nevius. They will read from their works as well as take questions from the audience. A book signing will follow.
8 p.m.
Mystery/Suspense
Do you love a good mystery? So do we! Brian Panowich and Candace Carter will read from their works and leave you wondering how these tales will all turn out. They will also take questions from the audience and sign books.
Saturday, September 19
12 p.m.
Kid Lit
Bring the whole family to hear delightful and educational children’s stories from authors Melissa Burch, Christina Petrides, and Tunisia Williams. They will take questions from the audience and also sign books.
2 p.m.
Young Adult Literature
Authors Jukwan Brooks and Santita D’Anjou will share their books that focus on young adult characters and their challenges. They will take questions from the audience after their readings – as well as sign books.
4 p.m.
Motivational Writing
Come get inspired as authors Dante’ Stewart and Artisha Bolding share their motivational works with the audience. There will be a Q&A and also book signing.
6 p.m.
Open Mic
It’s your turn! Sign up to read at our open mic event. Festival goers who want to share their work are encouraged to do so. You may sign up in advance for a spot to read by checking out the Authors Club of Augusta information table in the Literary Lounge. Walk-ins also welcome.
Sunday, September 20
1 p.m.
Non-Fiction
David Bulla and Christina Petrides will share their engaging historical writings with the audience. A Q&A will follow along with book signings.
2 p.m.
Poetry
Join poets Roy Seeger, Rachel Schmidt, and Jada D’Antignac as they share their creative pieces. Audience members will be able to enjoy poetry representing a range of genres and topics. A Q&A will follow along with signings.
3 p.m.
“The Family that Lies Together”
We will be stirring up the drama with this preview of Miss Monique’s stage play, “The Family that Lies Together.” The story of the King siblings will have you on the edge of your seat, waiting to see how it all plays out.
4 p.m.
Romance
We will be getting romantic with this event. Olivia Gaines and Leighann Hart will share their tales of love and passion. Following the readings, the audience will have a chance to ask questions and also get their books signed.