Five bestselling authors will launch Nola StoryCon in New Orleans next fall. The authors and longtime friends—Jeaniene Frost, Melissa Marr, Ilona Andrews, Kelley Armstrong and Jennifer L. Armentrout—call the event “a Mardi Gras for readers.” It will take place Sept. 30 to Oct. 1, 2016.
“The goal for us was to have a conference where readers and authors have a chance to mingle,” said Marr, author of the Wicked Lovely series (HarperCollins). “I think it’s beneficial for them and for us.”
In addition to the hosts, the two-day event will feature over 30 authors publishing in a variety of fiction genres: young adult, new adult, mystery, romance, urban fantasy, sci-fi and fantasy. They’ll all be available to interact with fans at the conference through a variety of events, including custom walking tours of New Orleans, readings, panels, and pitch sessions.
The event kicks off the evening of Sept. 30 with Sweet Mardis Gras, a panel with giveaways, dessert stations, and the chance for authors and readers to meet. The next evening’s Big Easy event, which is hosted by Houston’s murder mystery book shop Murder by the Book, includes book signings, a buffet dinner, and an after-party with interactive games such as Truth or Dare, Never Have I Ever, and Marry, Date, Kill. “People will get to drink and hang out with their favorite authors,” Marr said. “We have some fun events planned. There’s a little something for everyone.”
The host authors, who became friends through meetings on the writers conference circuit, said they hatched the idea for the event, in part, to have something they could organize together. “I thought it would be really cool to do this with some friends," Frost said. "I wasn’t sure if they’d think I was crazy, but they were really enthusiastic about the idea.”
The inaugural event will be held at the Wyndham Garden Baronne Plaza Hotel in the central business district of New Orleans, within walking distance of the French Quarter. “We love New Orleans,” Marr said. “\We’re excited to go there with authors we love, and our readers, who we also love.”
The group hopes the event will become an annual tradition.
Ticket prices for the New Orleans show range from $3 for a reading event, to $125 for an all-access pass.
