Writer's Day Featured Writing Workshop with Author Madeline Martin

Get on the WRITE Track

Jax Book Fest has gotten so big that this year, it's starting a month early—with a full day of free writing and publishing workshops! Hone your craft, make connections, and find the publishing path that's right for you at Jax Book Fest presents: Writer's Day from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22 in the Conference Center at Main Library. You'll choose from a dozen different workshops, including a featured workshop with New York Times bestselling author, Madeline Martin.

See all upcoming workshops

How to Craft Characters that Connect with Readers

Characters are the heart of your story. In this interactive 90-minute workshop with Madeline Martin, you will learn techniques for crafting distinct, layered characters with unique voices that will connect with your readers. You can work on characters from your own manuscript or create brand-new ones during class, immediately applying what you're learning through guided exercises and discussion.

This workshop will be offered three times, at 10 a.m., 12:15 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.

Register for our featured workshop

Madeline Martin is the New York Times and international bestselling author of The Last Bookshop in London and other historical fiction and historical romance. Her most recent book, The Secret Book Society, was published last August. Her next book, A Time of Witches, is set to release on Sept. 1, 2026. She is a die-hard history lover who loves to research. 

Madeline lives here in beautiful Northeast Florida with her family. 

A Full Day of Free Workshops

There are 12 other workshops to choose from—led by authors, agents, educators, and publishing professionals. 

Writer's Day Writing Workshops:

• 5 Key Strategies to Keep Writing When You Don't Feel Like It
  • with author and editor Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes
  • 10 - 11:30 a.m., Center for Adult Learning (CAL)
• Understanding Your Audience and the Neuroscience Behind Great Writing
  • with Licia Rester and Georgette Green, Indigo River Publishing
  • 10 - 11:30 a.m., Hick's Auditorium (AUD)
• Adjust Your Lens: How to Expand and Refine Your Revision Practices
  • with Fati D., literary artist and educator
  • 12:15 - 1:45 p.m., Center for Adult Learning (CAL)
• Ekphrastic Poetry: How to Use Visual Art as Writing Inspiration
  • with Douglas Anderson School of the Arts students, Élan staff members
  • 12:15 - 1:45 p.m., Learning Space (LRN)
• Nonfiction that Connects: How to Create Books Readers Can't Put Down
  • with Licia Rester and Georgette Green, Indigo River Publishing
  • 12:15 - 1:45 p.m., Hick's Auditorium (AUD)
• The Infinite Echo: Navigating the AI Revolution in Writing and Publishing
  • with Sid Dobrin, Professor of English at UF
  • 2:30 - 4 p.m., Learning Space (LRN)
• Brain Chemistry and Page Turners: How to Craft Fiction that Hooks Readers
  • with Licia Rester and Georgette Green, Indigo River Publishing
  • 2:30 - 4 p.m., Hick's Auditorium (AUD)

Writer's Day Publishing Workshops:

• How to Find Your Publishing Path
  • with Laurie Dennison, Creative Media Agency
  • 10 - 11:30 a.m., Learning Space (LRN)
• Pressbooks: How to Format Your E-Book or Print-Ready Manuscript for Free
  • with Nash Steele, BiblioBoard
  • 10 - 11:30 a.m., G-4 Conference Room
• Indie Author Project: Share Your E-Books with Florida Readers & Libraries
  • with Nash Steele, BiblioBoard
  • 12:15 - 1:45 p.m., G-4 Conference Room
• How to Work with a Literary Agent
  • with Laurie Dennison, Creative Media Agency
  • 2:30 - 4 p.m., Center for Adult Learning (CAL)
• Pressbooks: How to Format Your E-Book or Print-Ready Manuscript for Free
  • with Nash Steele, BiblioBoard
  • 2:30 - 4 p.m., G-4 Conference Room

Learn more about Writer's Day

Funding for these programs was provided through a grant from Florida Humanities. 

Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities.

Jax Book Fest 2026

Return as a reader for Jax Book Fest from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 19 where you can meet and support 120+ local authors, attend talks with three New York Times bestselling authors, and enjoy free bookish activities for readers of all ages!

Featured Lit Chat Authors

Register for Lit Chats

Free Bookish Activities Include:

• face painting for the kids
• a robot maze inspired by Mango and Brash
• scavenger hunts (and prizes)
• a fun photo booth
• bookmark making and book bedazzling stations
• a DIY zine craft for teens
• poetry by LaVilla School of the Arts students
• and so much more!